Annual spa awards showcase industry perfection

To be flawless and perfect in almost every way – that dream became real for the winners of the 2018 Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards, a yearly program to recognize 25 spas that represent the crème de la crème of the Canadian spa industry. A panel of industry influencers judged the submissions – three times as many as last year – for the competition, which is a partnership between Leading Spas of Canada and Spa Inc. magazine.

TOP DAY SPA

Hammam Spa – Toronto, Ontario

Website HammamSpa.ca
Year opened: 2006
Size: 8,000 sq. ft. (new location opening this year will be 14,000 sq. ft.)
Most popular service: Hammam Turkish Bath
Retail: Brands include Céla, SkinCeuticals, Dermalogica, Amika, St. Tropez, Smith & Cult, Baxter of California, Bkr, DermaFlash,Marvis, Noodle & Boo, OverEz, Petite Amie, Sahara Tea, Serene House, Skin Accumax
Number of clients last year: 20,000
Business aspiration: To become a part of peoples’ daily routine and healthy lifestyle and help them “Escape Everyday”

TOP SANITAS SPA

BALNEA spa + réserve thermale – Bromont, Quebec

Website Balnea.ca/en 
Year opened: 2005
Size: 30,000 sq. ft. on 200 acres
Most popular service: A variety of treatments offered in a range of inviting spaces
Retail: Massage, treatments, clothing, food, beauty products
Number of clients last year: Approx. 70,000
Business aspiration: To create a tailored, courteous, top-of-the-line experience so guests can disconnect completely and replenish fully

TOP DESTINATION SPA

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario

Website SteAnnes
Year opened: 1985
Size: 400+ acres
Most popular service: Signature facial and contouring mudstone wrap
Retail: A homegrown, all-natural skin care line: Ste. Anne’s skin nourishment, bakery products, clothing, jewellery, candles, pottery and more
Number of clients last year: 35,000
Business aspiration: Driven by a healing spirit, the family-owned business was expanded from its original Inn to include an award-winning spa where guests experience a caring, family-like atmosphere.

Strøm Spa Nordique – Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec

TOP NEW SPA

Website stromspa.com
Year opened: 2009, reopened 2017
Size: 32,000 sq. ft.
Most popular service: Thermal experience
Retail: Bathrobes, bottles, bathing suits, skin care, winter hats, candles, essential oils and more
Number of clients last year: Approx. 100,000 per spa (four locations)
Business aspiration: To offer the incredible effect that the thermal experience has on the body, to as many people as possible

TOP HOTEL SPA

Spa My Blend by Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton – Toronto, Ontario

Website SpaMyBlendToronto.com 
Year opened: 2011
Size: 23,000 sq. ft.
Most popular service: Signature My Blend facial
Retail: Clarins and My Blend, exclusively 
Number of clients last year: 20,000
Business aspiration: To combine the incomparable service guests receive at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, with the revolutionary face and body treatment concepts from Spa My Blend by Clarins

TOP MEDI-SPA

Glow Medi Spa – Toronto, Ontario

Website glowmedispa.ca
Year opened: 2002
Size: 4,000 sq. ft. (downtown Toronto); 3,000 sq. ft. (Aurora); 7,300 sq. ft. (Markham)
Most popular service: Injectable, cosmetic treatments, e.g. Botox and dermal fillers
Retail: Medical-grade products such as Doctor Babor, SkinCeuticals, Alumier
Number of clients last year: Undisclosed – “We run a very customized clinic where we build relationships”
Business aspiration: To be the gold standard for medical spas, with a reputation for quality services, people and technologies

TOP SPA PARTNER

Seaflora Skincare Inc – Sooke, British Columbia

Website seafloraskincare.com 
Year opened: 2002
Size: 5,500 sq. ft. manufacturing facility
Most popular service: Seaweed Body Gel
Number of spas using the products: Over 300 across Canada and the U.S., plus exports overseas to Taiwan, Korea and Hong Kong
Number of orders last year: “Just the right amount to be named Top Spa Partner of Canada”
Business aspiration: To feed body and skin with ingredients that are whole, healthy, and nutritious, free of contaminants and toxins and formulated in small, hand-made batches to ensure their potency and effectiveness

CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD

Ayurveda Rituals Studio & Spa – Toronto, Ontario

Website ayurvedictouch.com
Year opened: 2000
Size: 1,200 sq. ft.
Most popular service: Ayurveda Rejuvenation Program, an urban half-day retreat in the city
Retail: A signature organic vegan Ayurveda Rituals Botanical skincare line, seven Rituals of Scent botanical perfumes 
Number of clients last year: Undisclosed – “We consider each client a guest, and not a number”
Business aspiration: Teach people the healing wisdom of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic treatments

EDUCATION AWARD

Canadian Laser Safety – Toronto, Ontario

Website canadianlasersafety.com
Summary: The only laser safety body in Canada, connecting LSOs, laser technicians,laser operators, manufacturers and distributors throughout the country
Courses: Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training program is designed specifically for aestheticians, registered nurses, dermatologists or plastic surgeons offering cosmetic laser technology in their clinic or medi-spa

