Chance Harbour Nature Spa

There’s a reason I like to call Instagram a modern day travel guide. I remember my days as a teenager, going to Chapters and looking through all of the Frommers travel books and discovering all of the places I wanted to go one day. Now, I get all of my travel inspiration on, you guessed it, Instagram.

Instagram is where I first heard about A LOT of the magical places I’ve had the chance to visit on the East Coast like Cape Spencer and the Walton Glen Gorge.

It’s also where I first heard about the Chance Harbour Nature Spa.

Found on the Bay of Fundy and nestled at the end of a winding road that leads you to rocky cliffs and crashing waves (on a winter’s day at least) you will find the Chance Harbour Nature Spa.

A fellow creative and friend of mine, Ashley, and I were looking for a place to get out of town for a night, talk about dreams and goals, find a little inspiration and have some fun. Basically, a girl’s getaway with notebooks, desire maps, and malas. We bounced a few locations off each other and the minute Chance Harbour was brought up, the decision was easily made.

While thermal spas are becoming more and more popular, this spa’s experience is rather unique – and perfectly East Coast. 

Home to the Polar Bear swim, spa guests have three options for their cold treatment: a bucket of chilly rainwater, jumping in the base of a waterfall, or running into the Bay of Fundy ocean.

For the record – I was only brave enough to do the bucket of rainwater. Once.

For your hot treatments – there are two glorious options. The first, is an outdoor saltwater pool (think hot tub minus the massage jets and bubbles) heated to 102 F. It was my favorite and so amazing to enjoy and have great conversations with fellow guests in after dark. 

The second, a beautiful sauna situated amongst the trees with a gorgeous view of the ocean and crashing waves.

Whether you want to do the proper circuit – hot, cold, hot, cold – or simply bask in the heat of the saltwater pool, the beauty of Chance Harbour is that you can really make it your own.

We quickly discovered via the locals who frequent the spot that if you plan it right, you really can spend the entire day. While there aren’t food options on-site, you can bring your own coolers with refreshments. Need a caffeine fix? The Cabana when you first arrive makes the most delicious espresso drinks.

Because we were both travelling from out of town, we sprung for one of the two cottages available for rent and brought our own food to cook dinner and breakfast. Both cottages are RIGHT on the water and if the sea is stormy, those waves will rock you right to sleep. I haven’t heard waves like that since Hawaii.

I  can’t wait to return soon, as it was definitely the spa experience I needed. If you’re planning to visit or book a girl’s day or couple’s retreat, here are a few of my tips + suggestions:

Bathrobes are an extra charge, so if you can bring your own, do it. May I recommend a white one because they make the best Instagram photos? Also, flip-flops. Unlike some spas, you’re not given slippers and will be trekking outside so flip-flops or slip on shoes are a must!

Stay hydrated. The hot treatments are glorious but they’re just that: HOT. Bring a water bottle with you to avoid any dehydration.

Bring snacks. You don’t want hunger to force you out a 102-degree pool, now, do you? We brought hummus + veggies and it was totally a treat.

Your camera is a must. This place is so scenic, so you’re going to want to bring your camera or phone along for a snap or two. Just make sure your phone is stored in something that will protect it from heat and water.

So – when are you planning your visit to the Nature Spa at Chance Harbor?

To learn more, visit http://www.spachanceharbour.com/.