Mountain resort welcomes new spa

Apex Massage Therapy Ltd. announced today that it has completed a business agreement with Parastone Developments to launch Spa 901, a 6,600 square-foot destination spa and wellness centre inside 901 Fernie.

901 Fernie is a $30-million restoration of a 1908 schoolhouse, located in Fernie's historic downtown. Parastone transformed the iconic building into condominium residences and vacation rentals complete with a spa and wellness centre inside.

The spa space for Spa 901 was designed by spa consultant, Karen Vonkeman and 901 Fernie architects, the LeBlond Partnership, who collaborated on the Solace Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs. The spa and wellness center is owned and operated by Shelly MacGregor, president of Apex Massage Therapy, who operate two wellness facilities and SpaGoes, a mobile spa in Calgary.

With $2 million in restorations and construction, highlights of Spa 901 include: Fernie's only infrared saunas, five treatment rooms, a couples fireplace treatment room, co-ed and women-only fireplace relaxation lounges, outdoor hot pool, and men's and women's change rooms. Spa 901 will combine unique and traditional therapies and treatments including therapeutic massage in a variety of styles, esthetician services and bath soak treatments.

“The restoration of this incredible landmark building is amazing and so well planned,” says Shelly MacGregor, president, Apex Massage Therapy. “We were excited at the opportunity to create a truly unique spa and wellness centre in this iconic building and beautiful space.”

With richly appointed reception and dressing areas and beautifully outfitted treatment rooms, every detail of the 6,600-square-foot spa says luxury and tradition. The same commitment to quality and design that went into restoration of the 901 Fernie has gone into creating Spa 901.

“Apex Massage Therapy's track record and professional approach made them a great choice for 901 Spa,” says Simon Howse, general manager for Parastone, “A spa and wellness facility like this in a mountain resort town like Fernie benefits the local community and helps attract tourists. Spa 901 is the only true destination spa in the Kootenays.”

Spa 901 will be open to the public in February and access is through the main schoolhouse doors on 2nd Avenue, in Fernie, B.C. Fernie Central Reservations is now taking bookings for Fernie 901's vacation rentals and spa treatments.

901 Fernie is a $30 million transformation of a 1908 school and grounds. It is a collection of 44, one-, two- and three- bedroom suites and penthouses with beautiful surrounding mountain scenery. Many original features have been carefully restored to their former glory by a leading Canadian architectural practice and the apartments and spa have kept many of their unique qualities.