Usva Spa is expanding to St. Andrews with a new Nordic spa set to open in spring 2026, in partnership with The Algonquin Resort.
The project, called Usva by‑the‑Sea, is being built next to the historic seaside hotel.
The development is supported by InnVest Hotels, owners of The Algonquin Resort, along with funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and UNI Coopérative financière.
Founder Geneviève Nolet said the idea for the expansion came after the resort’s new owners approached her about opening a second location.
“I was happy with having just one spa in Moncton, but when you have things in life that happen to you, they happen for a reason. I couldn’t miss that opportunity,” Nolet said.
She added that the partnership is designed to benefit both the spa and the resort.
Nolet said St. Andrews was a natural fit because the town is busy in the summer but quieter in the winter, when Nordic spas are most popular.
She explained that the project builds on the town’s long history of wellness.
“Bringing a Nordic spa with outdoor pools year‑round where people are relaxing in waters, it’s kind of bringing that same history that was there over a hundred years ago,” Nolet said.
She noted that The Algonquin Resort once had bathtubs filled with seawater because guests believed in the healing qualities of Passamaquoddy Bay.
Community leaders have also expressed support. Nolet said the president of the local chamber of commerce attended the announcement and expressed support for the project.
She said the spa could help extend the tourism season and encourage more businesses to remain open through the winter.
Nolet painted a picture of the guest experience, with visitors spending hours in saunas, cold plunges and hot pools, all while looking out at the ocean and watching the sunset.
She said combining the spa with a stay at The Algonquin would create “the perfect wellness getaway.”
For Nolet, the expansion is both exciting and overwhelming.
“It’s a lot to take in because I never expected that this would be an opportunity that would be presented to me,” she said.
“But I’ll probably see a lot of good coming out of this. It’s such a perfect partnership and a perfect opportunity.”
Usva Spa opened its first location in Moncton, and says the new St. Andrews site will continue its mission of creating nature‑inspired spaces for relaxation and well‑being.
