blogTO
BODY BLITZ (EAST)
Source: BlogTO
Body Blitz (East) is the just like the original Body Blitz , just a little bit larger and more accessible for the east-end tranquillity-seeker.
Body Blitz has long been on my list of “Must Try,” if only because of its mostly stellar online customer reviews. Seriously, what are they putting in that water?
A women-only spa distinguished by its therapeutic water circuit (I’ll explain), Body Blitz first landed on the spa scene in 2005 with its custom facility at Portland and Adelaide. That location was closed for maintenance about three weeks ago; the same time Body Blitz East opened its doors for the first time.
Deceptively plain from the outside, this new spa is a full 18,000 square feet on multiple levels, complete with its own treatment rooms, showers, saunas, lockers, juice bar, and, of course, water circuit.
The idea for the circuit comes from ancient restorative water practices and is meant to relax, rejuvenate, energize, and cleanse. At Body Blitz, visitors move from a warm Dead Sea salt pool, to a hot Epsom salt pool, to a cold plunge pool, to an aromatherapy steam room, and to an infared sauna in a particular order — a process that is identical at both the east and west locations.
I arrive a Body Blitz for a body scrub first, selecting the spa’s Mint Lime Salt scrub from its line of natural products. The process is seamless with a hotel-like reception desk, a staff member who hands you a robe, sandals, and towel, and another who fetches you for your spa treatment. I’m pretty sure the mark of a good treatment is how quickly you fall asleep — and suffice to say I was struggling to try to not snore away the experience.
The treatment room is elegant and minimalist, and I remark so to the spa therapist as she preps me for my treatment. “It’s funny,” she says, as she ties on a robe, “some people have said it’s sort of like Dexter .” Except here you’re wrapped in hot towels and exfoliants instead of plastic. Small detail. The experience is totally methodical with every inch of your body — right down to your fingertips — scrubbed and cleansed. Now, normally my ticklishness gets the best of me in such situations (I’m the fool usually giggling like a schoolgirl from my pedicure chair) but I found the treatment totally manageable. The only hard part was hauling my lethargic self up when the process was over.
The water circuit experience is a process in itself, where women can opt to enjoy the water in any combination of their bathing or birthday suits. The Dead Sea bath is the first stop and the largest of the pools, kept at a very comfortable 98 degrees. After that it’s onto the aromatherapy steam (a strict no-talking zone), which should be followed by a quick shower rinse (plus a little rehydration from the filtered water fountain). Then, it’s all about the cold water plunge. Admittedly, this pool conquered me with its 66-degree water, as I only got about waist-deep before wussing out and retreating to my towel. Shamefully, I looked on as a few other women sat and dunked in the pool. Champions.
The circuit is completed with a visit to the sauna, Epsom pool, and a few more cold plunges (shame), after which women can retreat to the showers and try out Body Blitz’s mint lime bodywash and citrus shampoo and conditioners.
Overall, I really think it’s the little details that distinguish Body Blitz from the rest (oh yeah, and maybe the water circuit, too). There are extra hair elastics by the vanity, plastic bags for taking home wet suits, lots of staff members available for any and every need (including poolside service). Both locations should be up and running by the middle of December, which should cut general wait time down and tempt weary resisters into making Body Blitz a habit. There really is something in that water.
Canada Elle
AT HOME SPA TREATMENTS
Source: www.elle.canada.com
Cancel your plans—today, spend a relaxing day in recreating the spa experience at home (this means lighting a soothing candle, using fresh ingredients from your fridge and not having to change out of your robe when it’s all done). Here are ways to reboot and get glowing skin for spring with these expert-approved at-home spa treatments.
At-home spa treatments:
Exfoliator: As the warmer weather finally hits, it’s about time to shed to layers—and this includes the buildup of dry skin accumulated over the winter months. To get rid of dryness, Carene Coulter, spa director at Body Blitz Spa in Toronto, recommends using Epsom salts as an all-natural exfoliator. “It’s gentle enough to use on your face,” she says. “And it’s cheap.” (A 350-gram bag of salts is $8.95 at the spa.) Mix in the salts with your favourite body oil and massage all over your body to draw out impurities and slough off dead skin.
Epsom salts bath: Draw a bath then drop in about a third-cup of Epsom salts to soak up the body-healing benefits. The salts—a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulphate—work to flush out toxins from the body. A relaxing ten-minute bath is also perfect for muscle recovery after a workout. “It gets rid of water retention and reduces swelling and puffiness,” Coulter explains.
Toronto Life
WARMING UP 101
Source: Toronto Life
“Health by water” is the tagline at this women-only spa, which now has two downtown locations. The main draw is a therapeutic system of pools, saunas and steam rooms designed to rejuvenate and detoxify. One full circuit takes about 2.5 hours and involves a few shockingly cold dunks in an icy plunge pool. $44-$54, or $270 for five visits.
