Toronto's Best Spas

The spa scene in Toronto is both established and ever evolving, with a wrap, massage, and facial to match every mood and personality type. The problem with spa-hopping in Toronto isn't about finding a good spa but more a matter of choosing one.

All of the city's best boutique hotels offer high-end spa treatments, often with added perks like an infrared sauna or saltwater pool. The Hyatt's Stillwater Spa has been touted as the city's best by Toronto's choosiest spa connoisseurs, although a dip in the Bissaza mosaic-tile lap pool after a Copper Relaxation Body Scrub at the Hazelton is an experience you won't soon forget. For the royal treatment, book at the Ritz-Carlton spa: its aromatherapy massages, purifying facials, and attentive service live up to the luxury brand’s reputation.

Here are a few of our favorite independent spas:

Elmwood. Since 1982, the Elmwood, hidden inside a historic redbrick building, has been offering classic spa packages including hot stone massages, anti-aging facials, microdermabrasion treatments, and exfoliating wraps. 18 Elm St., Dundas Square Area, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G7. 416/977–6751. www.elmwoodspa.com. Mon.–­Thurs. 10–9, Fri. 9–9, Sat. 9–8, Sun. 10:30–6:30. Dundas.

Hammam Spa. At Hammam Spa devoted Entertainment District clients come to soak up eucalyptus-scented steam in a 500-square-foot marble-tile Turkish bath following a Reiki massage or detoxifying algae wrap. 602 King St. W, at Portland, Entertainment District, Toronto, ON, M5V 1M5. 416/366–4772. www.hammamspa.ca. Mon.-Fri. 11-9, Sat. 9-8, Sun 11-7. Spadina or St. Andrew.

Lush & Lavish. Toronto's only certified Eminence Green Spa, Lush & Lavish delivers organic skin care and wraps, vegan nail polishes, and eco-conscious products for massages, facials, and makeup to the discerning clientele of the new hotter-than-hot Ossington district. 200 Ossington Ave., at Dundas St. W., Ossington, Toronto, ON, M6J 2Z7. 647/343–6001. lushandlavish.com. Tues.–Fri. 11–8, Sat. 9–6. closed Mon. and Sun.

Novo Spa. A perennial favorite among Toronto's day-spa enthusiasts, this Yorkville hideaway offers massages (couples, prenatal), facials, manicures, pedicures, and various waxing treatments. The calming staff members always have soothing refreshments on hand. 66 Avenue Rd., Yorkville, Toronto, ON, M5R 3N8. 416/926–9303. www.novospa.ca. Mon.–Fri. 10–8, Sat. 9:30–8, Sun. 10–6. Bay.

Ten Spot. If you end up in West Queen West with a sudden desire for a Brazilian wax, the attractive Ten Spot has got you covered. It also carries Dermalogica and Exuberance (vegan) skincare products for its inexpensive facials (from $45). 749 Queen St W., Queen West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1E5. 416/915–1010. www.the10spot.com. Sun.–Wed. 8–8, Thurs.–Sat. 8–9.