Sweat
The sauna
Heat, quiet, and nowhere else to be. Step in, slow down, let the day go.
A signature Merlot House guest experience
An Adults-Only Wellness Stay in Calgary
Stay. Soak. Sweat. Plunge. Unwind.
Step out the back door and into the shared open-air spa circuit — an outdoor sauna, two cold plunges, a hot tub and a 14 × 14-foot fire-pit lounge with seating. Ambient lighting and a landscaped backyard set the scene; a 70″ outdoor TV can be set up by request. Shared by the five stays, exclusive to registered Merlot House guests, and never open to the public.
If you've been searching for Calgary accommodation with a sauna and hot tub — or a winter getaway with a cold plunge and a fire, without leaving the city — this is what makes Merlot House different: a landscaped backyard spa in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, wrapped in ambient outdoor light, that comes with every stay.
- Outdoor sauna
- Hot tub
- Two cold plunge tubs
- 14' × 14' fire-pit lounge
- Outdoor seating
- 70" outdoor TV available by request
- Outdoor ambient lighting
- Landscaped backyard setting
At your own pace
The Merlot House Wellness Circuit
There is no required routine and no pressure to complete every step. Enjoy the experience at your own pace, stay within your comfort level and give yourself time to rest.
- 01
Warm
Begin by settling into the sauna or hot tub. Slow down, breathe and allow yourself time to unwind.
- 02
Cool
When you feel ready, refresh in one of the cold plunges. Enter gradually, keep the experience brief and step out whenever you feel uncomfortable.
- 03
Rest
Dry off, hydrate and relax beside the fire pit or in the outdoor lounge. Give your body time to return to a comfortable temperature.
- 04
Repeat If It Feels Right
You may repeat the circuit at your own pace, but never push beyond your comfort level. The goal is to leave feeling restored—not exhausted.
The Merlot House Wellness Circuit is a self-guided recreational experience, not medical treatment or supervised therapy. Guests who are pregnant or who have cardiovascular, blood-pressure or other health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using hot or cold amenities. Never use the spa while impaired.
18+ Adults Only
The Merlot House Backyard Spa is shared by registered guests age 18 and older. Children and infants are not permitted at the property or in the Backyard Spa.
The experience
Sweat. Plunge. Soak. Gather. Watch.
Five ways to spend an evening in the backyard — in any order you like.
Plunge
Two cold plunges
Take a breath. Take the plunge. Emerge wide awake.
Soak
The hot tub
A long soak under big Alberta sky — whatever the thermometer says.
Gather
The fire-pit lounge
A circle around the fire, and a conversation that runs later than you planned.
Watch
The 70" outdoor TV — by request
Request the 70" outdoor TV in advance for the game and enjoy the evening outside under the open sky. It is not permanently set up.
Disconnect to reconnect.
Unplug — on your terms.
Put the phones away, sit around the fire, and finish a conversation for once. Or request the outdoor TV for the hockey game under the night sky. Unwind your way in a shared space made for Merlot House guests.
Calgary in winter
Winter looks different at Merlot House.
Sauna heat while the snow falls. A plunge that wakes up every sense. Steam rising off the hot tub under a cold, clear sky. Then the fire and ambient light — or a game outside when the TV has been requested. Individual amenities may close temporarily for weather or safety.
The Backyard Spa operates year-round, including winter. Individual amenities may occasionally be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, weather, safety requirements or circumstances outside our reasonable control.
Good to know
Backyard Spa Rules
The Backyard Spa is a shared space. These rules help keep it clean, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
- Registered adult guests only
- The Backyard Spa is reserved for registered adult guests of Merlot House. Children, infants, unauthorized visitors and unregistered guests are not permitted.
- Spa hours
- The Backyard Spa is open daily from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Please respect quiet hours from 11:00 PM until 8:00 AM.
- Shared access
- The spa is shared and available first-come, first-served. During busy periods, please limit sauna and hot-tub use to approximately one hour when other guests are waiting.
- Shower before entering
- Please shower before using the hot tub, sauna or cold plunges. Do not use oils, lotions or other products that could affect the water.
- No glass
- Glass is never permitted in the Backyard Spa. Please use non-breakable drinkware only; provided drinkware is not yet confirmed.
- Use amenities responsibly
- Enter the cold plunges gradually, use handrails where provided and never dive or jump into the water. Do not pour liquids or substances onto the sauna heater unless the posted sauna instructions expressly permit it.
- Do not use while impaired
- For your safety, do not use the hot tub, sauna, cold plunges or fire-pit area while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, medication or any other substance.
- No smoking or vaping
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the property and Backyard Spa.
- Keep noise low
- Please speak quietly, avoid amplified music and respect neighbouring guests and nearby residents.
- Replace covers and leave the area tidy
- Replace hot-tub and cold-plunge covers after use and leave the area tidy. Bring towels from your suite and return them there after use; a used-towel hamper is not yet confirmed.