Where
EXCLUSIVE R & R RETREATS
Source: Where, Timely Information for Travelers
Women in Toronto also have exclusive R & R retreats. Modeled on traditional bathhouses in Europe and Asia, Body Blitz Spa offers a therapeutic water circuit that starts with a dip in the Dead Sea salt pool, followed by a eucalyptus steam, a cold plunge, sauna session and time in an Epsom salt pool – all in the name of detoxifying and replenishing.
Toronto Fashion
BEST BEAUTY INVESTMENTS
Source: Toronto Fashion
One-piece, bikini, topless or au naturel? Before baring all and blitzing the water circuit, book in for the Sweet Ginger and Milk Body Glow ($140). If spending an hour nude in a treatment room doesn’t get you into the exhibitionist spirit, you post-Glow just may.
Jewish Tribune
CELEBRATE SENIORS’ MONTH IN LUXURY
Source: The Jewish Tribune, Arielle Berger
Celebrate seniors’ month in luxury. Body Blitz spa, now located in both the west and east end of Toronto, is the perfect place for women to slow down, relax, and decompress. After just one hour in the therapeutic waters, you’ll feel completely blissed out. The spa also offer a variety of body scrubs, muds, glows and massages, but its signature classic, the therapeutic water circuit, is my personal favourite – a warm, dead sea salt pool, an aromatherapy steam, ice-cold plunge pool, infrared sauna and hot Epsom salt pool. Tea and healthy fruit shakes can be ordered, to be enjoyed on the lush, red leather chairs that surround the pool – the kind of chair you never want to get up from. The Body Blitz website, bodyblitzspa.com, describes the spa health benefits as well as cautions, and also covers the “bathing suit or birthday suit” dilemma. Personally, I think Canadians are too conservative in this respect – an all-women spa is the perfect place to forget about body image; plus, it’s a hell of a lot more comfortable. But, to each their own. Body Blitz has discounts on Tuesdays and, just in time for seniors’ month, 10% off treatments, the waters, and products for those over sixty-five. Best to book ahead for treatments, as weekends, especially, get extremely busy, and note that the east end location, while on separate floors, has an elevator for accessibility.
The Star
THE WAVE OF RELAXATION
Source: Toronto Star, Karen von Hahn, January 2013
If you are reading this, presumably you have survived both the predictions of the Mayan calendar and the rigours of what they euphemistically refer to as the “holiday” season. After all that shopping and baking and wrapping and gravy-making and hosting 20 for a festive dinner — and then the cleaning up — it is no wonder that we all start the new year feeling a little less than refreshed.
One survival strategy to get you through the cold dark months ahead is to take a little post-holiday “me time.” In lieu of jetting off to a glamorous retreat somewhere warm, I can think of no more rejuvenating activity than skipping off one afternoon and taking the waters at Body Blitz, the pioneering women-only health-by-water spa that has just opened a new location in the emerging Corktown neighbourhood.
Laura and Rena Polley, who opened the first Body Blitz in 2005, are two of five sisters. They know first hand the many benefits women experience from having time together to relax, unwind and refresh. After visiting the historic bathhouses of Europe, and taking the thermal waters at spas around the world, the sisters got the brilliant idea of bringing the concept home to Toronto, where, heaven knows, we could all use a little more time out for self-care, the healing company of our women friends and rejuvenation.
“Body Blitz is a celebration of women — created by women, for women,” says Laura Polley, whose first Adelaide West venture is now so buzzing with regulars that the sisters felt the need to expand with a second 22,000 square-foot location on King St. E. “We are so happy that women have embraced our vision, where they can come together in a healthy, communal and inviting environment.”
Indeed, Body Blitz’s winning formula is that this is no hushed, pretentious Zen retreat, but more of an industrial-chic downtown coffee klatsch where you can chat with your pals in a big warm bathtub, naked. There are a series of bromide-free pools in a range of sizes and temperatures, from a near-Olympic-sized warm Dead Sea salt pool, to a smaller, deliciously hot Epsom salt one, to an icy-cold plunge pool you can dip in to cool off; there are also a sauna and steam room.
Body Blitz calls this its “water circuit,” and on the afternoon of my visit I note that some of the habitués seem quite serious about their timed rotations while others just loll about in the big pool, turning into prunes while chatting. The whole attitude is very free, easy and democratic here — women come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Bathing suits are optional — I do observe that there’s a generational divide when it comes to who goes without: it’s the older broads who don’t seem to give a fig, while the younger, fitter bodies are more likely to be modestly clad in bikinis.
The other thought that came to me while soaking is that there is something here that taps into a more ancient communal idea that is in itself rejuvenating. Whether it’s actually the health benefit of taking the waters or simply the wave of relaxation that overtakes us when we can strip down to our simpler tribal selves doesn’t really matter. It works as it has done for generations. Judging from the hubbub around the pools, apparently, it takes a village to relax.
