Spa devotees know that a trip to the spa can give long lasting benefits to our psyches as well as make us look prettier in the short-term. These days, spending time at the spa is considered by many to be an essential part of looking after yourself. If you have a little money to spend, then we urge you to treat yourself to one of these luxurious treatments at some of Canada’s top spas.
Wild Seaweed Facial at Chi Spa, Vancouver
Using SeaFlora products, which are made from hand-harvested seaweed from Vancouver Island beaches, your face is exfoliated, given a pressure point massage, then followed by a masque suited to your skin type. “Your skin is left beautifully soft, toned, and re-energized,” says Amy Berry, Service Manager at Chi. A visit to Chi is beyond luxurious, as each guest has their own treatment suite with steam shower and vanity, which adds to any treatment that you get there. As cheesy as it sounds, a visit to Chi is also a bit of a spiritual journey, which starts with a specially chosen cut of tea, and a truly personal consultation to make sure you get the most from your visit. Treatment costs $155 for 60 minutes.
Essential Oil Scalp Rejuvenation at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Cobourg, ON
This half-hour of bliss is one of the spa’s most popular treatments. Aveda Balancing Treatment Oils are run through the hair from the scalp to the ends, then the hair is brushed before guests are given a décolletage, face, and neck massage. “It feels wonderful, most people want the treatment to last a full hour,” says esthetician Katie Weaver, “guests are left in a state of total relaxation, and walking through the spa you can see who has had this treatment because they look like they are in a daze.” When was the last time that somebody brushed your hair for you? Doesn’t that sound like a thoroughly relaxing and beautiful experience? Treatment costs $65 for 30 minutes.
Moor Mud Body Bliss at ElmSpa, Toronto
After exfoliating your body, you are smothered in a layer of natural moor mud, which is essentially peat, and full of nutrients. After letting the warm mud work its magic, it is cleaned off you, and then a full body moisturizing treatment is massaged into your skin. “This treatment is detoxifying and rejuvenating,” says ElmSpa esthetician Kamelia Ivanova, “and very helpful for people with arthritis and hormonal imbalances. The moor mud is very powerful stuff, and the whole treatment is very nourishing. Guests leave feeling light, and very smooth.” Treatment costs $136 for 80 minutes.
Maple Sugar Body Scrub at Element 5 Spa in St John, New Brunswick
New Brunswick maple sugar and vanilla essential oils are blended together to create an aromatic scrub that will get rid of all your rough bits, and then that is followed by a full body massage. “It is a really replenishing treatment, and leaves your skin feeling wonderful,” says esthetician Vanessa Preshion. Treatment costs $130 for 90 minutes.
Sweet Skin Organic Facial at Spirit Spa, Halifax
This delicious sounding facial uses the Eminence Skincare line, which uses organic herbs and fruit pulps (a mix of apricot, raspberry, lime, and plums) to cleanse, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin. As well as the facial, the treatment also includes a back, arm, and face massage. “This treatment leaves skin soft, plump, hydrated and dewy with a radiant glow,” says spa operations manager Brigid Milway. Treatment costs $90 for 60 minutes.