ONTARIO SPAS
Here's a random sampling of personally tested Ontario spas
by Anne Dimon
As savvy travellers look for new getaway options, the lure of mind-calming, stress-reducing, soul-soothing spas is heating up faster than a body cocooned in an algae wrap. So, for those of you looking for that much needing escape from the real world look no further than Ontario. The central-Canadian province probably has more spas and wellness centres than all the other provinces combined.
Over the years, this spa aficionado has sampled spa's near and far and here at home, I can attest that accredited Ontario spas are worth every grain of their sea salt scrub. Therapists are skilled and knowledgeable, the variety of treatments extensive, and the facilities varied enough to suit any occasion be it a romantic getaway, bonding with your daughter, a gal pals weekend or singular solitude. Here's a random sampling of personally tested Ontario spas:
ELIZABETH MILAN
www.elizabethmilanspa.com
One of my favourite downtown spas is Elizabeth Milan at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Owner Elizabeth Milan, in the business for close to 25 years, is one of the divas of the spa industry. She still exhibits a passion and enthusiasm for her line of work, and she really knows her stuff.
With its 11 treatment rooms, the spa is much larger than it looks from the outside, and once inside, youd never know that you're just steps away from Toronto's Union Station. Sitting in the peaceful waiting area, soaking in the quiet wrapped in a vanilla-coloured waffle robe, deadlines and unsolicited e-mail are a world away.
The spa offers a full menu of treatments and services including a hair salon and one of the specialties is the Royal Vault Treatment Suite which has its own whirlpool and aromatherapy steam room. Signature treatments include a Native Aboriginal Body Ritual, Spirit of the South Seas Body Ritual and the Amazing Grape Treatment. A visit to Elizabeth Milan is the perfect appetizer to an evening in the nearby Entertainment District.
CLARAMOUNT INN & SPA, Picton
www.claramountinn.com or call 1-800-679-7756
For owner Dr. Nora Connell and spa director Arleen Wilkinson, the intimate Claramount Spa in Prince Edward County, an easy drive east of Toronto, is all about health of body, mind and soul. Don't even think the word 'pampering' in their presence. The wellness philosophy here is driven by the century-old philosophy of Dr. Kneipp who subscribed to the healing benefits of water.
Overlooking the waters of Picton Bay, the newly-restored mini mansion, a former home dating back to 1906, still exudes a turn of the century elegance. Offering just seven guest rooms, it very nicely delivers the type of personal attention and sense of calm that some spa-goers demand.
On the menu you'll find such treatments as a Vichy Massage Therapy, the Aqua Body Polish, customized Herbal Baths, and the rather unoxthodox Wet Sock treatment. Yes, I was a little skeptical too, but it's truly relaxing. Another Kneipp treatment is the foot bath. I enjoyed it as the appetizer to a pedicure.
And, what about those esthetic treatments facials, manicures and pedicures on the wellness menu? According to Dr. Connell, 'if you feel you look good, then you feel good.' Mental health, she says, is also important in a well-rounded wellness philosophy.
Next time you need a 'chill pill' consider taking the waters.
ELEMENTAL EMBRACE, BRIGHTON
www.elementalembrace.com; 1-866-212-9355.
Moving from water to oil as a basic 'tool' used by those in the preventative medicine field, the 14-guest room Elemental Embrace in Brighton, Ontario is the only spa in Ontario, perhaps in Canada, to have full-time, on-staff Ayurvedic doctors from Indian. In this relaxed, home-like setting, situated on a 12-hectare woodland estate, spa-goers will find an environment ideally suited for quiet, quality 'me time.'
Ayurvedic treatments are all about oils ' lots of oils ' customized and blended to suit each individual clients needs. Sometimes that means the need to relax, other times the need is to stimulate and energize. Arleen Moshe of Toronto, here with her husband for an overnight retreat says 'therapists don't go into automatic pilot, but tailor a treatment to individual needs. We like that in a spa.
While customized Ayurvedic spa treatments administered by two accredited Ayurvedic doctors is one of the things that give this wellness retreat an edge, another is the food. While Chef Brian Henry works from a basic plan for the three meals a day that accompany spa packages, there is no set menu, but expect to dine on things such as lamb, duck, beef, fish and seafood. Each dish, innovatively created and artistically presented, is also slightly tweaked for the individual. 'Everyone is accommodated according to their Ayurvedic consultation, likes, dislikes, allergies or dietary restrictions,' he says.
HIGHFIELDS COUNTRY INN & SPA, ZEPHYR
www.highfields.com
Overlooking the rolling hills of Uxbridge, Highfields Country Inn & Spa offers an intimate (just 8 guest rooms), comfortable, non-intimidating environment decked out with antique pine pieces, crocks, vintage lamps and other collectibles. The dining room is a restored 1830s barn complete with rafters, beamed ceiling and an imposing fieldstone fireplace.
A few of the spa's more novel treatments are the East Indian Head Massage and its original Honey Bee Pat combined with an exfoliation and massage all under a Vichy shower. My favourite, the Oxygen Facial, can surely be filed under the rejuvenation category. Yes, the face definitely looked younger, fresher and healthier once owner Norma Daniel had worked her magic cleaning, exfoliating, feeding oxygen and a combination of 87 different vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the skin.
Located on 175 acres just south of the town of Zephyr, HighFields overlooks the gently rolling hills of Uxbridge. Even though it's less then an hour's drive from downtown Toronto, it has a relaxed, rural feel. The surroundings, mixed with the spa's knowledgeable and personable staff, put even first-timers at instant ease. So does the adopted black hound cross 'Tuesday,' named for the Tebetan sage Tuesday Lobsang Rampa.
For more stories on Ontario Spas and spas in other parts of Canada check out our Canada: Spa & Wellness Travel Articles
For information on other Ontario spas go to www.premierspasofontario.ca
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