A Day at The Spa
Where to Enjoy the Comfort of a Spa in the Time of Covid
Where to Enjoy the Comfort of a Spa in the Time of Covid
Aday at the Spa. The words themselves bring solace and anticipation of calm, a stepping away from the moodiness of the day to a realm of quietude and physical and emotional comfort. Some may compare a Spa Day to sex: Even if it’s not great, it’s good.
■ LANGDON HALL COUNTRY HOUSE AND SPA
A drive in the country, car windows open, is always invigorating, and as we enter the stately driveway of Langdon Hall Country House and Spa, I have a feeling that my experience at this multi-award-winning Spa is going to be one of the great ones. As the doors to the Spa domain open, there is an immediate recognition of the scent of Langdon Hall’s personal aromatherapy and faint sounds of music coming from…somewhere. Hard decisions have been made, and choosing from the unique Services offered has required me to be a master of compromise. I am intrigued by the Indie Head Relaxation Treatment. Originating in India, this invigorating yet relaxing scalp massage helps relieve tension and stress through friction, clawing, and striking movements using grapeseed oil. Starting with the shoulder and neck area, the therapist will then move up and over the scalp, face, and back, and will finish with chakra holding to create peace. The Spa uses L’moor spa products which are made in Canada. This 100% natural source body care line offers integrity, transparency, a commitment to safety, and contain no synthetic preservatives, no synthetic colours or fragrances, and no petroleum derivatives. I consider the earthy Moor Mud Body mask, imagining a myriad of sensations as anti-aging, detoxifying, anti – inflammatory and anti-cellulite benefits kick in. Or shall I experience the sea? A full exfoliant scrub with local aromatic infused oil is followed by a warm enveloping seaweed wrap of blue-green algae and sea kelp extract, combined with a moisturizing gel that purifies and nourishes the skin. Afterwards, while I enjoy herbal tea in the lounge, I can envision the stresses I brought with me lying in a heap on the floor of the treatment room.
■ MOKARA SPA
Valet Parking at the Omni King Edward Hotel is impressive and sets the tone. We know we will be well taken care of. As I make my way to the Mokara Spa, I wonder, “What’s in a name?” I learn that the Mokara Orchid is a hybrid of three orchids with each flower possessing its own beauty. This orchid inspires every spa experience. Understated luxury is much in evidence in this recently opened Spa. Designers have really sharpened their pencils to create an ambiance that coaxes us into calm relaxation.
Enveloped in an ultra-fluffy robe and slippers, I am emotionally prepared to surrender my face to the golden hands of my esthetician. Offered a choice of an aromatherapy blend to be infused throughout the facial, I ask for my favorite: lavender, bergamot, cedarwood. Surprisingly, this sensorial spa experience begins with a warm foot bath and a gentle foot scrub. Mama always said, “If your feet hurt, it shows on your face.” There is a lovely enhancement of a warm paraffin treatment for feet. All of this is foreplay for a customized facial, collagen mask and scalp massage. I fall asleep almost immediately. Mokara is a proud believer in gender equality, and has created The King’s Court, where savvy men come for a mani/pedi, a back facial, waxing in any areas they would rather have hair-free, and foot care, as well as massage. With Bay St. Towers nearby, many men choose stress-relieving selfcare rather than a two-martini lunch. Rumour has it that people have been seen floating out of the spa to enjoy an exemplary afternoon tea in the Tea Lounge.
■ THE ELMWOOD SPA
In the 1970s, The Elmwood, an exclusive private club for women, opened in an 1891 Heritage building on Elm Street. But for decades now, it has existed as the Elmwood Spa, open to the public, while still retaining the charm of the architecture and the small niceties of the past. The full-service Spa includes a hair salon, mani/ pedi lounge, and an extensive variety of massages and facials. They have not neglected anyone in need of pampering. A trio of moms-to-be are indulging in smoothies at the Juice Bar while they await their Pre-natal experience. I see that alternative therapies such as Thai massage and Reflexology are also on the menu. The last ten months have taken their toll, and it’s most apparent on our faces. Help is at hand, for women and men. Skilled estheticians carry out a non-surgical face-lift featuring Nuface Microcurrent Face Training device, which helps to stimulate collagen production and elastin, and lifts, firms and tones the skin with immediate and noticeable results. Considering its beginnings as a private women’s club, I am surprised to see quite a few men among the clientele. By their physical appearance, I imagine they are professional athletes. (Not that I’m looking.) Seems the Couples Package is mighty popular. On a winter’s day, invite your partner to exchange office-casual for a
cozy robe and slippers, and enjoy your personally curated Couples Package. Go for the thrill of the escape. You can enjoy the complimentary Water Therapies (pool, whirlpool, and steam rooms) before your massage. And while you may prefer a deep tissue massage, your partner can enjoy a Swedish massage with fragrant essential oils to build up the immune system, soothe or invigorate. Mani/pedi for two is always fun. And, still in comfy robe and slippers, your day can culminate in the Terrace Dining Room with a Spa meal and two glasses of Chardonnay, please.
■ FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO SPA
Soon 2020 will pass and a new year will begin, one that is filled with resolutions to make us better, healthier, stronger and more beautiful. We begin January with a shortlived zeal. We need a motivational booster shot. What better than a facial and massage at the Four Seasons Spa. Don’t let the style of the corporate front desk deter you. Inside the spa it’s all luxurious good taste. The state-of the art facility spans more than 30,000 square feet, and every amenity from the water to the grooming supplies to the terry robes are clearly top of the line. From the classic treatments to the exotic, we are in good hands here. The Cultural Mosaic of Canada package illustrates Canada’s cultural heritage and diversity. Immerse your psyche in an Indian Head Massage, a foot bath, an Asian Fusion massage and a classic European facial, and come out with a feel-good attitude that lasts for weeks. With blackout curtains drawn, cozy in a soft furry blanket, while aromatherapy and music you’ve chosen from an ipad fill the room, Princesses, Brides and regular folks like us step into an opulent fantasy world of the Holistic Sapphire Gemstone Facial. Using the power of precious minerals and gemstones including rose quartz, platinum, copper and nano-gold as well as sapphires, rubies, diamonds and pearls, it also employs eastern healing techniques enhanced with crystal wands and gemstones to promote lymphatic drainage. Too much is never too much. The Lime and Macadamia Body Scrub and Wrap, as well as the gentle foaming Snowbird Ruby Red Grapefruit Scrub can refresh and invigorate us to the core. Feeling grateful, energized and beautified, we’re once again motivated to take on the challenges of the new year.