A workout involving inspiration instead of perspiration? Sign me up!

Skoah has opened its second skin gym in Calgary. This Vancouver-based company is best known for its customized skin care “workouts” and, in addition to Chinook Centre, Calgarians can now flex their faces in Kensington. The Skoah experts are personal trainers for the face, offering Power Hour Treatments and Facialicious facials —all ranging from $70 to $100. Kensington is also the perfect location to pop in and receive a brow or makeup fix before heading into the core for a night on the town. —Kristin Hursh

Skoah, 116 10th St. NW., Calgary, 403-264-0203, www.skoah.com

It’s officially the dreaded in-between season: summer holidays are a distant memory and upcoming vacations are far-off in the future.

It’s time to rebalance your mind and body closer to home at Leela Eco Spa and Studio. Part yoga studio, part spa, the Bridgeland space offers yoga sessions and spa services that are meant to complement one another.

Start with a Rise and Shine yoga class and post Savasana, head to the spa for added Zen with an “I am Relaxed” therapeutic massage ($85). The studio also offers a variety of workshops and esthetics like the Pure Touch hot stone facial ($120).

If only hibernation was an option, we’d stay awhile.

Leela Eco Spa and Studio, 849 First Ave. NE, Calgary, 403-258-3268, www.leelaecospa.com

Inspired by chic hotels around the world, the new SFM Salon Spa is all about creating an urban traveler lifestyle.

In the hair lounge (pictured), try a Seah hair spa treatment (from $25) like the moisturizing lotus masque, perfect for dry hair that’s been exposed to Alberta air for much too long. Pedicures and manicures (from $25) take place in the nail lounge while waxing services, hair removal and body treatments happen in private rooms off the sanctuary lounge. Expect to rub elbows with the Canadian Olympic athletes—the salon and spa has already hosted a number of athletes from the women’s hockey and speed skating teams.

Strictly for men and with its own private entrance, M Cuts, Shaves and Shines is an ode to the Rat Pack days where gentlemen lounged in classic barber chairs while indulging in hot towel shaves, beard trims and shoe shines.

SFM Salon Spa, Suite 100, 1333 Eighth St. SW, Calgary, 403-228-1600, www.sfmsalonspa.com

Trade winter’s chills for sunny thrills with our luxe (for less bucks) itinerary.

stay
With up to 1,900 square feet, a new private villa at The Hyatt Grand Champions may be bigger than your apartment—only it's got butler service, an outdoor Jaccuzzi, and mountain views. Two bedroom villa from $409, www.grandchampions.hyatt.com

eat
Explore the romantic grounds of La Quinta, a 1920s health ranch turned hotel (note the casita where Frank Capra wrote You Can’t Take It With You). Sit outside at the authentic Mexican Adobe Grill and sip one of their famous organic margaritas. It’s good for you, really. www.laquintaresort.com

spa
Plan to spend the whole day at the Spa at Desert Springs, with its own outdoor saltwater lap pool and loungers overlooking the golf course and mountains. Listen to classical music and order a light lunch from the spa restaurant between trips to the two steam rooms and spa treatments using local dates and cacti. www.spa.desertspringsresort.com

do
Grab the girls and attend one of the daily $20 golf clinics at the soothing and scenic Westin Mission Hills. The strapping pros have the patience of Job as you hit dead air or divot their green, but it’s amazing how quickly you can improve with their simple pointers. www.westinmissionhillsgolf.com

Looking for more luxe for less bucks? Check out our recent Palm Springs itinerary.

We’re particular about our skincare, so we love the new kreate your facial ($150) from Skoah. 

You pick what treatments you like most—an extra mask perhaps or more focus on the hands and feet rather than the visage—and the “skin care trainers” do their thing accordingly.

Susie be choosie.

Skoah, Chinook Centre, 6455 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary, 403-203-0200, www.skoah.com

Chicken satay, white sandy beaches, riding on the back of a moped…yes, we’re a little nostalgic about our university-era backpacking trip through Thailand.

At  the moment, we can’t justify a plane ticket to Phuket, but we can jet to a zen den that doesn't require a passport.

Newly opened, The Spa Ritual had us hooked from the moment we were greeted by the Thai hostess. Gliding through the majestic double doors, we traded our snow-covered boots for comfy slippers and path of rejuvination (or at least a relaxing afternoon). The therapeutic massage ($125 for 60 minutes) was soothing in all the right spots, as was the infrared-heated, natural stone loungers in the Bali room. The lemongrass manicure ($60) is next our list, along with the Japanese-inspired Matcha Tea Facial ($155).

When in Asia, right?

The Spa Ritual, 106 Crowfoot Terrace NW, Calgary, 403-547-9558, www.thesparitual.com