At this time of year, even those who don't frequent the spa take time to prepare those tootsies for sandal season. If you're a seasonal guest, or a frequent visitor, we have rounded up the latest new treatments on offer to get you ready for summer.
SILKPEEL FACIAL
$250, 75 minutes
Sanctuary Day Spa, Oakville
sanctuarydayspas.com
Sanctuary Spa recently introduced the Silkpeel system at the Oakville and Burlington locations. This procedure is a facial that incorporates the use of the Silkpeel Dermalinfusion system to gently exfoliate skin. A tiny wand is passed over the skin so its finely abrasive surface can exfoliate while a skin-specific topical solution is simultaneously applied. The treatment begins with a traditional cleansing of the skin using Bioline products containing soothing extracts, and then the magic wand comes into play. The microdermabrasion portion of the treatment lasts for about 20 to 25 minutes, and is customized with a solution selected for your skin type. Hydrating and soothing is selected for me, but this facial is also very effective for those with acne, hyperpigmentation and to reduce the appearance of fine lines, with a series of treatments recommended for best results. It's not painful, just slightly scratchy, and when complete you can see what has been removed (if you dare). A moisturizer is gently massaged into the face and neck, and left to absorb while I enjoy a neck, shoulder and scalp massage. Then a rich masque is applied, and a hand and arm massage is performed while the masque does its work. With the soothing masque absorbing and completely relaxed from the massage, I am left for a short nap. I am gently waked, the masque removed and a rich SPF 25 moisturizer applied. Skin will remain red for up to 24 hours after the treatment, but then looks refreshed and is smooth and pliable. Perfect for those who want to see visible results.
QI TRANQUILITY BACK FACIAL
$150, 60 minutes
Qi Tranquility Spa, Oakville
qi-tranquility-spa.com
This skin on our backs is the most neglected on our bodies. It's out of sight and hard to reach, but many would cite this as a problem area for their skin. Qi Tranquility Spa in downtown Oakville offers a customized “facial” for the back that incorporates the same hand-selected products of their signature facial. Any treatment at Qi begins with a footbath; it's an Asian tradition, and a lovely way to set the calming tone of a spa visit. Feet are washed and a rich moisturizer applied before I am led to the treatment room. The back facial begins with an assessment of the skin. The treatment is recommended for all skin types, but is especially beneficial for those with acne. A customized selection of Eminence Organic Skincare products are prepared that begins with deep cleansing with Coconut Milk Cleanser. Extractions are performed, if required. The next step is a slathering of Radish Seed AHA Refining Peel with Rosehip and Maize Exfoliating Masque. This is left on the skin to work its magic while a deep leg and foot massage is performed with rich Citron Age Defying Souffle. The exfoliator is removed with soothing hot towels, and a masque is applied. Blueberry Soy Repair Masque is applied with expert massage technique and left to absorb while a scalp massage is performed. The masque is removed and a rich cream moisturizer applied. Even as a bit of a spa junkie, I've never experienced a back facial. Skin is left feeling clean, refreshed and for me, hydrated and super soft. This is a must-have treatment prior to a big event where you'll bare your back in a summer dress.
HOT STONE MASSAGE + HOT TOWEL FOOT EXFOLIATION TREATMENT
$105 + $15, 80 + 10 minutes (member pricing)
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Oakville
handandstone.ca
Hand and Stone, opened recently in Oakville, is the only spa of its type in the area. The spa concept is membership-based, perfect for those who like to have massages or facials on a regular basis. This is not one of those scary, difficult to cancel type of clubs though. Membership is based on a $65 per month fee, with no other fees and can be cancelled with 30 days notice. The monthly fee entitles each member to one 50-minute relaxation massage or signature facial per month. Additional treatments and specials for family and guests are also offered at a reduced rate. You can give it a try for a one-time introductory fee of $75 for a 50-minute hot stone massage. The spa atmosphere is comforting and quiet, with expert RMTs to perform treatments. The ultimate massage experience is the signature Hot Stone Massage. The treatment begins with the selection of an essential oil, my technician recommends relaxing lavender. After deeply inhaling the aromatic oil, heated river stones are combined with deep massage technique for incredible muscle and mind-soothing results. This really is the perfect combination of all aspects of aromatherapy, hot stone and deep tissue massage. Combine with the foot exfoliation treatment for the height of relaxation as feet are exfoliated with an invigorating Lemongrass Sugar Scrub and then smoothed with Lemongrass Cream. Perfect for pure relaxation any day of the week.
THERMAL MINERAL PEDI KUR
80 minutes, $90
100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake
vintage-hotels.com
New to the award-winning 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post is a series of thermal mineral treatments incorporating Kerstin Florian spa products. The treatments are based on the Hungarian spa ritual of the kur (“taking the water”) to remineralize, detoxify and sooth joints and muscles. The pedi-kur begins with a foot soak in a mineral bath, while the usual cleanup of nails, cuticles and old polish is performed. Feet are gently buffed until soft, and then a hand-mixed exfoliator of sea salts and almond oil is prepared and massaged into feet and legs. Back into the mineral”“enriched water to remove the salt scrub, and then a spritz of hydrating Neroli Water with its refreshing orange blossom scent. Myrrh Oil is rubbed into nails to condition and a foot balm applied to sooth and moisturize, while feet and legs are treated to an incredible massage. This pedicure includes a wrap in the form of a cooling Algae Gel Masque. The nourishing masque with Vitamins A and E to soothe is applied, and heated booties are slipped on. I sit back and relax with peppermint tea in the massage chair and the masque does its work. The masque is removed and the Sparitual polish in Last Tango (a bright coral orange) I selected is applied. Feet and legs are refreshed, moisturized and I feel completely energized. It is recommended that you take time for a soak in Pillar and Post's hot springs in conjunction with all “Kur” treatments for full effect of the mineral treatment. The same minerals used in the spa treatments are added to the hots springs. Best for anytime you want perfect feet and toes.