Ritz Carlton Toronto Spa

While in Toronto this week I decided to be embraced by the new Ritz Spa on Wellington Street, and it did not disappoint!

I am a huge fan of the Ritz's spas, particularly their Eminence line of products and treatments. Not for the Peasant Girl...you'll be forking out good coin to be sloughed, buffed, massaged and oiled.

The facilities are expansive - 23 000 sumptuous space of relaxation. Included are men's and women's relaxation lounges, a co-ed lounge which is called the 'light room', and trust me, it is extremely bright. Definitely not a place to chill in with a hangover by any means, I myself preferred the coziness of the darkened women's relaxation lounge with reclining beds draped in cashmere throws, infused waters and a large selection of teas, dried fruit, and a delicious lunch menu.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the spa, and the detail oriented staff who did not miss a beat. I like to leave a water glass or tea cup sitting somewhere in the change room to see how long it takes to be cleaned up when first attending a spa to review: 5 minutes and my glass was gone! Not only was it gone, but there always seemed to be an attendant right around the corner offering me a refresher, or checking to see if I needed anything.

Upon entrance to the spa is the welcoming fragrance which is patchouli, which I am not a fan of. Not a problem. Entering into the women's change room, there is both a sauna AND steam room, both of which were immaculate and steamy hot. The jacuzzi was a full bubbling massage tub with loungers built in, however the temperature was not warm enough for most. Every detail is taken care of, including the great swim suit bags and dryer for your wet suits post-spa'ing. No one likes to leave the spa with a soaking bikini in their purse!

Bottled water and fluffy towels are plenty, and the robes were a thick cotton that you could fall asleep in. I was impressed and surprised when checking in as I am used to being asked what my shoe size is for my slippers, however, here I was not asked but pleasantly presented with my exact shoe size! The attendants took notice when I arrived and made their best guess. These are the kind of people you want on your team during a game of 'guess the jelly beans in the jar'!

To the important stuff: the massage was to die for. A 60 minute aromatherapy massage at $160 CAD, steep for some but to me, the all inclusiveness of the spa was worth every cent. You can make an entire day out of it relaxing, swimming in the lap pool, having lunch or drinks in the lounges or even a nap, steaming yourself or reading a book. Take advantage of your time here and just let it all melt away!

My therapist was considerate and professional, using every minute of our time together to tailor the treatment to my body. I walked out in a daze to a delicious light lunch in the lounge- still not a soul in the spa. The lounges did seem a little stark compared to the other Ritz's I've visited, and maybe with time they will fill out some more, but the peaceful atmosphere soon had more benefit to me than the little extras in interior decoration.

I am a HUGE fan of Ritz spa boutiques for they boast the newest and greatest products on the market. This one however was not well stocked and in time I have faith it too will fill out. Indulge in their bath and body products within the spa, and check out the boutique anyhow and grab a funky yoga CD, organic/Vegan bath products, or whatever happens to be the hot item of the month.

As soon as I get back from Europe I'll be hopping back over to the Ritz to soothe my body from all the stress of traveling!
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Toronto/Spa/Default.htm