Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will debut a new thermal bathing experience this summer, with the launch of the BASIN Glacial Waters.
Resting along the shore of Canada’s iconic lake and designed to appear to be embedded into the natural landscape, the indoor-outdoor, all-sensory space is currently in the final stages of completion.
Honouring its Lake Louise locale – a natural basin – and its direct glacial water source, BASIN Glacial Waters represents the convergence of natural elements and contemporary wellness, interpreted through a luxury lens. Within the space, a highly-curated series of experiences allow for personal interpretation, defined as self-guided journeys of reflection, renewal, and vitality.
The new facility is centred on thermotherapy – the ancient healing practice of flowing through diverse water temperatures to stimulate and restore both body and mind, yet complemented by a contemporary approach. BASIN Glacial Waters’ debut sets the stage for an entirely redefined wellness experience, within the most spectacular of landscapes.
BASIN Glacial Waters – a vision two decades in the making and realised by internationally recognised AD100 architect, Matteo Thun – will be a multifaceted wellness experience unlike anything else within Canada, marking a “wellness first” for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Emlyn Brown, Senior Vice President, Wellbeing, Strategy, Design & Development, Accor Group said;”BASIN sets a new worldwide standard for thermal spa luxury, and will be a flagship for Fairmont’s new wellbeing platform. We’re confident that this is the most exciting wellness opening of 2025, representing a groundbreaking shift to the meaning of wellness within the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.”
“This incredible space encompasses the trifecta of luxe wellness in the modern age; the wide-open vistas directly exposing world-renowned Lake Louise and its surrounding peaks – seen from the interior of the space yet magnified from the outdoor wellness terrace; visionary, naturally-inspired architecture and superior thermal bathing features; and finally, Fairmont Hotels’ approach to world-class service and luxury in every detail. BASIN will present an unrivalled, truly indelible, 360-degree wellness experience. There’s no other bathing facility like it in North America.”
To enter, guests first make their way through a low-lit, sensory, calming passageway. Dramatic arched windows that mirror the original style of the hotel’s exterior allow for streams of natural light to flood into the space. Designed to allow for moments of solo reflection, balanced with spaces for collective pause and quiet relaxation, BASIN encourages a sense of personal discovery as guests flow between the hydrotherapy components.For dry heat, traditional Finnish and Bio Saunas present a choice of higher or lower humidity. The Aufguss Sauna – its roots in European sweat culture – will become a signature BASIN experience, while two traditional steam rooms enhance the wet component of the cycle. The infinity pool sprawls from the interior onto the outdoor deck, leaving no part of the impressive oncoming views obstructed. Adding to the thermal bathing circuit, is the series of varying-temperature pools, including a circular reflexology pool, waterfall feature pool, and for standing contrast bathing, a Kneipp Walk. For cold impact, the outdoor, ice-temperature plunge and the cold bucket drop are an instant refresh.
Post bathing, the Silent Salt Relax room – with its gently warm glow from the Himalayan salt wall, naturally ionizing the air – is a quiet, reflective, closed sanctuary for pause, meditation, and purification. The Hot Stone room is an invite to rest, as guests settle into the heated stone slab beds for full-body muscle relaxation.
Tracy Lowe, General Manager, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise says,”The introduction of BASIN Glacial Waters is the reimagining of alpine wellness in Lake Louise. As a world-class facility, it elevates the resort experience entirely, becoming a destination in its own right. We could not be more excited to unveil BASIN to the world.”
