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Visiting Vancouver for FIFA? There's a Private Forest Spa 20 Minutes Away
Vancouver hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in June through to July will be loud, full, and relentlessly on. The matches, the fan zones, the restaurant and bar patios, the crowds moving through the city in waves, and while a love for a sport is an extraordinary thing, it can also be a lot. Some of our bodies may start to ask for something more calm and secluded.
Bowen Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Once the ferry docks at Snug Cove, the currents of water, sea breeze,, birds, and forest take over. Mist Thermal Sanctuary is a private wood-fire sauna and cold plunge Bowen Island forest spa, next door to Nectar Yoga Retreat, and the best part is it’s close enough from the city to reach even outside of the weekend.
Best Things to Do on Bowen Island
As the Salish Sea shimmers under a softer sun, the island becomes a threshold between city and country, air and water, flora and fauna. Just a 20-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen is the perfect place to chase island charm or sneak in a little wellness for a 2-night stay or day trip from Vancouver. Here’s how to enjoy the best of Bowen Island (our own Bowen top picks) with easeful rest and a sense of wonder.
Saunas for Women: Are They Healthy, How Are They Used in Ritual & More
Are saunas actually healthy?
Yes, for many (including women), regular sauna use can improve cardiovascular function, reduce stress, and support musculoskeletal recovery. In one Finnish study, consistent sauna bathing was linked to reduced risk of heart disease and dementia source. The benefits extend beyond physical health: the act of slowing down, being quiet, and simply sitting with yourself is a valuable kind of emotional and spiritual wellness, too.
Do saunas burn fat?
An article put out by the Mayo Clinic shares that while a sauna isn’t a fat-loss tool, it can support weight management indirectly. By increasing circulation, reducing cortisol, and improving sleep through relaxation, sauna use can help regulate the metabolic patterns that affect body composition, especially as women age. In this way, time spent in a sauna, especially regular exposure (such as through Mist’s Membership), helps rebalance one’s system.
Sauna to Cold Plunge: Is It Healthy, and What Should You Avoid After?
Let’s explore two common questions about this the Nordic spa practice:
Is it healthy to go from sauna to cold plunge? The short answer is yes! When there are no pre-existing health concerns, and when done thoughtfully, contrast therapy is not only healthful but a time-tested wellness practice found in many cultures around the world. In various medical journals (such as this NIH Study on Contrast Bath Therapy), studies state Nordic spas and contrast therapy circuits can support...