Any recently married couple will tell you how wonderful their day was and how much they enjoyed the whole experience. But it’s no secret that planning a wedding – especially a destination wedding in the Rockies – can be stressful and time-consuming. It’s so important to take time to relax ahead of your wedding celebration. That way, you can feel rested and refreshed for the day itself!

Plus, Banff and the surrounding areas of the Canadian Rockies offer some world-renowned wellness and relaxation experiences. Just take Cedar & Sage, for example!

This beautiful wellness center in Banff provides the very best in holistic treatments. You’ll leave feeling like your most relaxed and centered self. We had a chat with the team at Cedar & Sage to learn more about their range of wellness treatments.

Introducing Cedar & Sage

Tell us a little about Cedar & Sage! 

Centrally located in the heart of downtown Banff, Cedar & Sage Co. is a beautiful mountain spa specializing in holistic healthcare – primarily massage therapy. The spa has been rated #1 on TripAdvisor since 2014 and is a must-do for those seeking rest and repair for body and mind.  The spa is 100% devoted to conservation while providing all-natural healing remedies in a tranquil environment.

How did you get started in providing wellness experiences?

Where to begin…. Well, I guess I would have to say it all started when I graduated from a 3-year massage therapy program back in 2007.  

I had just experienced ‘first hand’ – no pun intended – how effective manual therapy and compassionate care could be in assisting my friends and colleagues.  I saw there was a major disconnect in how people were dealing with chronic illness and discomfort in the body. The idea that one pill prescription or even one type of therapy could “heal all’  was less than encompassing. And it left a lot of people confused (and still in pain)  when it came to the game plan of getting better.  

In the years to follow, I continued to seek holistic experiences abroad and found myself in new places, harnessing new methods and modalities to render maximum wellness benefits. In 2009, I was picked up by a management agency in France. So for the next 5 years, I traveled with well-to-do families, taking care of their physical injuries and mental dis-ease. 

Returning to Banff in 2013, I had a toolbox of skills and a level of client care that would match and come to surpass Banff’s renowned reputation for 5-star service and experience. I was able to welcome locals and visitors alike to share in a safe space for healing AND to be treated with the same detailed level of care as that of a billionaire.  

Today,  C&S is 6 years in the wellness world and we are still loving every moment. We are always learning ways to connect nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and, of course, holistic care treatments.  It will remain our goal to educate and care for our community for the foreseeable future. We are beyond grateful to be so well received here and feel blessed to be able to give back to such a wonderful community. 

What services/packages do you offer?

We specialize in Massage Therapy services (relaxation, deep tissue, sports massage  – each treatment is tailored to the client’s individual needs). 

We also offer :

• Infrared Saunas
• Reflexology
• Myofascial Cupping
• Hot stones therapy
• Lymphatic facials
• Scalp oil therapy 
• Reiki 
• Yoga
• Nutritional counseling and
• Acupuncture

We also offer customizable mountain retreats for weddings and celebrations alike. Our daily retreats begin at 8.30 am. Retreats include a teatox, followed by either yoga or meditation/reiki, a healthy nourishing breakfast, and conclude with an individually tailored set of body care services. 

Do trends in wellness change a lot?

Of course, there is and always will be a new exercise, diet regime, or treatment modality to try. And thankfully, new science is always exploring our ever-evolving humans.  However, I don’t believe the core of wellness changes much. 

At the fundamental level, it’s always the same attributes people are seeking – access to education, an outlet to receive assessment/treatment/positive change, and lastly, genuine connection to caregivers that makes them feel safe. If a trend can embody these attributes it will likely last the test of time. 

What is the biggest up-and-coming wellness trend right now?

Osteopathy! Long-time trusted and effective manual therapies that incorporate MT, chiro, and physio. These practitioners are very well recognized in Europe and I am slowly seeing the study making its way to North America. If you ever cross paths with an osteopath, do yourself a favor and book in! 

How would you describe your philosophy when it comes to delivering your wellness services?

