AxiSpa - Toronto Spa Review
Intimate Spa in the Heart of Toronto
By Hilary Rowland
For any of you who have seen the Sex and the City episode where Samantha spends the day at the spa and gets all worked up (and into a little bit of trouble) over a "hot" male massage therapist, you'll know what I'm talking about. Meet Joe. Italian, handsome and experienced; not only is he, and AxiSpa, worthy of a Sex and the City episode, but it is here that a couple of experienced spa-goers got the best (and most beneficial) massages we've ever had. Just ask celebrity frequenters Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan...
Deep in the heart of Toronto's ritzy Yorkville, AxiSpa housed in a quiet and intimate setting. Reception is on the second floor salon space, a bustling length of cutting and coloring with suave music that melts away as you enter the spa, and floats above it all on the third floor. Most indulgent is the cozy lounge space; floor to ceiling windows fill the room with natural light and plush couches make it difficult not to relax. There are interesting books on nutrition and health that invite guests to arrive early and stay after their appointments.
With only two pedicure stations and two manicure stations, it's no wonder the estheticians remember favorite nail polish shades or preference for chamomile over peppermint tea of regular clients. The staff here believes their work is more than just surface care. Complete wellness is promoted; their main product line Avancé includes supplements, and the spa hosts regular events that have included speakers on nutrition. And in speaking with any of the estheticians, you'll receive an informed, honest response. This spa team definitely knows how to create a relaxing experience - they'll make you feel right at home.
But back to the massages. Joe Palumbo, the RMT, knows your body better than you do. That's why this is THE perfect place to go if you've ever experienced back pain or tension headaches (or if you're just sore from wearing your Manolos for a bit too long). With a combination of Swedish and Thai massage, he pulled out knots we didn't even realize we had, and worked at correcting the cause from the root. In his own words: "My goal is to give such effective massages and to help you understand your body so well that you will eventually never have to get another massage again." And he means it. He helps you to understand what's happening (and what has happened already) in your muscles and body and gives each client a personalized list of exercises and diet tips to help with getting your body back into perfect working order - and to prevent future strain. To experience is to believe.
AxiSpa offers a full range of spa treatments, including waxing, specialty manicures and pedicures, facials, glycolic peels, Registered Massage Therapy (yes, you can get a relaxing aromatherapy massage if you prefer), and body treatments. Body treatments are preformed in a special wet room, where you'll be swathed and massaged in warm towels and enticing scents while soothing music swirls around your head. Try Restore, a remineralizing algae wrap packed with nutrients, or Glow, an exfoliation and faux-tanning treatment that will leave you looking sun-kissed.
For the ultimate experience, go for the works - manicure and pedicure, followed by a one hour massage, body treatment and facial. Or try one of their Ayurvedic treatments based on the ancient Indian system of healing with unique massage techniques and all natural products. Treat your feet with one of the specialty pedicures such as Heal that includes a mandarin-honey sugar scrub and white tea pack.
The spa is a stickler for cleanliness - they have an autoclave that steam sterilizes metal implements and you can take your nail file with you because they use a new one on each client. In sticking to their wellness theme your nails will be polished with Zoya, the only nail polish line that is toluene and formaldehyde free, agents that are proven carcinogens.
Lastly, finish your day of bliss with a facial. Most popular is Revitalize - the guru of facials that will leave your skin rejuvenated (we also loved the Cure facial, for those pre-date, post-breakout days). Also have an eyelash tint - the dye is vegetable based and will make your forget about your mascara!
Somewhere during your experience, before you float out the door feeling like you've got your head in the clouds, you'll stop to have a spa lunch, chosen from a health-conscious menu but with generous servings, fresh and from a local restaurant. Now that's what I call heaven!
Check them out online at www.AxiSpa.com
Address: AxiSpa 130 Cumberland Ave (Yorkville Area), Toronto. Tel: 416-923-1211
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