Where things do get quiet and still is in the upper-level treatment rooms, where, for an additional fee, you can book body scrubs and massages. The scrubs are wonderfully obliterating — after choosing your preferred scrubbing material from a selection of aromatic house unguents, you are pretty much transformed through a series of mitts and spray hoses from a determinative human being into a willing piece of meat on a stainless-steel massage table.
At the new location, which resembles the original in its sage-green and wood-and-glass vaguely Mediterranean decor, I sampled the face and scalp treatment, which involved the lengthy massaging of warmed, anti-aging argan oil on to my winter-dry face and into my hair — a process that proved so absurdly relaxing I could barely keep from drooling on to the massage table.
So very renewed was I when my therapist was done that my legs were wobbly, like a young animal taking its first steps, as I made my way down the stairs and back into the pools. Days later, my skin and hair were still glowing.
Whatever your resolutions, the lesson here is that if you are looking for a surefire way to feel new again, it might be best to try something really, really old.
The Globe and Mail
9 WAYS TO CURE YOUR POST-HOLIDAY BLUES IN TORONTO
Source: The Globe and Mail, Ian Merringer, December 2012
Had your fill of leaden fruitcake yet? Does the thought of in-law visits have you considering unlawful acts? If your holidays aren’t so much traditional as routine, break the spruce-shaped aspic mould and treat yourself – and maybe your family — to a merry diversion. Here are some not-overly-seasonal ways for you to get out of the house.
Blitz your body
The people turning taps at Body Blitz recommend women (and all the guests are women) limit stays to two-and-a-half hours. If you rush, you can complete their therapeutic waters circuit four times. But that would be to miss the point. Better to relax and just enjoy the Dead Sea pool, Epsom salt pool, aromatherapy steam rooms and infra-red sauna three times each. Or slow right down and skip a circuit for a massage. You’ll figure it out. Visits start at $54. Two locations: 471 Adelaide St. W. and 497 King St. E. Closed Dec. 25, 26, Jan. 1.
The National Post
A HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE, IN HANDY FLOW-CHART FORM.
Source: The National Post, Ben Kaplan, December 2012
Though it’s not supposed to be the most stressful time of the year, if often is. To fix that, we offer this handy dandy guide to ensuring the holiday season is a happy one:
THE INTELLIGENT WOMAN I JUST STARTED DATING
May we suggest the water circuit at Body Blitz, which just opened its second location on King East? Between the Dead Sea salt pool and the hot Epsom bath, pleasurable associations are bound to percolate with this prize. She’ll glow and be in your good books.
Now
BEST OF TORONTO WINNER – BEST BEAUTY SPA
Source: NOW, Best of Toronto, November 2012
Mark November in your calendars, because that’s when Body Blitz finally opens its new east-side location at King and Sumach. Until then, it’s not hard to make do with the therapeutic water pool circuit and spa services (including scrubs, mud treatments and massages) at the original outlet. When Body Blitz East does open, all memberships and gift certificates will be redeemable at both locations.
Urban Moms
TAKING THE PLUNGE AT THE NEW BODY BLITZ SPA!
Source: urbanmoms.ca, November 2012
I see the signs. Just passed the design district on King East in an industrial looking complex. The streetcar driver immediately sees my eyes light up and says “looks like someone is going to have a nice afternoon!” as he nods with smile my way. I do a bit of a hop and a skip off the vehicle and wave “have a nice day!” and I noticed that a few others are smiling too. Moments like this makes Toronto feel warm on a cold day.
As I approach the door I could smell …deep breathe in…ah! eucalyptus.
And I immediately sense that calmness come over me as I take several more breathes before entering the newest location of the Body Blitz Spa. I SOOOO need this. But as I walked through the door at this 20,000 square foot complex, I realized that I had forgotten to bring my bathing suit when I shuffled the kids off to school earlier and rushed downtown. Oh well.
“I knew a bit about this spa before going – it’s not your typical spa. It’s a health and wellness spa. It’s primarily based on water therapies taking the best of traditional European and Asian bathhouse experiences and making it into an absolutely beautiful oasis in the city. And sorry boys, this is for women only.
I met with Sara deRuiter, the Spa Director who gave me a tour of the less than a month old spa. I immediately noticed her flawless, glowing skin and oooh’d in jealousy and she laughed. “When you work in this humid environment all the time, it does wonders for your skin!” said deRuiter. I look around and everyone is the same.
“Oh, and I forgot my bathing suit,” I immediately tell her. “Not to worry, you can buy a bikini here but you know it’s optional,” says deRuiter. “It’s actually better for you to take in the therapeutic waters without restrictions allowing your skin to get the full benefits”. But she knows not all women are comfortable with letting it all hang out in front of strangers and that’s okay. So, I’m quite shy that way and I bought a bikini ($50). I haven’t worn a bikini since I gave birth to my first son 13 years ago but soon enough I realized that no one here cares. It’s a spa that makes those self-conscious thoughts disappear and quickly! And half way through my session I decided to lose the top. Women of all ages were here either in the buff or bikinis or half bikinis. No one paid any attention and it feels so liberating and safe at so many levels. I just had my mind at complete ease ready for the waters to caress my aching shoulders.