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Achieve Wellness Spa – Fort McMurray, Alberta
AchievWellnessSpa.com

Riverstone Spa – Winnipeg, Manitoba
RiverstoneSpa.ca

Sibéria Spa – Rue De Genève, Quebec
SiberiastationSpa.com

Spa Di’Oro – Sainte-Julie, Quebec
www.spadioro.com

TOP 25 SPAS IN CANADA

BALNEA spa + réserve thermal – Bromont, Quebec
Nestled in the panoramic Monteregian Hills in southern Quebec, BALNEA opened its doors in 2005. A range of beautifully appointed cabins and structures – set in natural surroundings with hiking trails – house services such as massages, local cuisine, yoga and unique thermal experiences.
balnea.ca/en

Boathouse Spa & Baths at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria’s only oceanfront spa, the Boathouse, features three heated outdoor mineral baths situated on the edge of the Salish Sea, with a view of Mt. Baker. Treatments at this luxurious seaside retreat, reminiscent of European baths, include nourishing body wraps with organic seaweed and intertidal glacial clay.
oakbaybeachhotel.com/spa

Body Blitz Spa – Toronto, Ontario
Body Blitz arrived on the scene in 2005, opening a second and larger 22,000-sq.-ft. location in 2012. Known for its therapeutic water circuit, a course of warm and hot salt pools, cold plunge pool, eucalyptus steam room and infrared sauna, the spa offers signature body scrubs, muds, body glows and massage treatments.
bodyblitzspa.com/bbs

Christienne Fallsview Spa – Niagara Falls, Ontario
Breathtaking views of both the Canadian and American falls, from an infinity hydrotherapy pool, immerse guests into complete relaxation and tranquility in a 2,500-sq.-ft. space featuring natural stone elements and warm exotic woods. Soothing sights, scents and sounds enhance the atmosphere. 
christiennefallsviewspa.com

Dol-ás Spa – Wallace, Nova Scotia
At 30,000 sq. ft., Dol-ás Spa and Fox Harb’r Resort offer plenty of room to relax and rejuvenate. Located on the coast of the Northumberland Strait, each of the spa’s eight treatment rooms offers a view of the ocean. Guests love its unique Fox Harb’r Signature Facial and the view of sea cliffs while enjoying a stimulating massage in the Gazebo, weather permitting.
foxharbr.com/spa

Elmwood Spa – Toronto, Ontario
The 40,000-sq.-ft. Elmwood Spa is an urban oasis in the heart of Toronto, offering an array of spa services and packages in a historic building it has occupied since opening in 1982. Strong Thai influences are apparent in the five-storey structure and its 34 treatment rooms. The Elmwood prides itself on reinterpreting traditional techniques for contemporary society. 
elmwoodspa.com

Glow Medi Spa – Toronto, Ontario
With a reputation for luxury, quality and customer service, Glow Medi Spa opened in Yorkville in 2001 and has since grown to include locations in Aurora and Markham. Founder/owner Dr. Diane Wong and her team offer non-surgical aesthetic services, laser and light (PicoSure and Sculpsure), anti-aging and spa treatments, as well as SculpSure under-chin fat reduction treatments. 
glowmedispa.ca

Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort – Parksville, British Columbia
With 20,000 sq. ft., the Grotto Spa features a warm water mineral pool and cool waterfall to detoxify the body and rejuvenate the spirit. Treatments include facials, body wraps, body glows, massages, manicures and pedicures, many with a focus on West Coast natural ingredients.
grottospa.com

Hammam Spa – Toronto, Ontario
Hammam Spa, which opened in 2005, brings old-world rituals and ancient relaxation techniques to the fast-paced corporate crowd, using contemporary technology and design to create a truly unique relaxation experience. The senses are wholly enraptured in its 8,000 sq. ft. and 10 treatment rooms with candlelight, incense, music and flowers.
hammamspa.ca

iwa Spa – Town of Blue Mountains, Ontario
Since opening its doors in 2015, iwa Spa has offered a Zen-like experience with a wide range of wellness-inspired services, creative spa packages, retail and a unique yoga practice in the warm volcanic rock studio. Ganban yoga is based on a centuries-old Japanese method of body cleansing and detoxification called ganbanyoku, also known as “stone bathing;” it is not available anywhere else in Canada. 
iwaspa.com

Le Monastère des Augustines – Quebec City, Quebec
A completely restored 17th century Augustinian monastery, Le Monastère des Augustines is an authentic heritage haven of health and wellness with workshop, spa, museum, restaurant, hotel and accommodation. Located in the heart of old Quebec City, the establishment features 33 rooms restored in the spirit of monasticism as well as 32 contemporary rooms.
monastere.ca

Rosewater Spa of Oakville – Oakville, Ontario
Since its founding in 2000, Rosewater Spa has never lost sight of its mission to inspire serenity and offer the benefits of therapeutic massage and restorative body and skin treatments. Seven treatment rooms, five luxury pedicure thrones and a private eucalyptus steam room are just a few of the amenities that help achieve this mission.
rosewaterspa.com

