The Perfect Spaaah!

There are thousands of spas across Canada. Every year millions of people flock to these havens for a little pampering. But how do you go about choosing the one best suited for your needs? With some guidance, the choices won’t be overwhelming.

Whether you are looking for a quick retreat or an extended stay, this nationwide guide will help find the perfect spa for you.

Spa Services

Spas offer many types of services and some specialize in certain techniques. Most spas offer skin care and massage (Swedish, Thai, hot stone) packages. Some spas offer acupuncture sessions, herbal wraps, aromatherapy treatments, yoga classes, weight-loss programs, mud baths, or water therapies.

If you are looking for a complete makeover, there are spas that offer medical and cosmetic procedures–all done in luxurious comfort.

Ultimate Spa Destinations Across Canada

If you have enough time at lunch hour to sneak in for a mani-pedi–or even if you have a full day free–then try a day spa. If you can’t get away at all, there are mobile spas that will come to your door! But if you are really longing to leave the world behind, perhaps a destination spa is for you. Spa destinations include everything from cardio training to sweating in the steam room to detoxification therapies.

British Columbia

If you are looking for a great deal on a package for two, The Hills Health Ranch Getaway Package costs just over $400. The package includes two nights’ accommodation, six gourmet meals, and a hayride sing-along party. They also throw in one full-body massage or a private two-hour horse ride, as well as full use of spa pools, saunas, and exercise equipment. Other perks include specialty tea or coffee in the 1871 Lodge and roses in your room. Learn more about this destination at spabc.com.

Alberta

If aromatherapy is your pleasure, you will fall in love with the Scentorini Spa and Wellness in Calgary (scentorinispa.com). Their Chocolate Indulgence package oozes with chocolaty goodness: “Begin your day with a Chocolate Nutty Scrub, followed by a Chocolate Syrup application and a simultaneous Mango Manicure and Chocolate Fondue Pedicure.” Three hours of head-to-toe chocolate immersion will only set you back $185.

Ontario

The Body Blitz Spa in Toronto is all about healing with water. Their “get blitzed! therapeutic waters card” allows you five visits–with the sixth free–for about $200. Use it yourself or share with a friend. The card allows access to various mineral pools, an aromatherapy steam room, an infrared sauna, and showers. The use of lockers, kimonos, sandals, and towels is complimentary. For more information, go to bodyblitzspa.com.

Head over to the Shizen Spa in one of Toronto’s newest hotels, The Cosmopolitan, for some spa education. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to relax in any situation, take Shizen Spa’s one-hour Meditation/Relaxation course. According to their website at shizenspa.com, this course “provides you the key for a peaceful mind and soul.”

Nova Scotia

Looking for a deep body massage? Check out Kneaded Bodywork Massage Therapy and Spa Services in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. They offer a “unique treatment involving a pressure-point technique that works very deep in the muscle tissue and helps to relieve chronic muscle tension.” You can book 30 minutes for $50, or 60 minutes for $75. Go to kneadedbodywork.com for more information.

We are so lucky in Canada to have such wonderful spas and services to choose from. The only difficulty lies in picking which one to try first!

Spa Etiquette

• Be on time for your appointment to ensure that you get the full time that you paid for. Better yet, show up early and begin to relax before the treatment.
• Turn off your cellphone before your treatment. There is nothing more jarring than a ringing phone to disturb your peace.
• Book an appointment in advance. Do not expect to walk in and be seen right away.
• Call if you need to cancel your appointment or are going to be late.
• Dress in comfortable clothing, especially if you are receiving a massage or taking an exercise class.
• Leave a tip. If you’ve received a gift certificate or booked a package, the tip may be included. Ask about the spa’s policies, but usually a 10 to 20 percent tip is appropriate.