The story of spas dates back to before the Greeks and Romans made them popular throughout Europe. In Japan, public bathhouses, called sento, and hot-springs hotels, known as ryokan, have existed since 705 CE. North American Natives have used hot and cold springs for therapeutic and medicinal purposes for at least 10,000 years. By the early 1800s, the popularity of spas among North American settlers was growing at a tremendous rate and, by the 20th century, spas became mainstream. Today, spas are as close as the nearest hotel.

We all need a break—now more than ever. Spas and massage therapy are recognized by the general public and professions as effective health care alternatives. Fortunately, Resorts of Ontario features a number of unique spas, which are immersed in soothing, natural environments throughout the province, where crystal-clear waters, scented forests, a plethora of activities and healthy menus all contribute to a sense of well-being. Ontario resorts and spas are opening their doors and are ready to welcome you back to wellness—year-round. 

 

LET THE RELAXATION BEGIN!

Blue Mountain Resort entices guests to relax and unwind at any of their preferred local spas. Iwa (Inspire Wellness Always) Spa is a full-service wellness facility, offering a wide range of creative packages and a one-of-a-kind yoga practice in the warm volcanic rock studio. The renowned Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is situated in a serene natural forest and features registered massage treatments, a variety of baths and relaxation areas and an on-site bistro serving healthy local fare. Kalola Life in Balance Spa focuses on the simplicity of nature and incorporates the four seasons into all aspects, from treatments to interior finishes. Blue Mountain Resort amenities also include four outdoor hot tubs overlooking the mountain and an indoor pool/whirlpool.

A luxury getaway awaits you at The Briars Resort spa, a tranquil retreat cradled on the shores of Lake Simcoe. It’s the perfect place to embrace stillness as licensed therapists work their magic. Treat yourself to a facial, massage, pedicure or manicure. Then, indulge in some hydrotherapy in the solarium indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna before heading off to the refreshment bar at Drinkwater’s Lounge.  

On the shores of Galeairy Lake in Algonquin Park, the Algonquin Spa menu at the five-star Couples Resort offers a variety of divine treatments such as reflexology, relaxing body molding treatments, Ayurveda Indian Head massages, hot stone therapy, scrub and wrap treatments as well as facials, manicures, pedicures and footcials. For the ultimate indulgence, book a four-hour session in heaven, which includes a number of treatments, including snack and beverage.

Services at Living Shore Spa at Living Water Resort & Spa in Collingwood include a variety of body treatments, facials, massages and aesthetics for both ladies and gentlemen. You might also consider the Aquapath, an amazing hydrotherapy treatment, which combines the use of mineralized pools, waterfall massage grottos, aroma steam caves and sea salt exfoliators to deliver an unforgettable therapeutic wellness adventure.

Enter a realm of deep relaxation and gentle rejuvenation at the premier Spa at Eganridge Inn, Country Club & Spa on Sturgeon Lake in the heart of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Choose from an extensive menu of modalities administered by warm, caring specialists. Treatments range from massages, facials and pedicures to exotic body treatments, which involve the use of Dead Sea and Himalayan salts, powdered bamboo and mineral-rich herbal and algae extracts.

The spa at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll offers five private treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations as well as a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Services are provided by a team of professionals, including registered massage therapists and certified estheticians. Some treatments are available in the privacy of your guest room. Be sure to check out the inn’s overnight spa packages, perfect for couples or BFFs.

A full complement of refreshing treatments and services are found at the Elmhirst’s Resort in the Kawarthas. Their bright, modern spa overlooks the pool and garden, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests. Pamper packages range from one- and two-night getaways to the full Monty and an equine experience. Choose from a range of treatments ranging from a deep-tissue Chinese-style and Aromatherapy massages to Reiki and acupuncture.

Situated in the heart of the 1000 Islands, the historical waterfront Gananoque Inn & Spa offers duo and spa packages, meant to treat yourself and someone special to the perfect escape. Relaxing 90-minute massage treatments take place on side-by-side tables next to the glow of the fireplace in a couple’s treatment room. For solo experiences, book the ultimate personalized journey, designed to nourish your skin from head to toe.

Also in Gananoque, the Spa at Glen House Resort features a tranquil environment for a variety of treatments that will revitalize and soothe your senses. Here, the menu selection includes everything from a 30-minute massage, couple’s massage, Thai herbal stem massage and body wrap to a tanning package and deluxe facial.

Just one hour north of Toronto, stress melts away at the 8,000-square-foot full-service spa at Hockley Valley Resort. A host of spa facials, facial enhancements, massages, relaxation and body treatments, holistic services, hair and make-up sessions as well as spa day packages are available. Nestled in the heart of the spa, the Spa Café features seasonal, farm-to-table fare so you can sit back and enjoy a delicious lunch and a glass of wine or smoothie in the comfort of your robe.

At nearby Horseshoe Resort in Barrie, your retreat package in the Amba Spa includes a rejuvenating facial with an eye treatment, relaxing heated peach paraffin wax treatments on your hands and feet, and a cleansing back scrub and back massage. The spa’s massage and reflexology combo will also help you unwind and leave you feeling refreshed.

When it comes to full-service luxury spa treatments, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa delivers big time. Inspired by Earth’s elements of rock, wind and water, Spa Rosseau’s signature spa experiences encourage you to breathe in fresh country air as you enjoy their private outdoor swimming pool, hydrospa, relaxation lounges, water treatments and aesthetic services.

Millcroft Inn & Spa in Caledon features an award-winning state-of-the-art spa, which includes 17 treatment areas as well as a fully licensed Spa Café serving a great selection of wellness-oriented fare. All treatments and services integrate age-old healing practices from around the world with the latest health and wellness discoveries. Take a plunge and soothe your cares away in the new outdoor hot springs pool. Later, relax by the fire in the spacious, yet cozy, Woodlands Lounge, which offers fruit-infused water, a selection of herbal teas and a breathtaking view of protected woodlands and meadow and the hot spring pools.

Surrounded by the scenery of Northern Ontario, the GLO Spa at Ramada Jackson’s Point Resort & Spa on Lake Simcoe features a variety of pampering treatments in a tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a solo day for self-care, a wedding, a group spa day, a birthday party or a teens’ spa day, there’s a package to suit your needs and wishes.

At Beginnings Spa at Sherwood Inn Resort on Lake Joseph in Muskoka, no detail is overlooked by the professional, qualified estheticians who guide you through your spa journey in a serene and peaceful environment. Spa packages range from a 90-minute treatment to a three-hour holistic “zen” escape. Individual treatments include massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs and wraps and infrared sauna sessions.

A unique 45- to 60-minute WaterSpa experience awaits you at the Sir Sam’s Inn & Waterspa in Haliburton, following which you can choose from a variety of natural treatments, using only the finest natural oils and ingredients to soothe, refresh and stimulate your body and mind.

The airy 5,000-square-foot spa at Trillium Resort & Spa in Muskoka sits on 86 acres of pristine forest and woodlands with a spirited waterfall and lake. Three floors of spa services cater to both women and men and include body therapies, body massage, facials, hand and foot care and beauty services. The spa menu includes treatments that utilize thalassotherapy, the medical use of sea and marine products known for their beneficial effects upon your health and wellbeing.

The three Rs—rejuvenate, revitalize and refresh—are a mantra at Niagara Spa at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where blissful treatments, therapies and programs leave your body and mind in total harmony. Considered one of the top 10 spas in Canada, facilities include 19 treatment rooms and spa professionals who administer massages, facials, aromatherapy and cleansing treatments, using nature’s purest ingredients. 

Isn’t it time you booked some tender-loving care for yourself at a Resorts of Ontario spa?