Willow Stream Spa

For some, a pristine mountain setting is as romantic as it gets. The 80-mile drive west from Calgary to Banff Springs sets the stage; suburbs pass and lead to cattle grazing land; soon, the Canadian Rockies appear; by Canmore, Olympic ski teams train on trails; and just beyond, we arrive at the tiny, enticing town of Banff Springs. Within the forest, a huge baronial castle (c. 1888) that is The Fairmont Banff Springs looms majestically over the town. Within the extravagant, 700-room complex, the spectacular Willow Stream Spa is a bi-level, 32,000 square-foot space with one of the most romantic settings for multiple indoor pools in the spa world. A dome tops the architectural marvel, which features a 32-meter lap pool, a cascading waterfall pool and a series of pools of different temperatures, all with views of the alpine wilderness through mammoth window walls. It's all here: salon, fitness classes, treatments, plus hikes in the mountains or treks to town.