Othership and Wellness Haus – Two New Wellness Spas in Toronto

 

by Lynn Burshtein

Day spas often conjure up images of aesthetic treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials or maybe a Swedish massage – generally more about pampering than probing into health and wellness territory. But our increasingly complex life calls for more sophisticated treatments and assessments – hence the proliferation of medispas and upscale wellness clinics, which include two new Toronto-based businesses, Othership and Wellness Haus. These and other modern city wellness spas offer experiences that go beyond skin-deep.    Another Toronto Spa

Othership: Features Otherworldly Group Sauna and Ice Bath Classes

With two locations in Toronto and a flagship in the Flatiron district of New York City, the swanky Othership is a new-age bath house that bills itself as a “space for transformation” to help, according to their promotional materials, “to regulate yourself and your emotions in a world that can’t be regulated.” A tall order, indeed. There is a wide range of classes, all centered on body positivity and inclusivity. From the “Free Flow” sessions designed for self-guided sauna and ice bath journeys, to the “Energize and Uplift” class, an upbeat and revitalizing experience, to the “Untangle and Restore”, a restorative class designed to soothe and undo tension. And for wellness-oriented social butterflies, there is the “Bring Your Crew” – a group session designed as an alcohol-free night out with friends. 

Curious to see what the buzz was about, I booked a 75-minute session called “Senses” at Othership’s chi-chi Yorkville location. The social but subdued setting is beautifully designed. I was led through a dark-lit, co-ed changing room to a stadium-style meeting hub where a rapt audience of approximately 40 participants were given an overview of the proceedings.

Photo of Sauna courtesy of Othership

Our kind and knowledgeable instructor, Beck, provided a journey through each of our senses while situated in the infrared room – also stadium style. About mid-way through the journey, we took turns rinsing off under showers before embarking on the ice bath portion of the session. While I was proud of myself for dipping both ankles in, my neighbour gleefully plugged her nose and fully immersed herself. Not to worry as we were told by Beck to go at our own pace. I finished off the session with one of Othership’s custom tea blends, the aptly named “Soft Landing.”           

Wellness Haus: A Modern Wellness Clinic

Located in the less trendy but still upscale Toronto neighbourhood known as Forest Hill Village, a city street replete with banking institutions and small businesses, Wellness Haus may be a less flashy but a more intimate space for health, wellness and self-care.

In this inviting clinic there are doctors and nurses on staff who offer diagnostics services and proactive health and wellness therapies, from medical weight loss to vitamin shots.

Photo of Lounge courtesy of Wellness Haus

The practitioners also offer innovative aesthetic treatments aside from traditional services like dermal filler and Botox and there are subscription-style monthly memberships for all kinds of treatments that make the services more cost-effective. I tried the cutting-edge “Glow Facial”, a non-invasive treatment approved by Health Canada that uses pressurized air to unclog the pores and inject cleansers and serums into the skin. Once I got over the initial shock of the unusual sensation (think a miniature car wash for your face), I began to enjoy the thorough infusion of minerals into my dry skin. I also tried the infrared sauna and ice bath session. Unlike the Othership class, this unguided experience will appeal to small groups and introverts who want to navigate the heat and chill cycles at their own pace and not in a group setting. 

Visiting each of these places, I was truly disconnected from the urban hustle and bustle and felt rejuvenated, even while remaining within city limits. 

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Lynn Burshtein is a frequent contributor to Travel to Wellness. She was a guest of Othership and Wellness Haus in 2024.

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