- Fire-pit safety
- Use the fire-pit area responsibly and follow all posted instructions. The fire pit may be unavailable because of weather, maintenance or local fire restrictions.
- Temporary closures
- Individual amenities may close without notice because of weather, maintenance, water quality or safety concerns. Guest safety takes priority.
Thank you for helping us keep the Backyard Spa safe, peaceful and ready for everyone to enjoy.
FAQ
Backyard Spa questions, answered.
- Is the Backyard Spa included with every stay?
- Yes. Access to the shared Backyard Spa is included with every Merlot House stay, subject to operating hours and temporary closures.
- Is the Backyard Spa private?
- No. The Backyard Spa is shared by registered adult guests of the five Merlot House stays, first-come, first-served.
- Are children permitted?
- No. Every registered guest must be 18 or older. Children and infants are not permitted.
- What is included in the wellness circuit?
- Warm in the sauna or hot tub, cool in a cold plunge if comfortable, rest by the fire or outdoors, and repeat only if it feels right. This is a self-guided recreational experience, not therapy.
- Do I have to use the cold plunge?
- No. There is no required routine. Enjoy the shared Backyard Spa at your own pace and stay within your comfort level.
- Are robes and spa towels provided?
- Robes and dedicated spa towels are not yet confirmed. Please bring the towels provided in your suite to the Backyard Spa and return them to your suite after use.
- Can spa amenities close temporarily?
- Yes. Individual amenities may occasionally close for weather, maintenance, water quality or safety requirements.
- How do I check current prices and availability?
- Use the direct booking link for a bookable stay to see live rates, taxes, fees, minimum stays and availability before confirming. Direct booking for The Press Box is opening soon.
- What is included in the Backyard Spa?
- The Backyard Spa includes an outdoor sauna, hot tub, two cold plunge tubs and a fire-pit lounge. A 70" outdoor television is available by request for special viewing occasions.
- What are the Backyard Spa hours?
- The Backyard Spa is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It closes at 11:00 PM when quiet hours begin.
- Is the Backyard Spa available during winter?
- Yes. The Merlot House Backyard Spa operates year-round, including winter, subject to temporary closures for maintenance, weather or safety requirements.
- Is the Backyard Spa first-come, first-served?
- Yes. It is a shared space available first-come, first-served during operating hours. During busy periods, please limit sauna and hot-tub sessions to one hour when others are waiting.
- Is the Backyard Spa open to the public?
- No. The Backyard Spa is exclusively for guests staying at Merlot House.
- Is Merlot House adults only?
- Yes. Every registered guest must be 18 or older. Children and infants are not permitted.
- Is this a commercial spa?
- No. The Backyard Spa is a shared outdoor guest amenity at Merlot House.
- Where is Merlot House located?
- Merlot House is in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta.
- Which stays have full kitchens?
- Merlot House, Shiraz Retreat and Cabernet Sauvignon Retreat have full kitchens. Sip & Soak Retreat and The Press Box do not have full kitchens.
- Which stay is best for two guests?
- Sip & Soak Retreat sleeps two, with a queen bed, XL rainfall shower and clawfoot tub. Compare all five stays to find your fit.
- What time are check-in and checkout?
- Check-in is from 3:00 PM and checkout is by 11:00 AM.
- Can guests book directly?
- Yes. Four stays have direct booking links to the Merlot House booking system. Direct booking for The Press Box is opening soon.
- Are parties, pets, smoking or unauthorized visitors allowed?
- No. Parties or events, pets, smoking or vaping, and unauthorized visitors are not permitted. Only registered guests may access the property and Backyard Spa.
Planning a couples getaway?
Explore Sip & Soak for an adults-only romantic stay in Calgary — queen bed, XL rainfall shower and clawfoot tub, with access to the shared Backyard Spa.
Choose your stay
Five unique stays. One unforgettable Backyard Spa.
Every Merlot House stay includes Backyard Spa access — Sauna • Hot Tub • Two Cold Plunges • Fire Pit • Outdoor TV Available by Request. Pick your personality; the spa comes with it.
The flagship · 3 bedrooms
Merlot House
The whole house, all yours.
Shared Backyard Spa Included3 kings · Groups & friends
A retreat within Merlot House · Queen + full
Cabernet Sauvignon Retreat
Bold, plush, a little dramatic.
Shared Backyard Spa IncludedQueen + full · Couples & small groups
A retreat within Merlot House · King bed
Shiraz Retreat
Warm, cozy, slow mornings.
Shared Backyard Spa IncludedKing + full · Couples & small groups
A retreat within Merlot House
Sip & Soak Retreat
A soak, a sip, a slow evening.
Shared Backyard Spa IncludedQueen · Romantic & spa escapes
New · One of a kindSports · Theatre · Bar
The Press Box at Merlot House
Sleep where you watch the game.
Shared Backyard Spa IncludedQueen Murphy · Sports & entertainment
Direct booking opening soon