Sun, Salt-Water and Spa…in the City

This March, I was able to enjoy all that, and more, without even leaving the city of Toronto. I headed to The Spa at the renowned Intercontinental Hotel on Front Street. The Spa offers guests 8,000 square feet of all that is needed for a well-deserved retreat, even if it is just for the day. The treatment that I selected was the 90-minute Caribbean Therapy Body Treatment, a perfect combination of skin buffering in time for spring, with a wonderfully relaxing massage with the scents of the islands.

The Facilities

I arrived at The Spa early, to squeeze every possible ounce of ‘vacation’ out of this visit. Upon my entrance, I was immediately drenched with warm, natural sunlight from a large solarium that houses most of the spas complementary facilities. Despite the weather outside being in the negative-degrees, the sunshine, paired with the calming sound of their waterfall, made me feel like I had stepped into a secret oasis in the city. The Spas solarium is home to their well-sized pool, waterfall, and Himalayan salt hot tub. And, for the times when the weather is warmer in the city, this oasis has an area that opens up onto a beautiful, private outdoor terrace for sunbathing, with spectacular views of the Toronto skyline. There are also private eucalyptus-infused steam rooms in the change-rooms for an added immersion into calm.

The Caribbean Therapy Body Treatment

From amongst multiple options of warm and calming scents of the Caribbean, my treatment began with the selection of my customized aroma-therapy oil, selected for me to match with my likes and mood.

The first phase of this experience was a full-body dry exfoliation which made my skin feel absolutely renewed and rejuvenated. The exfoliation was the most ‘functional’ step of the treatment as it not only smoothed out my skin, but it also prepped my skin to receive the most benefits possible from the steps to follow.

And then came the warm seaweed mask massaged onto my back and feet, intended to cleanse, detoxify and tone my skin with its mineral-rich nutrients. Soothingly warm towels were draped over the mask to allow the nutrients to sink further into my newly polished skin. As the mask was gently removed, an incredibly relaxing massage began. I truly almost fell asleep as the full-body lymphatic relaxation body massage, with my customized aroma-therapy oil, topped off my treatment by boosting my circulation, and calming my spirits.

The Best Part

The best part of this vacation day in the city: No commute-time, airport hassle or packing required! Why daydream about a vacation, when there is this wonderfully sunny oasis at The Spa at the Intercontinental Hotel, in the heart of the city?