Each new visitor is giving a tour of the facilities and an explanation of how the “water circuit” works. You’re also offered to select a smoothie, tea, or water from the drink menu from the Juice Bar that will be delivered pool side to help hydrate your body internally. You are also supplied with a clean robe, towels, flip flops, and locker for your stay.
The Water Circuit room is large and tranquil. Immediately you feel like you’re away at some fancy 5 star hotel. You immediately notice the massive rectangular whirlpool with cascading waterfalls. This is the point of entry. The Dead Sea Salt Pool with jets hitting me in the right spots on my back easing away the stresses of life. I could get use to this! After about 20 minutes I moved onto the next stage. The Eucalyptus Steam Room where I sat for 10 minutes breathing in the soothing scent and feeling my body sweat out toxins. I know it’s good for me and I kept thinking about just how cold it is outdoors which made this even more enjoyable. After a quick rinse off, the Cool Plunge Pool followed. This is the hardest part but an important part to the water therapies. You’re advised to go neck deep into the frigid water for a minute to keep your heart rate up and to keep your body temperature in check. I went about waist deep and couldn’t take it the first time around lasting a mere 15 seconds and said a few swear words under my breathe. I could see a few women smiling at me. They must have been thinking “newbie”.
There is a recommended system here to achieve what is best for your body and you’ll be alternating from hot to cold to keep your body regulated and functioning at it’s best. But of course, everyone’s tolerance level is difference and I noticed that women here are adjusting to what they can handle. I chatted with a few guests and they all said they followed the guidelines at their first visit then adjusting to their needs at subsequent visits.
After the Cool Plunge Pool the Infrared Sauna was next. It’s more of a dry sauna with the deep woodsy smell from the cedars that heats from within allowing more toxins to come out. It’s a warm treat after that cold plunge..but then back into the Cool Pool. This time I went still only waist deep and splashing my arms for about 45 seconds. In one of the resting periods I noticed a few older European ladies who went in the Cool Plunge Pool with ease and sat in for a while. I was so amazed and thought to myself, if they could do it then so can I! I’m such a wimp.
After that cool plunge I shuffled myself to the Epsom Salt Hot Pool. I like it hot so this was wonderful and soothing. I could feel the massaging jets on my lower back and it felt real good. REAL GOOD. Then the final dip into the Cool Plunge Pool …this time I did it! I went neck deep. Surprised that it was easier now that I’m use to it. But I knew there was one final stop back into the warm Dead Sea Pool. Ah ! Bliss!
At the end of the circuit, I really wanted to have a nap in one of their curving relaxing lounge chairs. So I did for about 15 minutes. I quickly drifted off to the soothing sounds of waterfalls completely oblivious to others in the facility. And no one bothered me. IT. WAS. AMAZING!
On average the complete water circuit takes about 1.5 hours but you can linger and adjust to your needs (but following the cycle) and stay for 2.5 hours. Shower & locker facilities are clean and so is the “vanity room” where all the necessities are needed to get you back out into the real world. What I really noticed was the number of staff at the spa. They were constantly cleaning up after everyone making sure the place is spotless. The staff is also there to provide you with your request, need a fresh towel? another drink? They are fast!
You can also choose to add on services like body scrubs, body muds, facials and massages. All products they use are their own line made of all-natural ingredients and essential oils which are also available for purchase. I bought the face moisturizer and love the lightweight feel and it’s been feeling great against this dry cooler temperatures we’re facing these days.
Body Blitz Spa is a great experience for the body as a whole for those looking for way to relax, detoxify and replenish. It’s benefits are amazing to help you focused and give you a healthier outcome overall. It’s also something that can be enjoyed from teenagers right up to grandmas for therapeutic benefits.
The water circuit one time pass is $54. Gift certificates and memberships are also available. (Yes, I hinted to my hubby already) Prices for services include access to the water therapies and so worth it! Great for a “friends outing” or a mother/daughter time together or on your own.
I’m already planning my next visit. Who’s in?
Ensemble Vacations
FACIAL REJUVENATION
Source: Ensemble Vacations, Summer 2011
Toronto’s body blitz water spa’s Replenishing Face Moisturizer features the much-lauded Renovage™, anti-aging ingredient which increases the lifespan of cells, thereby reducing visible signs of aging. This ultra-moisturizing, lightweight cream also packs a natural punch with jojoba oil, organic argan oil, olive oil, aloe vera, shea butter and provitamin B and vitamin A. Sun-lovers can rejoice because Renovage™ has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of sun spots, large pores and skin redness while enhancing the skin’s overall firmness, tone and elasticity. $45 for a 60 ml jar, available online at bodyblitzspa.com.
Toronto City Gossip
HEAVENLY
Source: torontocitygossip.com, July 2011
Moving day. That one day that seems like it will never end filled with excitement, stress, disorganization, boxes, movers and the anticipation to just get everything back to “normal” as quickly as possible.
