Spa Spotlight: Day Spas of Durham, Ontario, Canada

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The Canadian spa industry is flourishing. The two most populous provinces, Quebec and Ontario, are leading the spa industry in Canada, with Ontario ahead in number of spas, and Quebec ahead in dedicated spa clients. In Ontario, however, the spa industry has evolved from a relaxing, recreational activity to the regular necessity. The client age in Ontario ranges from 25-54, and these clients earn competitive incomes and have a lifestyle that accommodates regular spa visits.

Over the past few decades, the spa industry in Canada has developed in much the same way as the spa industry in the United States. I experienced this first-hand, as I was employed in the back room at a hair salon that began to offer esthetic services after recognizing the need. Although clients enjoyed having all their services in one place, the noise of hair dryers and the space forced clients to a more peaceful setting to enjoy the pampering services offered. This led to the development of day spas, and I followed this transition into the opening of a day spa in 2003.

The day spa has risen in the ranks in Ontario, currently the largest segment, with hotel and resort spas following. Day spas in Ontario continue to stay on top of new technology, treatment and products, although wellness and customer service serve as the backbone to these businesses. Those with the knowledge and experience have opened their doors over the past 15- 20 years. As many business work hard and may struggle to keep their doors open, the following establishments have been doing just that.

The Wellness Spa in Pickering, Ontario and The Brooklin Village Spa in Brooklin, Ontario are working through the challenges of operations, providing excellence in customer service and separating themselves from the rest with a unique atmosphere and treatment.

These establishments have been servicing their clientele in the neighborhood and those who come from afar with experienced staff, professional products and a broad range of services to answer client demand.

Brooklin Village Spa

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Brooklin, Ontario, www.brooklinvillagespa.com

Brooklin Village Spa is located in the heart of Brooklin, Ontario. The relaxing and tranquil environment greets you at the door. Dim lighting, soothing music and calming staff offer services that are both targeted and results driven as much as they are restful and rejuvenating.

Brooklin Village Spa has been in existence for over 12 years but under new ownership for three years. It resides in one of the older homes that has been converted for such an environment. The services range from that of basic services including manicures, pedicures, waxing, and body treatments to more advanced treatments like laser services and injectibles by a registered nurse. Facial treatments include: Cold Laser Therapy (90 min., $189), Microdermabrasion (45 min., $99), Advanced Peel Facial (30 min., $70/60 min., $99), Éminence Organic Facial (45 min., $73/60 min., $92/90 min., $105/Eyes, $10/Lips, $10/Back, $92), the Medical Facial (60 min., $105/90 min., $140) and the Photo Facial (Face, $189/Neck, $129/Decollete, $169/All Above, $349/Hands, $129). Airbrush tanning and eyelash extentions are also offered at the spa, and it has added a salon providing all hair services. The spa offers an array or unique, fun spa packages such as Sex in the City ($225), Doll Me Up ($105) and Vacation, Here I Come ($150), among others. Professional skin care products include Éminence Organic, Environ and Priori.

The Wellness Spa

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Pickering, Ontario, www.thewellnessspa.ca

The Wellness Spa opened its doors 11 years ago and is the only location of its kind. The Wellness Spa is located in the Pickering Recreation Complex, a family community center offering swimming, athletics and programs for the whole family throughout the year. This recreation center has been in Pickering for over 30 years, and the addition of a spa was conceived by the owners of a physiotherapy clinic also located in the center. The thought of placing a spa inside a public community center was a pleasant addition to the area, and I am honored to say I was a part of the inception of The Wellness Spa. The growth seen at the spa over the years has been the result of the hard work and commitment of its owners and staff.

Services are provided by two ladies who have been in the industry for a number of years and provide great customer service and excellence in client relations. This makes them one of the top 10 spas in the Pickering area.

The service menu includes basic offerings such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, threading and body treatments. Body treatments include a Deep Cleansing Back Treatment (60 min., $65), a Body Exfoliation/Polish (60 min., $70) and a Body Wrap/Mud Packages (75 min., $85). They also have a gentlemen’s menu customized for the unique needs of the male client, including: A Gentleman’s Athletic Facial ($70), a Chest Wax ($40) and a Back Wax ($40).

More advanced treatments are offered in the area of skin care specific to the Guinot product line, and microdermabrasion treatments ($100 for face, $125 for face and neck). Guinot facials offered include: The Fruit Acid Double Peel (45 min., $85), the Vitamin C Lifting Facial (45 min., $95) and the Hydradermie Double Ionization (75 min., $110), among many others. Registered massage therapists provide Swedish and deep tissue hot stone massages.

The Wellness Spa consistently proves their skills by catering to the needs of the clients through professional treatments that offer results. Clients feel rejuvenated, refreshed and pampered. This can all be enjoyed after: a workout in the gym facilities, doing a pottery class, visiting local vending exhibits or watching the kids’ swimming lessons.

The environment created is intimate, where you can enjoy quality time away. The personal approach to all relationships is consistent and leaves clients returning for more.

In their tenth year, ownership redecorated the spa to that of an edgier tone and brighter vision. Clients always express the “excellence in service” and “great attitude” of the owners and staff at The Wellness Spa.

Client Connection

The spas chosen to be featured offer clients a connection. They are included in the learning, development and execution of skin health. That connection comes in all forms, but in the public arena of esthetics, it adds a personal touch.

REFERENCES

www.mtc.gov.on.ca

Dara Cardoza

Dara Cardoza is an educator and medical ethetician as well as a CIDESCO diplomat. She can be reached at [email protected].

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