Spa Oasis in the City

One of my favorite places to relax in the city is the Elmwood Spa. My first experience at this oasis was with my mother. It was a Mother's day treat and we both enjoyed a Mother / Daughter couples massage. Since then, I have been a faithful patron of this spa for many years.

What I love about this spa are the various amenities that accompany your service. Each service is accompanied with complimentary water therapies which include an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, steam rooms and poolside lounge. Enjoy a swim and hot tub dip just before your massage or facial. Once done your treatment you could relax with a book and have a delicioius herbal tea and fresh apple at the poolside lounge. Then finish it off with another dip in the hot tub and refreshing steam room.

Budget Tip: For the price of a one hour massage elsewhere, you could enjoy hours of rest and relaxation at the Elmwood with use of their luxurious water therapies. For those who want to have the experience of a spa without the price, the Elmwood is just the spa for you. The Elmwood spa offers their Water Therapies a la carte for just $20. It's worth it. You will feel renewed and refreshed after a few hours of lounging in the pool, hot tub and steam rooms!

I find the prices at Elmwood somewhat reasonable. A 50 minute swedish massage is priced at $90 (before applicable taxes). A 50 minute aromatherapy massage is set at $100. They have other specialty services at slightly higher prices. I have been to spas where a 60 minute massage is priced at $80. But, what sets the Elmwood spa apart and compensates for the price is their luxurious water therapies, which you can indulge in for an unlimited amount of time. I have spent 4-5 hours at the spa and only had a one hour massage treatment. For a full listing of spa services visit www.elmwoodspa.com.


Tip: Do not forget to ensure that your desired services will have RMT receipts if you are trying to claim Extended Health Benefits. Some services may not be considered for some benift plans. Ask prior to your service.




In terms of therapeutic qualities, I would rate the Elmwood spa as moderate. I have had variable experiences. I tend to prefer deep, therapeautic massages to get at my sore muscles. Sometimes, I've found the massage techniques used on me too light and superficial. A few other times, I've had great deep tissue massage techniques which helped to greatly ease my pain. The Elmwood is a large facility with many different therapists. Keep in mind, the general ambiance of the facility tends to be one of relaxation and rejuvenation. So, if that's what you are looking for then Elmwood definitely meets your needs. If you are looking for a therapeutic treatment to erase painful areas, then it may be a hit and miss game for you.

Another treat at the Elmwood is their newly renovated spaces, especially the women's change room. Your relaxing experience starts as soon as you enter their welcoming lobby, with a waterfall against the front entrance and soft soothing sounds. When you step into the women's changeroom, your worries melt away as you are transported into a refreshing open space. The new change room is fitted with a beautiful blue whirlpool and fresh new shower and locker spaces. The bright blue space makes you feel like you've been swept away to the mediterranean.

So, go and treat yourself to a worthwhile day at an affordable and rejuvenating Oasis in the city.

Christmas Season Spa Specials

Tis the season for giving. Why not give a relaxing gift to your loved ones and as a bonus, receive one for yourself too? Well, Civello Spa is giving you the opportunity to do just that. If you purchase a gift card at $200 or more you will receive a second complimentary spa gift card of equal value! This unique promotion is valid from November 30 – December 17, 2007 while supplies last.


Some rules with this promotion are that complimentary gift cards may be redeemed for spa or makeup services ONLY (excluding spa packages or combination manicure/pedicure packages) from January 1, 2008. Complimentary gift cards may not be redeemed for hair services or product purchase. Complimentary gift cards may not be redeemed for cash. Shipping takes approximately 3 to 5 business days depending on the shipping address. Orders placed after December 14 may not arrive by December 25, 2007. The other note is that RMT receipts cannot be issued for massages issued with a gift card.

If you ask me, this is one deal you just can't pass up on.

I myself have used many of the services at Civello Spa, which include floating massages, custom massage, and their signature Caribbean pedicures. Each service takes you on an Aveda sensory experience. Aveda oil scents, chosen for your personal preference, are used which start you off on your relaxing journey. I am a big fan of the Floating Massages, where you lie on heated water pillows. This is great for pregnant women who cannot lie on their stomachs, for obvious reasons. I had many floating massages when I was pregnant with my little one. Prices are competitive with other spas. A one hour custom massage is priced at $95. What makes this massage an unforgetable spa experience is the friendly service and little 'extras' that make you feel totally pampered. Your experience starts with complimentarly juice, tea or coffee. I highly recommend the herbal signature Aveda Comforting Tea. It has an unique and tasty sweet aftertaste. You can purchase the tea at any Aveda store and some salons. A box of 20 tea bags is sold for $19. I recommend spending the extra $10 to buy the tea leaves. You will get a better bang for your buck. You can take home a little bit of the spa experience with you and be reminded of your relaxing day with each cup of tea.

Going forward, next, you will enjoy a unique Aveda scented oil with your massage which you help to pick according to your personal preference. These beautifully scented oils really help to make your experience even more relaxing and memorable. I have had great treatments with all the massage therapists at the Civello spa on Queen Street. They have been friendly and professional and have helped take away my aches and pains when I was pregnant.

Tip: Don't forget to get a RMT (Registerd Massage Therapist) receipt so that you can claim your massage on your Extended health benefits (which are offered with most company health plans). But be sure to contact your health plan provider to see what is required to submit a claim (eg. some plans require a physician's note stating massage therapy is required. I was lucky, mine didn't require a note, just a RMT receipt). This is one way to enjoy the spa experience on a budget.


The Caribbean Pedicure is rejuvenating and nurturing to tired and achy feet. It combines the healing touch and plant ingredients of the Caribbean to improve condition of nails, cuticles and feet. You will have a special exfoliating paste and warm seaweed masque applied to your feet and legs, combined with Caribbean massage techniques. These will all help to soften, renew and relax your tired feet. This once in a while treat is affordable at $60 for 60 minutes. It also includes a relaxing massage for those tired hands while your feet are wrapped in the warm seaweed masque. Rest assured that all pedicures use AIR jet propellers. My husband saw a news special where some customers would get gangrene or other fungal disorders from some pedicure establishments who used water jet propellers. The recommended propellers are AIR. When I had this pedicure my husband was impressed with my silky soft legs and feet (as opposed to the 'sand paper' like feet prior). Plus, I was able to experience a mini getaway to the Caribbean right here in the city. I can still remember all the sweet aromas that were used on my feet.

Another Holiday special is found at the Elmwood Spa. If you visit Elmwood Spa three times between now and February 29, 2008 you will get to enjoy your 4th visit at 50% off on the services of your choice. Check out elmwoodspa.com/specials for more details.

I call the Elmwood my Spa Oasis in the City. They have just finished most of their renovations. The woman's change room is one to make special note of. It is equisite and features a beautiful whirlpool and steam rooms. I'll talk more about the Elmwood in my next blog, because there is too much to say about this amazing retreat. You'll just have to wait for my next post.

So, relax and enjoy a sweet escape this Christmas season. You'll need it, and most importantly you Deserve it, after all the crazy and stressful Christmas shopping (only 19 shopping days left!!!!!!).