Monastery Spa & Suites – St. John’s, Newfoundland
Originally a religious institution for the Irish Christian brothers back in 1931, the Monastery became a spa in 2001. It was Newfoundland’s first destination spa. Starting small with a staff of eight it has grown considerably over the years. It offers suites where you can stay overnight but many locals just go there for a day or a few hours and experience a full range of treatments from ayurveda, reflexology and facials to cupping therapy and Reiki. They have many couples and individual packages. Recently completed are renovations to their Vitality area. For those who want to get the full foot treatment try their 120 minute Monastery Beautifying Wellness Pedicure that also includes a beautifying hand and arm massage, cool eye compress, paraffin treatment, warm neck wrap and a choice of a smoothie or mimosa. Not necessary to kiss the cod tongue here unlike bars in Newfoundland! (www.monasteryspa.com)
Bota Bota Spa-Sur-L-Eau – Montreal, Quebec
Bota Bota is a unique floating spa but it never leaves port. Located conveniently in the Old Port of Montreal, this innovative spa with treatment rooms and guest rooms with large port holes and where the old ship’s engine room is now a locker room offers a full complement of spa services. One of its best features is the comprehensive water circuit that spa guests can experience. There are a number of packages included Bathe and Taste, Maiden Voyage, Flying Cloud, and For the Sailor. All combining elements of food, drink and spa treatments. The French know food and wine pairs perfectly with wellness. Sit outside on the deck and view the beauty of Montreal’s vibrant port and city life. Ready for some body pampering? Try their signature Immersive Indulgent Treatment which includes a cranberry and pomegranate scrub, followed by a decadent chocolate truffle wrap, sapodilla modelling and firming facial. Time to set sail for Bota Bota. (www.botabota.ca)
Elmwood Spa – Toronto, Ontario
Elmwood Spa is one of Canada’s largest as well as oldest spas. Despite being around awhile Elmwood offers the latest in spa services and offers a comprehensive list of treatments as well for men. The four spacious floors are an urban oasis offering two restaurants, juice bar, 34 treatment rooms, water therapies which include a swimming pool, whirlpool and steam rooms. All you could want under one facility. They have all the standard services in addition to some other unique treatment options: LI’TYA Healing rituals involving stretching, coolamon stroking, smudging and energy work. Or try Siam which uses traditional massage with heat therapies and herbs. Add a touch of the ocean with the SeaFlora treatment that uses heated lava shells blended with seaweed massage oil. (www.elmwoodspa.com)