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain – Blue Mountains, Ontario
Situated on 25 forested acres of birch, maple and pine trees, Scandinave Spa has expansive views of the Niagara Escarpment. Baths include a Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam room, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, hot baths, cold plunges and relaxation areas, all enhanced by the smells, sounds and sights of nature.
scandinave.com/en/bluemountain

Spa by JW Vancouver – Vancouver, British Columbia
Dedicated to healing, restoration and rejuvenation, this 20,000-sq.-ft. spa offers breathtaking views from the 17th floor of JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. Treatments are holistic and natural, designed to calm, indulge, invigorate and renew. The space offers five treatment rooms and one couple’s room.
parqvancouver.com

Spa Fairmont Le Château Montebello – Montebello, Quebec
Nestled on a rolling green hill overlooking the marina, river and the surrounding forest, the Spa Fairmont Le Château Montebello in Quebec incorporates panoramic vistas of nature. Among a rich menu of treatments, the spa pays homage to the traditions of old Quebec with its signature Maple Sugar body scrub, enriched with B. Kamins’ Bio-Maple.
fairmont.com/montebello/spa

Spa My Blend by Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton – Toronto, Ontario
Located on the fifth floor of The Ritz-Carlton in the heart of downtown Toronto, Spa My Blend is a unique luxury spa catering to a wholly personalized experience. It’s one of only two spas owned by Clarins – the other one is in Paris – and includes 16 treatment rooms, two couples’ suites and a beautiful, airy lounge, in 23,000 sq. ft. of hotel space.
spamyblendtoronto.com

Spa Nordic Station – Magog, Quebec
Open since 2004 and one of the first Nordic spas in Quebec, Spa Nordic Station is steeped in charm, evoked by the surrounding trees and rich antiques within. It expertly combines the power of temperature, water and nature with offerings like forest massages, Finnish saunas, a eucalyptus steam room and Russian banya.
spanordicstation.com

Spa Rosseau – Minett, Ontario
Since opening in the fall of 2008, Spa Rosseau has celebrated nature and sought inspiration from the surrounding elements of rock, wind and water. Committed to its mission of renewed health, the spa has a private outdoor swimming pool, hydro spa, men’s and women’s relaxation lounges and offers water treatments and esthetic services.
sparosseau.com

Spa St. James at The Ritz-Carlton Montreal – Montreal, Quebec
In 2016, Montreal’s Ritz-Carlton opened a new, full-service sanctuary in collaboration with Spa St. James, transforming the hotel’s basement into a 5,500-sq.-ft. contemporary space. The Spa St. James has 12 treatment rooms and a wide array of menu items, from varying massage styles to exclusive skin treatments to manicures and pedicures.
spastjames.com

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 
As one of Canada’s largest destination spas, the family-owned establishment in Prince Edward County first opened in 1985, growing from a small local inn to several fieldstone buildings on a 400-acre property. The spa offers a variety of experiences and treatments such as its signature facial, reiki, yoga, Thai and hot stone massage and body polish.
steannes.com

Strøm Spa Nordique – Sherbrooke, Quebec
Strøm Nordic Spa opened in 2006 and now offers a variety of services including massage therapy, beauty treatments and gastronomy for a total relaxation experience in locations of exceptional natural beauty. With four locations and one more to open in 2019, the spa has stayed true to its mission of rejuvenation and well-being.
stromspa.com

Ten Spa – Winnipeg, Manitoba 
An urban sanctuary on the 10th floor of the historic Fort Garry Hotel features several treatment rooms in a pristine space, influenced by Middle Eastern therapies. Chief among these is the spa’s Hamam Bath, with staff instructed by Turkish-bath leaders at the Mathilden Bader Bietrebs Hamam in Munich. 
tenspa.ca

The Spa at Langdon Hall – Cambridge, Ontario 
The Spa at Langdon Hall is situated within a magnificent country estate built in 1902. An indulgent spa service menu features massages, baths, wraps, polishes and other expert restorative, aesthetic treatments and Valmont spa products. Spa visitors are also welcome to enjoy the estate’s amenities.
langdonhall.ca/spa-services

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge – Whistler, British Columbia
Whether it’s a massage, beauty treatment or facial, therapists provide an unforgettable experience in a welcoming setting. The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge recently introduced the state-of-the-art HydraFacial to its roster of services. As a certified sustainable spa, it diverts 95 percent of its waste from waterways and landfills, supported by Green Circle Salons.
nitalakelodge.com/spa/nita-lake-lodge-en.html

Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff, Alberta
The Willow Stream Spa offers first-class pampering with the ambiance of a luxurious Roman bath, surrounded by majestic mountain beauty that captures the spirit of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. The massive 38,000-sq.-ft. facility opened in 1995 and offers a range of treatments that relieve and restore.
Fairmont.com/banff-springs/willow-stream/