LAKE LOUISE, AB, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - BASIN Glacial Waters, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's highly anticipated thermal bathing destination, is to officially open on September 15, 2025. The debut of the world class, indoor-outdoor facility is set to revolutionize wellness in the Canadian Rockies with its contemporary interpretation of a traditional bathhouse – embedded within the landscape of Banff National Park's high alpine.
Advanced reservations for access into BASIN Glacial Waters – at this time, available exclusively to hotel guests -- are to go live Friday, July 18, 10:00 MST.
A concept two decades in the making and realized by acclaimed AD100 Matteo Thun, BASIN Glacial Waters is inspired by the healing benefits of natural springs, thermal waters, and long-established wellness practices of Nordic sauna culture, yet reimagined through a luxury lens. Resting at an elevation of 1600m (5,200ft) with an uninterrupted vista of Canada's iconic Lake Louise and the impressive Victoria Glacier – the facility's mineral-rich, natural water source – BASIN is presented in minimalistic grandeur, with organic textures and a strong sensibility towards conscious sourcing and sustainability.
"Capturing the spirit of Lake Louise was at the heart of the architectural intention, to respect the richness of the landscape with a design that represents simplicity, purity, and the uniqueness of the location. Nature and the beautiful surroundings of the lake and the forest become the protagonist – architecture and interior the stage," says Matteo Thun of the concept.
Elements of water - from crushed ice to steam mists - are the basis; an invite to immerse into self-guided circuits flowing between varying heat and humidity states of the traditional Finnish and Bio Saunas, Aufguss Sauna, Steam Rooms, Hot Stone Massage Room, and Silent Salt Relax Room - with its gently warm glow from the Himalayan salt wall naturally ionizing the air. In addition, a series of diverse temperature pools, including the Reflexology Pool, Infinity Pool - spanning onto the outdoor terrace - and Kneipp Walk, for standing contrast bathing. Two wet treatment rooms further enhance the thermotherapy cycle, one of which modelled on a traditional Hammam for full-body exfoliation.
Guests can also opt to follow one of five thoughtfully curated wellness journeys – named "Trails" - for a preferred wellness outcome. The 'Stillness Trail' is a gentle sequence to soothe the nervous system and set the body into the perfect state for a deep rest, the "Presence Trail" for grounding and awareness – to counteract jet lag and calm an anxious mind.
Designed to be experienced to an individual's preferred pace and circuit sequence, BASIN allows for moments of introspective pause and solo reflection combined with spaces for quiet social gathering. The 'Glacier Lounge' is an open, communal space to rehydrate and restore indoors, with a menu of simple, light, freshly prepared dishes. A selection of elixirs, tonics, nootropics and adaptogens will also be on hand - and for a sense of occasion, premium Champagne and craft beverages will complement the experience.
The 'Aufguss Ceremony', its roots in European sauna practices, will be a BASIN signature. Led by world-renowned "sauna masters" performing traditional oil-infused steam rituals to an intimate group of guests within the outdoor Aufguss, ceremonies will take place throughout the day.
As a "Fairmont first", poised to become a flagship for the Group's latest wellbeing platform, BASIN Glacial Waters sets the stage for an entirely new, and elevated, response to wellness travel within Canada.
"Wellness at Fairmont has always been about creating meaningful experiences; and now, BASIN represents an evolution of this", says Emma Darby, Global Vice President Spa & Wellness, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Darby continues: "Our vision with this concept was to create an all-sensory space that felt both intentional and immersive, where guests can slow down, take a breath, and feel genuinely restored – all the while, set against the exquisite backdrop of Lake Louise. The BASIN experience is not prescriptive but is instead, deeply connected to the landscape and focused on the guest's individual mindset. This exciting addition into our global portfolio demonstrates our commitment to innovation, and how the brand is responding to - and seeking to exceed - modern guest demand for luxury wellness experiences."
Tracy Lowe, General Manager, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, adds: "The introduction of BASIN Glacial Waters marks a new chapter for Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the cornerstone of a reimagined resort experience. Set to become a sought-after wellness destination in its own right, its debut signifies the completion of a transformative investment of $130MM across the property - including the renovation of guest rooms and suites, and a redesign of the hotel's Fairmont Spa. It truly is a remarkable milestone year for our heritage hotel that has graced the shores of Lake Louise for over a century."
From opening, BASIN will be accessible daily and year-round, the indoor-outdoor nature of the thermotherapy experience shifting with Lake Louise's dramatic seasonal changes. The 'BASIN Signature Retreat' has been designed for guests seeking a wellness-inspired resort stay, featuring BASIN access, a 'Glacier Lounge' tasting, and guided wellness-in-nature experience. Further, guests can partake in the resort's diverse program of wellness-focused outdoor activities, such as small-group Forest Bathing, a Silent Meditation Walk to find presence within the alpine, or a natural cold plunge with guided breathwork in the glacial waters of Lake Louise itself.
Both the 'BASIN Signature Retreat' and reservations for BASIN access go live Friday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. MST. Access passes for non-hotel guests are to be introduced at a later date.
About BASIN Glacial Waters
BASIN Glacial Waters offers an all-sensory thermal bathing experience for wellness seekers desiring a world-class journey of reflection, restoration, and vitality. Set in the dramatic landscapes of Lake Louise, it connects guests to the raw elements and natural rhythm of its grand surroundings. Consciously designed and bathed in minimalistic luxury, it provides a deeply intentional and fully immersive wellness journey.
To view the BASIN Glacial Waters Press Kit, see here.
For BASIN Glacial Waters' FAQs see here.
TheBasin.com
About Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier, and a glistening turquoise lake, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers 5-star luxury amid unparalleled natural beauty. Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a year-round resort offering an array of activities, from guided mountain tours, world-class skiing in the winter, to scenic hiking, canoeing and a variety of outdoor pursuits in the summer. Guests can unwind with an indulgent spa treatment or take part in thoughtfully designed wellness programming that nurtures both mind and body, before savoring seasonally inspired cuisine. Little ones are also taken care of with exclusive Kid's Adventure Camp activities. Each of the 539 rooms and suites are elegant and polished, yet understated and inviting. For an elevated stay, the exclusive Fairmont Gold floor provides lounge access, dedicated concierge service, private check-in, and more - delivering a personalized escape in one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.
About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of more than 95 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.com | group.accor.com
SOURCE Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Share this article