Japanese 'Ofuro' Soaking Tubs
cedar | water | sky
"Ofuro Soaking Tubs originate from Japan where bathing is not just a bath but rather a spiritual ritual. The Ofuro bathing practice differs from North American and European bathtubs, Ofuro bathtubs are 'Zen' like providing a sensual pleasure and a feeling of well-being and harmony with the natural surroundings, perhaps in a garden or spiritual landscape. Japanese bathtubs help to restore mental and spiritual well-being by providing a private relaxation space, and they promote good health by stimulating circulation.
"The mechanics of an Ofuro Tub require a deep chin down soak which means the tub is a deeper tub than normal bathtubs... The thick cedar construction of our Ofuro's means that the tub will maintain its heat much longer than a regular tub. Our 'Ofuro Tubs" are made of clear Western Red Cedar which is a close cousin to the traditional cypress wood used in Japan. Red Cedar has the distinct advantage of being naturally resilient to decay and bacteria. It also is known for its high insulating value. The pleasant aromatherapy of cedar heightens the experience!"
https://www.cedartubs.com/ofuro.html
"We were so happy to be back at Manna House for a relaxing vacation! …the cedar hot tub was a wonderful surprise: such a different experience from conventional hot tubs - we loved the aromatic smell of cedar and the depth of the tub, and it was very enjoyable on both sunny as well as rainy days." Marta G, Sunrise (#2), Jul '22 If you are used to "city water" out of the tap which is chlorinated, ours will be a completely different and we trust, more pleasant experience. Because it is cleaned by removing particulates (>5 microns) and killing the bacteria with UV light, rather than by adding chemicals like chlorine, it's relatively 'pure' water. 'Relatively' because it retains a very high mineral content which makes the water super-soft, and that feels great on your skin!
Our water comes from a 200' deep well, which we've never known to run dry in the 19 years we've lived here. First the water goes into our 1100 gallon holding tank where it 'off-gases'. On the way into the building the filtration for particulates and bacteria ensures that it is all clean and safe (and tested), and that's what goes into the hot tubs, hot and cold.
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"The private hot tub was a huge highlight and something that we look forward to enjoying again on our next stay..." The water is always changed between guests! You will never have to hope that the folks before you were clean, because the tub has been emptied, sprayed down and refilled with a mix of cold and hot water (we have a hose attached to a hot tap on the outside of the building) to 40°C. This is maintained by a temperature sensitive motor, which starts up when the temperature drops below 40°C and circulates the water through a heater and filter, cleaning as it heats.
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"The hot tub was unique and very nice - the cedar, the warmth, no chemicals." Laurinla T, Sunrise (#2), Jul '22 All of the above measures mean that there is no need for chlorine or other unpleasant and unhealthy chemicals. The reason that many people don't like hot tubs is because they object to the smell, sensations and the very idea of these chemicals in contact with their skin; described by one guest as, in her mind, forming a kind of soup with whatever the previous occupants have left behind. Yuk! Not to mention people with sensitive skin, who find the chemicals can leave them with an awful rash. Converserly, our mineral rich but otherwise pure water leaves your skin, and your state of mind, feeling refreshed, relaxed and uncontaminated.
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“…We really appreciated all the amenities and although we caught a rainy weekend, the peaceful surroundings and access to hot tub made our day, nonetheless.” Stephanie S, Ocean Spray (#1), Jun '22 The very quiet and gentle circulating motor (further softened by insulation inside the wooden housing) is made to run 24/7, which means the tub is always ready for you to hop in, at any time. However, if you want to turn the motor off during use, to maximise the peace and quiet, simply press the downward arrow on the control panel to take the temperature setting down a degree or three, and it will cut the motor off until the water drops to that temperature.
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“We loved looking at the stars in our personal cedar hot tub at night." Sheryll F, Ocean Spray (#1), Aug '22 No vibrations, because there are no jets, so there's no need for a powerful and relatively noisy motor, which we feel would disturb the ambiance and detract from the simplicity and authenticity of a Japanese 'Ofuro' Soaker Tub.
Just sink into the still clear water, put your back against the back rest, close your eyes, and experience deep relaxation, perhaps meditation... The senses are only stimulated by the aroma of the cedar, the sounds of nature and the warm enveloping water. This is bathing as nature intended, with a little help from Japanese traditional design and Canadian workmanship. What more could you ask for?
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"At Northern Lights we supply the finest traditional wooden hot tubs... Our tubs are crafted using precision laser guided technology and we use only the finest Canadian western red cedar. All our tubs & saunas are made using only clear Grade “A” cedar ensuring there are no knots that can lead to warping or produce leaks" “It was very private and the back garden was beautiful and very relaxing in the 2 person cedar hot tub..." Kalyn G, Eagle View (#3), Jun '22 |