USP The steaming outdoor hot tubs and pool have prime views of the snow-capped mountainside. The ice-shower runs off a glacial drop.

AMBIENCE Like the hotel, the compact, contemporary spa is immaculate and is designed to move spa-goers easily from reception to male/female changing rooms, each with its own steam room, into a first relaxation room.

Here a plasma screen hosts images of autumn leaves and running water, which is not especially soothing given the splendid natural surrounds, though maybe it works on the basis that you’ve seen plenty of the real thing during the day’s skiing, trekking or, in our case, zip-lining.

Bedroom suites are spacious with an updated twist on baronial castle décor and push-button fireplaces in the cosy living room. There is a well-equipped fitness studio with Cybex weight training gear.

EXPERIENCE After an afternoon of zip-lining – gliding at up to 70km an hour, 200ft above cascades and forest, like Tarzan in a harness – a relaxing massage was in order to soothe the nerves and quell the adrenalin.

The therapist Cindy got hold of a white rose moisturiser which was just the ticket for soothing iced, mountain-weathered cheeks – no, not those, though there is a spa on Vancouver Island that offers a Fanny Facial. Cindy followed up with a deft head-to-toe massage rounded off with a Vancouver Coast seaweed exfoliant using warm cloths.

FOOD Both the pre-treatment waiting lounge and windowless post-treatment relaxation room have nuts, seeds, fruit (grapes and pyramids of apples), water and mountain berry herbal tea. The Fifty Two 80 bistro is designed around a “fire and ice” theme with a buffet, raw bar, “live action” cold seafood counter and locally-inspired fine dining menu.

IN-CROWD Some business traffic and good-living, outdoor types.

WALLET WATCH The après-ski heat therapy treatment dissolves muscle tension and restores circulation to the extremities, while hot stones soothe tired back muscles - 60 minutes, CAD 155 or £75; the signature Sea to Sky massage Sea-to-sky combines local products with Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and costs CAD 225 (£110) for 90 minutes. Other treatments include Vichy therapy, couple's treatments, golfers' treatment (£75, 60 minutes), and a British Columbia clay glacial wrap.

NEED TO KNOW The Spa, Four Seasons Resort, Whistler, Canada (1 9604) 935 3400; www.fourseasons.com)

For more than 210 independent spa reviews log on to timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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