Nature Folk Wellness Collective — Attraction in Dartmouth

reviewing this spa as a plus-size person/person with accessibility needs -- I recently did the nordic circuit with a friend of mine, I am a plussize person, and she has physical accessibility needs. While the spa was beautiful, it was not very welcoming for people in different body types. This was surprising, because they advertise as an inclusive space, but I could not have felt more uncomfortable - as it the spa was not meant for my fat body. For example: they did not have any plus size robes or larger towels (so plus size patrons don't have the same access to privacy/covering up, and we have to shamefully walk around with ill fitting towels/robes) and the swim suits they carry are only straight sized. Further, none of the actual seating in the spa area was accessible. My friend, who is very petite agreed that the wicker chairs in the back looked decorative (not sturdy, and def not comfy, so even for a small person they were not welcoming). The tiny square floor mats were too small to sit comfortably on and too close together, the steps they were on were also shallow and heavily trafficked, so it seemed impractical to relax there. The chairs in the lower seating level, though wide, were so low that we were worried about getting out of them. For me as a plus size person, or anyone with bad knees, or shorter legs, they are not accessible. The bench in one of the saunas also settled when we sat on it, so I avoided it, worried it would break. The change rooms were very tight (bathroom door almost hits the toilet, locker doors leave little room to pass by when open, shower head is so close to the wall you almost have to lean on it to bathe, etc.). Overall, though the spa is beautiful, it does not seem to be designed with accessibility in mind. I did not feel welcomed, and I did not think that I was the kind of person they had in mind when...

Their thermal circuit is a very calming space. Your cares will float away as you enjoy their relaxed atmosphere. My friend and I especially enjoyed our time in the infrared sauna. As first timers, we prepared by reviewing the NF website. We informed staff at check-in that this was our first visit so we could be given a good rundown of the rules and expectations. Something that was not communicated to us was their expectation that guests be dressed & checked out before the 2-hour booking was finished (this includes your change time in their small locker room). As we were changing to leave, one staff member poked her head into the locker room twice, looking very upset, making eye contact but saying nothing. While we were paying, the same staff member came out to the front desk and brusquely asked how many people were in the change room with us. This caught us off-guard because generally, staff will ask how your visit was (at other establishments). My friend and I explained that there were 4 other women trying to use the change room as well. Her tone and body language was hostile as she explained that we should have been finished changing and paid by our booking end time since they stagger their bookings to ensure only 2 people are in the locker room at once. This makes sense, and I can appreciate that. What I didn't appreciate was being put on blast at a place that I paid to be about something that was not communicated beforehand and is not common knowledge. This interaction ruined the relaxed state we had achieved, and we left the spa feeling like two delinquent children instead of...

We found this gem on the Dartmouth waterfront. I have been going to Sensea in Chester for years and love the Nordic thermal circuit experience, but Chester is more than hour away and takes all day for the experience. So, was looking for something close by. This was perfect. So close to home and convenient. It is situated right on the waterfront, in a great location.

The staff was welcoming and friendly. Kirsty at the front desk was super helpful, knowledgeable and explained everything. Being a first time visitor to the spa, it was great to have all questions answered. She seemed to take care to ensure that we had a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The spa is clean, well-maintained, and has a relaxing ambiance. The lockers can be pretty tight, but since they stagger guests, it is not a problem, I was the only one in the men's room during my visit. There are two saunas, a hot tub, face mask area and a cold dip pool as part of the thermal circuit. The saunas were nice and hot. There was no sense of being rushed. The showers are hot and refreshing with high quality toiletries. After the circuit, back at the front desk, Kirsty enquired about our experience, solicited feedback and showed us and explained the various products they have. Overall, I would highly recommend Nature Folk to anyone looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience in the Halifax area. I will be going back again and may try the...