How do you know you’re investing in quality care before you commit your time, money, and most importantly – your health?

We pondered this exact question for years. Aside from internet review sites, how do you really know what to expect when trying a wellness center for the 1st time?

That’s why we follow the signature SHD structure. This proven system allows our facility to truly generate a superior delivery of services. We ask clients for their feedback during every visit because we care. This tried and true approach has built the foundation for quality, consistency, and innovation. Our goal is to change how you perceive, receive, and benefit from your holistic health program.

Oh and, by the way, we no longer ponder the definition of quality holistic care— we create it instead!

What’s your most popular service/therapy/package?

Our Sauna + Sage Package! This beauty begins with a sage offering, access to your own private 30 minutes in infrared sauna and rainfall shower,  followed by a 60, 75, or 90-minute customized massage. This is a very popular option for couples as well as groups of friends. 

What are the most frequently asked questions you hear from clients?

Q: Can Massage Therapy really help with that? 

A: 100%, let me show you!

Q: Where are you?  We are lost!

A: You will find us very hidden on the second floor of the Bear St. Mall. Tell me what landmark you see now and I will guide you here!

What is the most important advice you would give to couples when it comes to choosing a wellness service before/after their wedding?

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also be very stressful. It is essential to prioritize self-care in the lead-up to your big day. A massage is a perfect way to alleviate stress, improve sleep, boost immunity, and make sure you have that wedding-ready glow. 

Have a conversation with our passionate therapists about exactly what you want out of your treatment. Whether it be relaxation, muscle recovery, etc., you can then relax and allow our professional healers to work their magic. 

What are some of your favorite products/brands to use as part of your wellness services?

We have recently launched our own line of essential oils in partnership with Nevessence.com, a locally-based essential oil supplier.  Together we have created 5 different therapeutic blends to promote different desired states of being. This list of blends includes our house Cedar and Sage blend which is used to manage massage spasms, pain associated with arthritis, and mood improvement. 

We also LOVE our partnership with the Banff Tea Co.! They have created the best Sage forward tea for us! This blend is amazing for hormonal balance, immunity-boosting, and as a systemic anti-inflammatory. 

What positive feedback do you hear most frequently from clients?

We get wonderful feedback about all of our therapists, with clients often praising the way their treatment is tailored to their specific concerns and preferences. We also get great feedback on the personalized follow-up advice they are given for home stretching/exercises after their treatment. Clients also frequently comment on the relaxing atmosphere and carefully curated aesthetic of the spa.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

We are open 365 days a year from 8 AM – 9 PM, by reservation only. 

What their clients say:

“So grateful for the whole experience. My family bought me a gift certificate for a massage which I redeemed with a 90 mins relaxation massage with Marc. His knowledge and skills with reflexology, energy work, and fascia release blended well into a beautiful relaxation massage experience. He invited me to integrate, stretch and rest in the beautiful lounge afterward. My body, mind, and spirit feel rejuvenated from the whole experience.”

The Traveller Retreat Package

“I had the most wonderful morning at Cedar & Sage. I knew after a day of skiing, I wanted a relaxing spa day with yoga and massage, so I booked “The Traveller” retreat package. Upon walking into the beautiful space, I got to choose my “teatox” from a variety of tea options.

Once I had settled in and had some time to enjoy the space to myself, the day began with a one-on-one restorative yoga class with Marc, focusing on breathing techniques and long, relaxing yin postures. After yoga, they brought me a beautiful, nourishing breakfast, once again to enjoy all by myself in this peaceful, energizing space. Finally, we ended with an incredible massage that included reflexology. I still don’t know how to properly put into words how amazing I feel after such a therapeutic, uplifting experience. All I can say is that if you’re looking for a relaxing spa day in the mountains, I would highly recommend Cedar & Sage, and booking with Marc who was absolutely phenomenal. I know that I will definitely be back!”

Get in touch with Cedar and Sage:

Learn more about the amazing packages and services the wonderful Cedar & Sage team has to offer here.

And don’t forget to check them out on social meda!
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