The week leading up to the “big day” and following seems never-ending and as hectic as ever. There wasn’t a time that I craved a spa day anymore than during these weeks.
One evening I was doing a bit of research online trying to find the best spas in Toronto, even those hidden gems that aren’t given enough credit, as a result of viewing TCG’s beauty category and realizing it’s about time to get some of these places up there!
I came across familiar names such as Elmwood Spa, Stillwater Spa, and Hammam Spa – a couple of which I have head the pleasure of visiting. However, I wanted to dig a little deeper and find a name that I didn’t recognize and more importantly haven’t been to.
This is when I found “Body Blitz Spa”. An unusual name, I thought. I decided to take a quick glance at the website and found myself intrigued by their products and services.
A woman’s-only spa? Annual memberships? Multiple pools? Therapeutic waters? A green tea hot tub? I must know more!
I read on to find out that not only does body blitz spa offer the typical massages, scrubs, body wraps, facials, steam room, sauna etc. but they pride themselves on their water system. How neat! I never would have thought that we had one of these here in Ontario, let alone downtown Toronto.
I figured it would be a typical “hot springs” type of place that would be found in British Columbia or somewhere in Europe.
Right away I searched for their social media buttons and found a link to the spas twitter account and followed immediately. I had to get in contact with someone at this spa to learn more!
The spa director, Sara deRuiter, was kind enough to send me an email back very quickly inviting me to take a tour of the spa, take a dip in the pools and enjoy “The Works”.
I eagerly accepted and couldn’t wait to set the date!
Sara recommended that I arrive 90 minutes prior to my treatment to use the therapeutic waters circuit. How exciting! I’ve never had to arrive so early before a treatment even begun. I was definitely intrigued. She also sent me an itinerary for my afternoon at body blitz.
I would receive the therapeutic waters and The Works (90 min treatment), which includes a tip-to-toe body blitz wash and scrub with a little pampering throw in for those who like it rough and smooth. This starts with an invigorating body wash and scrub, using one of their signature scrubs from the scrub bar. After the body is washed and scrubbed, the body is rinsed and a neck-to-toe application of their body lotion is then massaged into the skin. The scalp is then nourished with their stimulating scalp serum and then a gentle exfoliating face wash is followed by the green clay face mask, balancing face toner, argan oil face serum and replenishing face moisturizer. The hair is then washed and conditioned leaving you feeling rested, renewed and silky smooth.
WOW! Are you serious? I am going to get bathed from head to toe like some form of middle-eastern Princess? How did they know I loved getting treated like royalty? Bring it on!
Need I say how excited I was for this?
I arrived 90 minutes prior on a Thursday afternoon to the hidden and deceiving spa. Located on Adelaide literally around the corner from where I was moving. Seriously? Just my luck, I would have been a dirty regular.
So far so good. Clean, organized, simple.
As I waited for the women at the front desk to finish helping the women that were in front of me, I decided to notice my surroundings. A juice/smoothie bar, a display of their products including testers for you to smell and feel the products to help you choose which is best for you. Very helpful!
I filled out my “new client” form and the anticipation level of what was next was increasing.
A man came in and was disappointed when he found out that body blitz was for women only and inquired if there were any places in the city that cater to just men – business opportunity much? I know so many men who adore being divas and would totally use a service like this. Shine on you crazy diamond.
Angela came out to greet me with a welcoming smile informing me that Sara wasn’t feeling well that day and went home so she would be giving me the tour and filling me in on all I need to know about the establishment.
We walked over to the showcase of products on display where Angela gave me a bit of background information on the particular products that were going to be used on me. They had already customized my treatment – amaze!
Body blitz has their very own skin care line that is made with only essential oils, no perfumes, and is not animal tested – a star up on the fridge from me for that one. To extend the body blitz experience earth and sea elements are used in all of the products.
Angela added in that their argon oil serum is extremely popular right now so they’ve added a bit to each product. Think Moroccan oil for your body – how beneficial.
There is an entire wall of bath salts that are brought in from all different parts of the world – all of them except the salt from the Dead Sea are edible. Neat! The Dead Sea salt is used in the main pool at body blitz spa.
Made in Canada and celebrating all things Canadian, body blitz supplies salt from Saskatchewan, moor mud from northern Ontario and oceanic clay from British Columbia, to name a few. These natural resources offer a myriad of health benefits which are passed on to you. Just another reason to be a proud Canadian!
Angela informed me that I am going to be receiving the deluxe sweet ginger body glow. I love the sound of that – who doesn’t like to glow? At this time I had the opportunity to test out the products that were going to be used on me so she tells me that my treatment begins with a mint lime body wash, followed by the sweet ginger scrub which will perfectly exfoliate every inch of my body, which is then followed by a warm milk and sweet orange oil which is massaged into the skin and then finishing with a grape seed and argon oil massage.
