Some spa experiences focus on luxurious pampering, while others prioritize holistic healing. Occasionally—when the universe aligns and both body and spirit are open to transformation—they can offer something even more profound. This was my experience at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Spa, following a guided “Peak-Nic” hike organized by Jasper Food Tours, where we traversed the hauntingly beautiful burn scar left by a previous summer wildfire.

The hike itself was a powerful journey. The landscape, raw and marked, narrated tales of destruction and rebirth. Charred tree trunks stood starkly against new growth, with vibrant wildflowers courageously emerging from the ash-laden earth. This scenery mirrored my own life journey; I was burned as an infant, and despite the time that has passed, I still carry that scar. Hiking through this forest felt like an introspective walk through my own reflections—wounded yet resilient, continuously regrowing.

By the time I reached the spa, I felt physically fatigued yet emotionally exposed and open.

The moment I walked through the door, I encountered something simple yet profoundly impactful: I was presented with a robe that fit perfectly.

The Importance of Comfortable Robes in Enhancing Spa Experiences

It wasn’t a robe I had to squeeze into or awkwardly request. Instead, it was a robe that embraced me just as I am. The staff even mentioned they had a larger size available if I preferred it. That simple, thoughtful gesture set a welcoming tone for my visit. I felt truly seen, respected, and deserving of comfort.

My massage therapist, Morgan, greeted me with a warm presence and an incredibly thoughtful touch: a basket filled with all the natural products she intended to use during my treatment. This included Organic Ginger Bath & Body Oil, Natural Rehydrating Neroli Water, FuB Balm, and Organic Calm Balm. To top it off, my name was elegantly displayed on the massage table. That small detail—my name—served as a quiet affirmation, reminding me that this space and moment were exclusively mine.

The massage itself was everything my body craved. The pressure applied was nothing short of magical—both intentional and intuitive. Morgan worked with profound care, and I could feel my fatigued muscles gradually unwinding. The room exuded a serene atmosphere, and the soft background music created a calming soundtrack for the release that was taking place. I didn’t feel rushed or reduced to a mere number; instead, I felt honored, respected, and ultimately restored.

After my treatment, I made my way to the spa’s lounge, which offered breathtaking views of a lake so brilliantly blue that it appeared almost unreal. Wrapped in my robe—still comfortable and enveloped in a sense of belonging—I allowed myself to sink into deep thought. There was something transcendent about the tranquil water, the majestic mountains in the backdrop, and the emotional catharsis of the hike and massage that facilitated a deeper reflection.

I realized I had just traversed a literal burn scar—something most people would likely avoid. Yet, in its raw beauty, it was captivating. I contemplated my own scars, both physical and emotional, and how society often conditions us to conceal them. However, in that moment, cocooned in a robe that fit me perfectly, and with a body that had been nurtured, I absorbed a poignant lesson: you can confront your wounds, walk directly through the hurt parts of yourself, and emerge on the other side with greater understanding, wholeness, and peace.

A loon gracefully glided across the lake at that moment. I later discovered that this signifies transition, a return to places of significance. I took this as a subtle invitation from the universe: I will return.

Before departing, I indulged in the eucalyptus steam bath. The aromatic mist cleared my lungs and refreshed my mind. Subsequently, I headed to the outdoor heated pool. As I submerged into the warm water, the imposing silhouettes of the Canadian Rockies encircled me like a protective embrace. The sun began its descent, enveloping me in an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

That moment—immersed in my body, fully at peace, surrounded by nature’s grandeur—encapsulated the kind of serenity we often strive for throughout our lives.

And here’s a thought that lingers in my mind: If the spa hadn’t provided a robe that fit, none of this transformative experience would have been possible.

This highlights a crucial truth: comfort enables access. True hospitality transcends mere ambiance—it revolves around inclusion. That robe allowed me to genuinely be present, free from self-consciousness, adjustments, or coverings. Just being there, in that moment. Because I felt comfortable, I was able to fully embrace the beauty of my surroundings—the mountains, the massage, and the experience itself.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Spa didn’t merely provide a treatment; they offered me a sanctuary for healing, reflection, and reconnection with myself. They demonstrated that a robe that fits can unlock something profoundly transformative.

And that, indeed, is the true magic of a well-executed spa experience.

Kara Richardson Whitely is the author of Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds and serves as the CEO of The Gorgeous Agency, an organization dedicated to helping brands connect with the plus size audience.