Our Story
AIKA
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AIKA is a private sanctuary in the forest to escape, slow down, and find your balance. AIKA is a Finnish word that means ‘spending time’. We chose to name our brand AIKA to honour the deep roots of traditional Nordic sauna culture and represent our core values of spending time on wellness, making meaningful connections, and the practice of mindfulness.
Time is our most valuable resource. It’s time to put your well-being at the forefront.
We operate as a private members club for wellness seekers and membership is free upon making a booking for our services and submitting your liability waiver.
Our Founders
Aika was founded by Emily and Tristan, a married couple with a young family from Brackendale, BC
Emily and Tristan’s goal is to inspire individuals in their personal health and wellness journey by providing an opportunity to connect deeper with self, with others, and with nature.
Emily and Tristan worked in Sweden for two years before moving to Squamish and founding AIKA. During their time in Scandinavia they both fell in love with Nordic sauna culture. They would frequently sauna on an island in the archipelago off the West Coast of Sweden and plunge directly into the frigid ocean. This became part of their weekly routine, and they looked forward to it as a way to connect with friends, cleanse the mind and body, and celebrate the end of the workweek.
They travelled extensively around Scandinavia and visited every public and private bath house that they could find. Upon returning to Canada they felt access to these types of facilities was limited and so, they took the initiative to design and build their own.
Emily and Tristan value time, well-being, and mindfulness.
Their enthusiasm and passion to share the benefits of this invigorating wellness ritual is the driving force behind AIKA.
Our Philosophy
Our goal is to help inspire you in your personal health and wellness journey
AIKA means ‘spending time’. When you choose to spend time at AIKA, you are choosing to nurture your soul while fostering deeper levels of connection to self, to others, and to nature.
It’s your wellness journey, we’re here to help.
Our Values
+ Time
Time is our most valuable resource. We have a finite amount of it and cannot generate more. Therefore we feel that one of the most critical decisions we make in life is deciding how to spend it.
+ Well-Being
It’s time to put your well-being at the forefront. We are here to help.
+ Mindfulness
Being mindful takes time and intention. It is a practice that leads to peace and enlightenment. Through the practice of mindfulness we embody our authentic selves and do our best work.