After my body is treated the spa therapist is going to move up to my face for a mini facial which begins with a body blitz replenishing face wash, followed by a mask with the green clay face mask, and then finishing with the balancing facial toner and argon oil serum and replenishing face moisturizer.
I asked Angela which product(s) is her favourite and she expresses how much she loves them all and it’s so hard to choose but she uses the clay mask at least once a week to balance skin tone religiously.
Get me in there already!
As I entered the facility to begin my tour, someone was just exiting the pool area so I was able to get a sneak preview of what I was in for and I couldn’t have been more excited to disrobe and get in there. However, Angela was kind enough to show me around and I was more than interested to see what this unique spa had to offer.
Much like any other spa there was a room full of lockers where you are assigned a key to ensure your belongings are safe. Each locker obtains a laminated map with the recommended cycle circuit (which I will explain in detail shortly) for the pools, a small and large towel, a robe and flip-flops for safety and cleanliness while in and around the facility. How thoughtful!
Next to the locker room is a gorgeous, well-lit “beautifying” area, if you will. Body blitz offers their chair brushes, hair dryers, perfume, body lotion, hairspray – you name it they have it. They want to ensure that you’re ready to take on the world after your five star treatments.
Beside this area is the section for bathrooms and a separate section of beautiful rain head showers to rinse off before/after parts of the cycle. There is the main showerhead that is in the open and about 5-6 private showers if you wish to take a little extra time for yourself.
Angela pointed out the steam room and inferred sauna and then I was on my own!
Before entering the spa I opted for the antioxidant blended smoothie that I was told would be served to me poolside. It is made with pomegranate juice, fresh blueberries and banana. Delish!
Back into the locker room I go to put on my bikini and take on the pool circuit.
I entered the main poolroom and noticed some of the ballsier women who were enjoying the pools in the nude. You go girl! I personally feel the most comfortable in my bathing suit.
First step, rinse off. Second step, main pool for 5-10 minutes.
The main pool is absolutely stunning. In the middle of it there is a fountain pouring out fresh water constantly. This pool is the one with the Dead Sea salt in it. I found a spot up against a few of the jets and just relaxed. It felt so good to wind down after the week I was having. My ten minutes were up and after a quick rinse into the steam room I go for another 5-10 minutes of relaxation for step 3.
The steam room promotes detoxification. One of the women working there came in while I was in there and poured some eucalyptus oil into the timed steamer. I took a deep breath in and I felt as if I was clearing my breathing passage.
Another quick rinse and step 4 is to sit in a cold tub for the suggested time of one minute. In order for this to work properly, you are told to go up to your neck. This stimulates the thyroid. It is freezing in there but I couldn’t give up, I was going to finish this circuit.
My minute was up and step 5 was the infrared sauna. In this area, as well as the steam room, there are signs that say absolutely no talking. Body blitz spa wants all of their clients to be as relaxed as possible – this is a place for therapy!
Sitting in silence for another 5-10 minutes of detoxifying, a quick rinse and into the green tea pool for ten minutes. Yay! I was waiting for this all day.
There really isn’t any difference in the appearance or texture of the water by any means, however, just knowing you are sitting in a hot tub of green tea feels so good. This was definitely my favourite pool.
Another minute in the cold (66 degrees) pool? Ahh I can do this! Literally staring at the clock my one minute is up and I can enjoy the remainder of my time in the main pool.
Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t need to be a scheduled event each and every time and you can definitely choose how long you wish to remain in each pool, these are just the recommendations. Why wouldn’t you though? It’s so good for you!
In between my little adventure I noticed my smoothie was delivered poolside, as promised. My name was written on it and a “have fun and enjoy” message. It was absolutely delicious and refreshing.
I took a glance at the clock and decided I should probably get out, dry up, and put on my orange robe and sit on one of the big comfy red lounge chairs and wait for my treatment.
By the time I sat down on the chair Ann was ready for me. Oops! I underestimated how much time I had left over; I really wanted to chill on the chairs. They’re so big and comfortable. Next time.
Ann led me into the back area – this place is absolutely massive. It really is deceiving. The ceilings are so high, probably 24+ feet and the facility is just never ending with space. I’m assuming it was some form of warehouse before that was gutted and redone to look this beautiful.
I’m not going to lie, the rooms are a bit odd looking. All white, like an over-sized bathtub/shower and a red table in the centre with one big lamp over-top that consists of three inferred light bulbs to keep you warm. I felt like I was going to be experimented on or something.
I was given a disposable thong and told to de-robe and lay flat on my stomach. I was slightly intimidated as everything was so quiet and the room is not a familiar sight. I looked around and noticed a sink, a long silver hose, and some bath mitts. I decided to relax and just let Ann have her way with me. She is a professional, after all.
Ann returned to the room and turned on the hose to give me a quick rinse. I couldn’t believe I really was going to be bathed by someone else.
