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Spa at Deerhurst Resort upgrades
with a bit of cosmetic surgery July 22, 2009

by Anne Dimon

When the world’s political leaders gather, in June 2010, for the 36th Annual G8 Summit they will be better able to squeeze in a mani/pedi or shampoo and cut, even a massage or facial between all the meetings, networking and negotiating of strategic alliances. The host venue for the G8 Summit, Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, has recently enhanced and expanded their spa. I swung by for a visit this past weekend.

Located on the lower level of the sports complex, the original spa was renovated and slightly expanded to add a reception and mani/pedi areas (pedi chairs have pipeless technology for maximum hygiene) and a small hair salon was moved to its own private space.

It’s still what you’d call an intimate spa. Just seven rooms in total and most on the smallish side, plus the salon, the mani-pedi areas and a change room that doubles as a lounge. In addition to the lockers, change area, showers, vanity and steam room, this is where you’ll find the ladies lounge plus a small help-yourself station set up with pitchers of fruit-infused waters. As a waiting area, the lounge serves its purpose but following a treatment it’s not the best place to relax amidst all the usual locker room activities and chatter.

Another small lounge (added as part of the upgrade) is used for those booking salon treatments or mani/pedis when changing to a robe is not necessary. But it can also be used by guests having a massage, facial or body treatment, or as a couples lounge.

Available in either lounge (the larger of the two is licensed to serve alcohol) is a menu of spa snacks and dishes including trail mix, Tibetan goji berries, California Rolls, pita served with assorted dips, several salads, grilled chicken sandwich, veggie burger and a cheese plate.

The spa also offers a full menu of services including a few – the Indian Head Champissage and the Rosacea Solution Facial, for instance - that you don’t typically find in guest amenity spas. There are also a number of body treatments including the locally-inspired Muskoka Maple Sugar Body Polish. Product lines include Pevonia (for skin and body care) Aveda (for hair) Jane Iredale (make up) and Zoya nail polish which acting spa manager Kelly Maclennan says “is comparable to the more popular OPI polish, but is formaldehyde, toluene, DBP and camphor free.”

I booked the 75-minute Crème Fraiche with Papaya & Pineapple. The scent of pineapple and papaya is fresh and invigorating and don’t be surprised if it makes you feel like one big dessert. The treatment includes an exfoliation with sea salt (mixed with pineapple and papaya extracts); a pineapple and papaya-scented body mask of thick, rich cream with the consistency of - yes, crème fraiche; a 25-minute wrap, followed by a multi-jet Swiss shower, then the application of a moisturizing cream.

During the wrap portion, the treatment calls for a head and shoulder massage but I asked therapist Jayne Rydall for a foot massage instead. She graciously complies even though it's a bit of a squeeze for her to slide in between the end of the bed and the door. I’m in luck. Jayne – one of the senior therapist with skills well-honed - is also trained in reflexology. A good reflexology treatment is right up there with a good therapeutic massage.

Now comes the final stage. I’ve had similar scrub/wrap treatments where the final application of lotion/cream is just slathered on perfunctorily, but Jayne is in-the-moment and her application is firm and with massage-like strokes.

Deerhurst is a full-service and busy conference resort with lots of outdoor activities including a water park, hiking trails and two golf courses, but it’s also a big draw for families especially during summer and other school breaks. That’s perfect if you’re looking for a resort with lots of activities for the kids while you enjoy the spa – but maybe not so perfect if you’re looking for a quiet getaway. Also, keep in mind it’s a small spa for a 401-room resort, so to avoid disappointment, book your treatment at the same time you book your room.

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The Travel to Wellness list of Best Spas Canada

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