We are planning a girls only trip for January 2003 to Toronto. Have stayed at<BR>the Sheraton Centre before - looking for <BR>a reasonable hotel that possibly has a<BR>day spa inside - also want to see a show.<BR>Any recommendations are appreciated.

I know NOTHING about spas, except that people who do know keep telling me the spa at the Park Hyatt (Bloor Street West and Avenue Road; used to be the Park Plaza) is great.<BR><BR>BAK

BAK, if you know nothing...perhaps you could say nothing. You seem to have something to say about EVERYTHING!!

The Park Hyatt has a lovely day spa called Stillwater. It offers wonderful services in a gorgeous environment. Maggie is a terrific esthetician. I see her regularly for services. Make a day of it and order lunch in the spa which is presented beautifully in Japanese bento boxes. Make sure to bring a bathing suit if your modest for the whirlpool. They also have steam and ssauna rooms. The hotel is lovely too. It's very well located close to shopping, restaurants and museums. Much better location that the huge and ugly Sheraton. Have fun.

Thanks Grrrrr,<BR>I thought it was just me but I guess I' m not alone in my opinion of BAK. Firstly, he has to offer an opinion on every question regarding Toronto. Secondly , his opinions, suggestions and recommendations usually suck. BAK please leave this board so tourists won't be tainted with your insight and locals will be able to offer more up to date answers for theie inquiries.<BR>

Settle, people, settle. Don't go bashing BAK. As a matter of fact his suggestions are very helpful for alot of folks. If you don't like them, move on and spend your time constructively. Too many nasties in the world already - so, be nice, smile at someone and have a great day.

I agree with whoa. I have always found BAK to be very helpful.

Thanks, to several of you above.<BR><BR>I note that the whiners above offered no content to help solve the poster's question, and, of course, hid behind false names.<BR><BR>Anyway, people send me notes of thanks, so I must be doing something right, at least every once in a while.<BR><BR>BAK<BR>

I live in Toronto and am often surprised and fascinated by Brian's in-depth knowledge of the city. Very often those of us who live here don't know as much as we should about what's of interest to out-of-towners. I must admit I'm faintly shocked by the criticism above. Some people have an awfully low threshhold.

Back to the spa question... Ste. Anne's is located about 1 1/2 hours east of Toronto and is a sumptuous experience (I've been to its sister spa nearby twice). You can catch a train from Union Station to Port Hope where they will pick you up and take you to the spa I believe. There are day packages available (search under Haldimand Hills) and I'm sure you would find it absolutely wonderful if you don't mind the drive/ride.

The Royal York has the Elizabeth Milan day spa (which I've tried and it's very nice)...you could stay at any hotel downtown and still access the day spa in the Royal York. Get a map of the &quot;underground&quot; and you can shop/eat &amp; drink your way all the way from the Eaton Centre down through The Bay and to Union station without having to step outside.<BR>For a show, try Mamma Mia which is a hoot even if you don't like Abba. Or Lion King if you've not already seen it.<BR>Have a good trip!

There is also a day spa in Holt Renfrew called the Estee Lauder spa. They have some good services.

In addition, my friend just told me about a great day spa called Clear, which is located at York Mills and Bayview (NOT downtown).

Stillwater is very nice if you prefer a spa that's in your hotel. If you're willing to leave the hotel for your spa experience, The Chakra Spa is on the subway line (Take University Line north to Eglinton). It's very reasonable and the staff are extremely attentive and warm. It's a small place so you and your girlfriends could have the place to yourselves. 1184 Eglinton West

As for shows, Mama Mia is always a crowd pleaser. If you wanted to try something a little different, Theater Passe Muraille is a small theatre with a funky, intimate feel. Here's what's coming up: http://www.passemuraille.on.ca/Season.html