She then took the mint lime body wash, which smelled delicious, and washed the backside of me from my neck all the way down to in between my toes with a bath glove. I’m not going to lie; I rarely even wash in between my toes myself – haha. Next up the scrub! Bye, bye spray tan – hello exfoliation. Every inch of my body was exfoliated and felt so good. The sweet ginger scrub smells so good. I remember trying not to nod off into a nap because I needed to remember the steps of the treatment to write about, but it was so hard! Especially after the warm milk was poured onto my body. This was my absolute favourite part of the treatment. Warm milk that smells like sweet coconut with a hint of orange poured on every inch of your body and then rubbed in – heavenly! I didn’t want it to end.
Once the warm milk was rinsed off I was coated with the grape seed and argon oil, which was massaged, into my body.
I quickly realized that I obviously couldn’t have just one side of me treated and that I would eventually have to flip to the other side and have the same done to me on the front. Topless? A little uncomfortable at first, but then I realized she does this to dozens of women daily and eased up.
Ann rinsed off, dried the table and helped me get back on to ensure I didn’t slip off after my body was all oiled up on the backside of me. She repeated the steps on the front and then proceeded to dry me off and cover me in warm towels.
Facial time! I’m not going to lie, I fell asleep halfway through for a good 10-15 minutes so as I woke up the mask was getting put on my face and she asked me if I wanted my hair washed. Why not!
All of the products smell SO good and they’re all natural. I would consider purchasing and using the shampoo and conditioner, which is rare for me as I am a dedicated lover of Aveda products.
My hair was rinsed and wrapped in a towel, my facial was complete and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt this clean before. I had just experienced getting bathed by someone else. I could really get use to this…
Ann saw me out, gave me a glass of water, and bid me adieu. I thanked her for her relaxing procedure and proceeded to the locker room. I didn’t want to leave!
I got dressed and decided to let my hair air dry and headed to the front desk. What an amazing day! It is just what I needed.
Not only did body blitz deliver, but also they impressed me beyond words. What an amazing facility! I immediately turned on my blackberry (which is not permitted upon entrance to the facilities) and began to brag to my girlfriends about my experience.
This really is a must-try for you women who love spas. Not only that, if you love to take care of your body then just visiting body blitz spa for the therapeutic waters is beyond beneficial. Taking care of your body is so important – if you are good to it, it will be good to you. Having the chance to detoxify, stimulate circulation as well as your thyroid and metabolism and then relax after it all in a nourishing pool – heavenly.
I even went onto my twitter account and messaged a few of the women that I know would adore this place. It honestly is a must try.
Body blitz offers a discount on the pools on Tuesday, “scrub ‘n mud Wednesday’s” and a discount on services when paying to enjoy the pools. There are package deals, annual deals and drop-in rates.
They even have a no-tip policy!
Seriously, try it out, I guarantee you will be as impressed as I was.
Porter Airlines
LESS A BLITZ, MORE LIKE BLISS
Source: The Journal of Porter Airlines, April/May 2011
Less a blitz, more like bliss, this women-only (sorry, guys), bathing-suit-optional (double sorry, guys) therapeutic water spa will bring out every downtown gal’s inner mermaid. Soak, steam, and even season and steep in warm sea-salt and green tea pools, get heaven-scent in the aromatherapy steam room, and find your wavelength in the infrared sauna.
Elevate Magazine
ALL ABOUT ARGAN OIL
Source: Elevate Magazine, April 11
Body Blitz, a water spa in Toronto located in an 11,000- sq. ft. warehouse and featuring a Dead Sea salt pool, hot green tea pool, cold plunging pool, aromatherapy steam room, infrared sauna and 20 treatment rooms, has created a new product line. Reflecting the philosophy of the spa itself, which ascribes to ancient water therapy practices and uses natural element- inspired ingredients in all treatments, the Body Blitz line is all about high intensity botanicals. The Argan Oil Face Serum ($65) is the star of the product line: argan oil is the world’s richest natural source of vitamin E and contains 80 per cent essential fatty acids, which is where it gets its anti aging and skin protecting qualities. The serum contains more than 75 per cent organic argan oil. The Replenishing Face Moisturizer ($45) and the Balancing Face Toner ($22) also contain the oil, as well as a host of natural ingredients, and the Green Clay Face Mask ($28) is the same one used for spa facials. At the spa and bodyblitzspa.com.
Viva Magazine
IMMERSE YOURSELF
Source: Viva Magazine, January 2011
Using water for the treatment of pain and illness, known as hydrotherapy dates back to Egyptian civilization. Luckily, sisters Laura and Rena Polley have demystified – and simplified – the practice with their 11,000 –square-foot, body blitz spa in Toronto. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the spa offers a luxurious and hassle-free approach to ancient water practices. You’ll find a 38-foot Dead Sea salt pool, a hot green tea pool and an aromatherapy steam. Treatments are designed to help increase circulation and stimulate the immune system, as well as help to cleanse and tone the skin and treat respiratory disorders and rheumatic pain. It gets better: The spa also launched blitz on the go, a take-home, natural line of products including a serum, moisturizer, clay face mask, body wash and more.
