Ritual Nordic Spa

Somehow planning a trip to Victoria this popped up on my feeds and then somehow I also caught this place watching Global TV news and showed the wife who got on to it and booked our little relaxing getaway. It seems like we have been on a search whenever we go somewhere that is not our home city for places like this and this was a unique experience.

Right in Victoria, located on the main level of a condo building, you first enter and you are greeted by reception, and depending on what extras you have added to your stay, we went in just for a 2 hour stay to use the facilities and what is cool is they have a sheet and also posted on the wall how you should approach a Nordic spa, first by going 'hot' (sauna or steam room) then 'cold' (cold plunge or Nordic shower) and then 'relax' (salt room, or outdoor patio) rinse and repeat.

First off I have to say I am from Vancouver, and I wished that we had one of these tucked into our city, it maybe smaller in size than most spas I have been to of late, but the set up is brilliant with really no space wasted, and a way to unwind and relax (I didn't get to see the massage area, but I bet it is great). Most of the time you have to make effort to get to places like this, and if I was living in Victoria I would come around here more often.

The place is super clean, you are going to say 'cause it is new', yes.. and also while sitting in one of the steam rooms I saw the staff wipe down areas constantly so to keep this place pristine. The changing room lockers all have self set locker codes, and are nice a roomy. The showers in the changing rooms have the cleaning products loaded up for you (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner). The area we used had a dry sauna and a steam room, and both were roomy enough for 8 people, if you are lucky and no one is in there with you, just relax and let the heat do its work.

The second part of the 'circuit' was to do something cold, and let me say that the cold plunge located at the centre of the area was one of the coldest plunges I have done compared to others I have been to (korean spa, montreal spas.. etc)... I was impressed at people who went in here and stayed as long as they could... also a fun thing to watch people go in when they don't know what to expect. If frigid cold is not your thing there is a shower room right next to the plunge with a bucket that is being filled, you just pull the rope and get soaked... don't worry it is not that cold... nothing like that plunge.

The third part was the relax part, and I sat in the salt room which also had an air purifier, and it was nice.... I also went to the outside patio where there was a slush maker where you could put on your skin, all in all it was a great experience, truly a place to unwind that is not out far.

One last note, I was fortunate to speak to Marci and I had no idea who she was at the time but told her my experience, as she asked, and found out some things about this relaxing retreat.

I hope to be back in Victoria, and will gladly take a few hours to go through this 'rinse-and-repeat' session all over again.

First time coming here while visiting!

The Nordic circuit was a new concept for me but the front desk staff did a great job explaining it while also recommending which package to get.

I did a 1 hour circuit + a 45 minute massage.

1 hour circuit: unique experience! Basically you go from hot (sauna or steam room) to cold (cold plunge pool or shaved ice - I rubbed shaved ice on me) to resting (outdoor patio or indoor salt room) & repeat the process until your time is up! The circuit facility is very small. Each area/room fits maybe 6ish people comfortably. I came solo but other people were in groups talking about all types of things in their personal lives -it definitely made my experience not so relaxing hearing of other peoples' drama in tight corridors. I wish they had a quiet/no talking policy like other spas do. Glad I did a 1 hour circuit instead of 2 hours - 2 hours would be overkill and a bit boring which I almost did!

Swedish massage: so so good! The massage made up for my not so relaxing experience during the circuit. Calm music was playing and my massage therapist was super skilled in targeting my problem areas with the perfect amount of pressure. I thought 45 minutes would feel too short but it was perfect!

TLDR: I would return for a massage for sure. I would *maybe* do the circuit again outside of peak hours to try to avoid loud/talkative groups.

Great way to feel invigorated, inspired, while at the same time feeling relaxed. Getting the gumption to quickly immerse in the cold pool gives a sense of accomplishment in my mind. Awesome place, clean facilities and attentive staff.

Clean, friendly, organized and relaxing experience. The massage was a great bonus! Definitely recommend for a wellness day!

I enjoyed my experience but the one qualm I have is that it wasn't as clean as I expected. The was a lot of hair/lint/dirt? etc in the steam room and in the womens showers. Lots of hairs everywhere on the floor and seating area. I thought that was a little unpleasant to see as it made me feel like the facilities weren't been cleaned often enough. Otherwise a nice experience. X-posted on google reviews

My partner and I received a gift to Ritual for Christmas. My partner had done sauna + cold plunge before and I had not. From check in to leaving, our experience was lovely. I really enjoyed the option to dry sauna or wet sauna (I preferred the dry sauna) and the option to pool plunge or use the cold water bucket (I preferred the bucket). During our rotations, we had fun conversations with the other spa-goers, including some folks from Europe who grew up using saunas! The only thing I would change is that I wish there was a place to access more large towels in the changing room during the shower + dry off period. Otherwise, would absolutely come again. Would love to experience the additional offerings like massage and infrared spa.

My partner and I went here for our 10th anniversary, which was an amazing experience. The sauna and steam room were very relaxing, and the cold bucket splash after was shocking but nice. I have cold feet, so walking into the cold water was difficult for me as it was very cold. It was fairly busy when we went, but everyone was friendly. The staff are often seen cleaning the area.

I would visit here again in the future and recommend it to anyone who does not mind brief discomfort for long-term relaxation.

Wow! If you're looking for a true Nordic Spa experience, look no further. This place is amazing. Steam room, multiple saunas, cold plunge pool, salt lounge and they even have a snow machine! Nothing in Victoria like it. If you're looking for a hot/cold relaxation therapy and true unique experience with a modern vibe - this is the top of the list. 5 stars all the way!