About Chantel Simmons
Our former Editorial Director firmly believes the rule, "if it's not pretty, what's the point?". And while she’s no longer updating on SweetLife, you can still find Chantel being crafty and updating pretty picks over on her SweetHome blog, Make-It Session.
Water World
the cherry on top canada
(Aug.24.09)
I'm obsessed with spa treatments -- I've made no secret of that. But usually, if given the choice, I'll always choose a no-frills massage. So I was a bit skeptical when the sweet people at Healthwinds Spa invited me to try their Thalassotherapy treatment.
In Greek, "thalasso" means "sea" -- and I've always assumed a thalassotherapy treatment is a glorified soak in a tub. And while I do love a relaxing bubble bath (and the chance it gives me to read a book), I just can't see the point in paying to sit in a tub at a spa.
Still, I don't like to judge a treatment by its name without trying it, so I agreed. And I'm so glad I did.
For one thing, Healthwinds Spa (which has actually been around for 16 years), recently relocated into a gorgeous, all-white space at Mount Pleasant and Manor Rd in Toronto, and now features not only several treatment rooms, mani/pedi stations, steam room, Healthy Juice Bar (with David's Tea and homemade snacks) and a retail shop, but my favourite part: the cozy sitting room with waterfall wall and faux fireplace (is there anything better than a faux fireplace? I'm obsessed with them. Because really, is chopping wood and cleaning out the soot fun? No, it's not. Which is why faux fireplaces are perfect.).
Oh right, back to the treatment.
The Thalassotherapy Deluxe is a two-hour treatment that starts with a half-hour body scrub to increase circulation and start the detox process (as soon as the therapist says the word "detox" I love her -- and the treatment -- already). Unlike many body scrub treatments, which are good-for-you but not exactly enjoyable experiences, this one used a scented scrub (I chose Mimosa Champagne), which is heated then rubbed into the skin, making the treatment feel almost as indulgent as a massage.
Next, I rinsed off in the six-jet rain shower then (still skeptically!) slipped into the hydrotherapy tub (while secretly debating whether I could ask to grab my book from my locker). Offered the choice of therapeutic seaweed (ideal for skin ailments and joint problems) or Canadian mud (more detoxing!) I chose the mud, which was added to the water. For the next half hour, the therapist used a jet wand to give an underwater massage, which flushes out toxins.
The therapist told me that people love the treatment so much they often ask if it can be even longer than half an hour, and after experiencing it, I now know why. It was so relaxing I didn't even think about reading a book -- imagine! And I didn't want it to end, either. Finally, super-relaxed, I returned to the massage bed, where I received an hour-long full body massage -- at least, that's how long I think it was. I really have no idea -- I fell asleep.
Now that I've had Thalassotherapy, I'm not sure I can ever go back.
What's your favourite spa treatment? Leave a comment and let me know!
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