Hello! Canada
A FRESH START.
Source: Hello! Canada, January 2011
Follow our expert tips for a post-holiday clean-up and get your skin glowing for the new year!
SAVING FACE
Your skin doesn’t lie – when it’s dull, puffy, dehydrated or broken out, it’s obvious that you’ve been living it up over the holidays.
To rejuvenate your glow, you’ll need to exfoliate dead skin cells, which are a big contributors to a dull complexion. Start with a scrubbing cleansing tool with a brush attachment like Clarisonic (which helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin.) Then use a purifying mask rich in antioxidants or clay to zap impurities from your pores (body blitz green clay face mask).Finally maximize moisture with a hydrating serum or radiance-enhancing cream to give you an instant glow.
En Route Magazine
BODY BLITZ SPA
Source: enroute.aircanada.com, December 2010
Canada’s first women-only spa and restorative water sanctuary boasts a 38-foot Dead Sea Salt pool, hot green tea pool, cold plunging pool, and a steam and infrared sauna. To coincide with their fifth year anniversary they’ve launched a brand-new product line, “blitz on the go”. The line is made from natural, sustainable, and socially responsible ingredients from the earth and sea. Available in-spa and online. Go for the day to enjoy the pools and bring the spa home with luxurious products like “mint lime body moisturizer” and “Argan oil face serum.”
Hip Urban Girl
NEW NATURAL PRODUCT COLLECTION, BLITZ ON THE GO
Source: hipurbangirl.com, December 2010
If you haven’t checked out body blitz yet, the winter is a perfect time to head to this spa for a cozy dose of R&R. But if your holiday schedule is THAT busy then fortunately, you can now take the body blitz experience home with the debut of their new natural product collection “blitz on the go”. This line features seven new products that combine natural elements from the earth and sea, as well as various botanicals to help cleanse, nourish and hydrate the skin.
The Hip and Urban Girl’s Guide was invited to their launch party last month to personally test drive these products. Our favourite out of the line is the Argan Oil Face Serum ($65) – argan oil is known as “liquid gold” by The New York Times! This oil contains amazing anti-aging and skin-protecting qualities so a few drops of this serum goes a long way. We love how it literally melts into the skin and creates a hydrating barrier to combat the harshness of winter weather. The finish doesn’t look oily either.
We also really liked the Mint-Lime Body Wash ($18) and Lotion ($24). The wash lathers well and the lotion absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft and smooth. Plus the fresh clean scent reminds us of the dearly missed breezy summer days.
The Body Blitz natural product collection is available at Body Blitz Spa and online at www.bodyblitzspa.com
Women's Post
THIS SPA IS CLEARLY FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN
Source: womenspost.ca, Jelena Djurkic, Dec10/Jan 11
Women’s Post editor Jelena Djurkic visited this women’s only spa and had only great things to say about its facilities and thoroughness. “This spa is clearly for women, by women,” Jelena described after going through the spa’s water circuit ($48). Focusing on the therapeutic benefits of soaking in waters, Body Blitz offers a warm sea salt pool, hot green tea pool, and a cold plunging pool (read: freezing). As well, it’s suggested to visit the aromatherapy steam room and infrared sauna in between dips in each pool. The juice bar onsite even allows you to order drinks in advance of treatments, so that it’s ready when you exit anywhere from the deep plunge to the sizzling sauna. Blitz on the Go (from $18), Body Blitz’s newly debuted product line, gives visitors the option to take the spa home with them, and features Moroccan Argan oil in several of the products.
Wander Magazine
Business for Pleasure
Source: Wander Magazine, Kristina Smith, Spring Issue 2018
I took the opportunity while in Toronto to book into Body Blitz for a body scrub, where the old age tradition of communal bathing allows women to come together while ‘taking the waters’ in a bathing-suit optional, female only environment.
All treatments include access to the waters, so I spent 90 minutes winding down in the therapeutic waters circuit, with a warm Dead Sea Salt pool, hot Epsom salt poo, and cold plunge pool, plus eucalyptus steam room and infrared sauna. The entire circuit is housed in a large indoor space reminiscent of an ancient Roman bathing house.
Showers, lockers, towels, a robe and sandals are all included, while talking is permitted, hushed voices are encouraged. While lounging, you can call up to the desk and order a tea or a fresh juice for sipping. Afterwards, I met my lovely esthetician who led me to a tiled treatment room for a signature full-body scrub, where I stripped down to nothing but the disposable thong provided.
I choose the sweet ginger scrub, formulated with minerals rich in salt and essential oils to eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation. My skin was cleansed, exfoliated and stimulated front and back in an incredible series of scrubbing and rinsing, with low lighting and warm water to soothe and relax.
The scrub was followed by a soothing body massage with lotion to counterbalance the invigoration of the scrub and encourage draining of the lymph nodes. My entire body was so soft and hydrated, and I was so incredibly relaxed, it was difficult to exit into the cold winder wind outside!