Aravinda: New spa/study and retreat centre in Sharbot Lake

Nov 26, 2014

Diane Chorney and her husband, Jon Alvarenga, recently relocated to Sharbot Lake after purchasing a home right across from Oso Beach. That is good news for those who enjoy massage and other spa-related treatments.

Chorney, who hails from Timmins, Ontario, has been offering massage and other holistic treatments and study for over 12 years. Her business is called Aravinda, which means White Lotus in Sanskrit. In her words, it is all about “blooming where you are planted” and “rising above the muck that life can throw your way.” Aravinda offers a wide range of courses and treatments, including a condensed six-month myomassology course, and treatments in massage, aromatherapy, deep tissue relaxation, yoga, meditation, hot stone treatments, Indian head massage, Chinese fire cupping, as well as spa wraps and scrubs and more.

Chorney, who for five years ran a retreat centre at her former home in Nellie Lake near Timmins, had been looking for the past year to relocate and said she is thrilled to have landed in Sharbot Lake. She said that the natural beauty of the surroundings makes Sharbot Lake the perfect location for her new family home and business.

The business offers beautiful views of Sharbot Lake and the feeling upon entering their bright and spacious living room is one of instantaneous peace and calm. Chorney is a registered holistic nutritionist and studied at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition at Aromatica, a holistic study centre located on the Bruce Peninsula. She is also a honours graduate in English from Carleton University in Ottawa. She did healing work at a number of First Nations communities including Attawapiskat, and in Quebec at Chisasibi and Nemaska.

Chorney also offers retreats to smaller groups in her home and will travel to offer her services to larger groups as well. She also sells gift certificates for those wanting a bit of hands on healing and relaxation during the upcoming busy holiday season. Aravinda is located at 1017 Mathew Street in Sharbot Lake beside The Maples restaurant. Appointments can be made by calling 613-464-1183. For more information visit http://aravinda.guru/

(Editors note: a previous version of this article said that a "massage therapy certification" course was available at Aravinda. This wording was printed in error on the part of The Frontenac News and was not a claim made by Diane Chorney)