As we begin a new year, one resolution on many lists is to practice more self-care and wellness. For Minnesotans, that practice is even more important during our harsh, dry winters, which can wreak havoc on our skin. Wellness and self-care, coupled with Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage, are at the center of Läka Spa, which opened last June within the new Hotel Landing boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.
Located off the hotel’s two-story lobby, Läka Spa takes inspiration for its minimalist, Scandinavian-modern look from the “nature, purity, and freshness of its Lake Minnetonka setting.” After checking in at the front desk, guests are led to a luxe locker room to change into a robe and sandals. Guests can then head to the spa’s relaxation room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in lots of natural light as well as an unobstructed view of the nature-infused area surrounding the hotel. Rustic touches, such as cut wood logs arranged in a vertical stack, and cushioned chairs add a cozy hygge vibe to the space. The relatively small size of the spa—which also features two spa rooms plus a large shared spa room for couples—adds to its intimate feel, which is a plus for those looking for a true escape.
While Läka wins points for its design alone, the spa also boasts a well-rounded approach to skincare, combining earth-friendly ingredients with holistic techniques to bring well-being to mind, body, and spirit. (Läka is Swedish for “heal.”) For its massage and facial treatments, Läka’s estheticians rely primarily on the Naturopathica product line, which is known for its holistic approach to skincare that addresses inflammation and over-stressed skin with proven botanical ingredients and cosmeceuticals (pharmaceutical-grade skincare products) that are free from toxins—making good on Läka’s promise to “bring healing nature from the outside in.”
Based on ancient wellness rituals first practiced in Scandinavia 700 years ago, Nordic-style spas emphasize the importance of steam and exfoliation on the skin, exemplified in Läka’s unique aromatherapy steam shower. Läka offers more than 30 treatment options ranging from massage to facials, full-body skin treatments, and aromatherapy, offered in various combinations, as well as waxing services. Many of them incorporate Nordic elements, such as its Nordic Experience Body Treatment, which combines massage, an aromatherapy steam shower, and Arctic Body Scrub, which features flowers and herbs of Nordic descent and Läka’s own signature body butter. And of course, Läka offers Swedish massage.
I experienced the Nordic Radiance Facial, a luxurious, 80-minute treatment that promises to “deliver instant skin rejuvenation, accelerate cellular respiration, and bring overstressed skin back to life, increasing both the quality of collagen and creating a healthy skin barrier that locks in moisture.” Lisa Schmidt, Läka’s lead esthetician, led me through the experience with her expert hands, beginning with Naturopathica’s Sweet Lupine Makeup Remover & Cleansing Cream to remove makeup and oil from the skin. She followed it with Oat Cleaning Facial Polish and Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel, which gently worked to naturally exfoliate the skin. (Though gentle, be prepared for a slight buzzing feeling on the skin.) To calm the skin after the enzyme peel, she applied Lavender Honey Balancing Mist followed by Aloe Replenishing Gel Mask. After letting the mask set for several minutes (accompanied by plenty of steam), she applied Carrot Seed Soothing Facial Oil and Rose Geranium Soothing Mist. After an incredibly relaxing massage of my neck, shoulders, arms, and feet with warm essential oils, she infused my face with Bio Energy Serum, Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum, Bio Energy Contour Cream, and Lavender Protective Moisturizer with SPF. The result? Incredibly soft, luminescent skin—consider me rejuvenated.
Following the treatment, Schmidt encouraged me to take advantage of the spa’s proximity to the hotel’s ninetwentyfive restaurant and wind down with a glass of wine or a small plate, which can be delivered to the spa’s relaxation lounge. Who knows—you just might end up staying the night.
Läka Spa at Hotel Landing, 925 Lake St. E., Wayzata, 612-356-5333, thehotellanding.com/spa-en.html
While you’re in Wayzata, check out these shops and restaurants:
Shop:
La Petite Parfumerie: Luxury candles and perfumes from France and beyond. lapetiteparfumerie.com
44 North Boutique: A women’s clothing and gift boutique inspired by coastal culture. 44northboutique.com
Sun & Slope: Active apparel, accessories, and swimwear for the whole family. sunandslope.com
Merilou Boutique: A sophisticated, cohesive collection of contemporary clothing for women. merilouboutique.com
Fashion Avenue 2: Find designer women’s fashions for secondhand prices at this resale shop. fashionavenueresale.com
Highcroft Fine Linens & Home: Luxury linens plus modern gifts, stationery, and home décor. highcrofthome.com
Blanc de Blanc: Women’s casual clothing and sleepwear, plush towels and robes, locally made gifts, serving pieces, and children’s clothing. blancdeblancltd.com
J.McLaughlin: This national brand features modern, preppy clothing for men and women. jmclaughlin.com
Anthropologie: The store is part of the new Promenade of Wayzata development. thepromenadeofwayzata.com
Creative Kidstuff: Creative toys, games, and play for kids. creativekidstuff.com
Oh Baby!: Upscale clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. ohbabystyle.com
Evereve: Find designer clothing for stylish moms at this Minnesota-owned chain. evereve.com
Dine:
Bellecour, bellecourrestaurant.com
District Fresh Kitchen + Bar, districtfreshkitchen.com
Crisp & Green, crispandgreen.com
Benedict’s Restaurant, benedicts-restaurant.com
Coming soon: Rustica bakery, Truce natural pressed juices
Work out:
Fly Feet Running, flyfeetrunning.com
[solidcore], solidcoremsp.co
Get your hair & nails done:
Beauty Ecology Organic Salon, beautyecology.com
Twiggs Salon, twiggssalonspa.com
Barber’s Inn, thepromenadeofwayzata.com
Suite Nails, thepromenadeofwayzata.com
Coming soon: EighteenEight men’s salon
Stay the night:
Hotel Landing, thehotellanding.com
