Category: Elmwood Spa Blog

Walking down the aisle is a pretty big deal. You’re taking the first steps towards the rest of your life. But before you get those pretty heels moving to the altar, there is a whole planning process. Where do you even start? Roenna Tara of All Things Pretty is answering the most common questions that brides-to-be have! Q:  How long in advance should you start planning? A: As soon as possible! However, I always recommend a 1,5-2 year engagement so that you can bask in that newly-engaged bliss before you start experiencing the stress that comes along with the planning process. Q: What is a reasonable budget? A: The budget is relative to your guest count. As a general rule, the venue should take up about 40%-50% of your total budget. But always be realistic. Start off by working out how much money you have available and are willing to […]

You’ve got the dress, perhaps the venue, you’ve scrolled through the congratulations, and you’re ready for planning. We’ve rounded up some of the best skincare prep tips for brides-to-be! Plus, take a look at our recommended products that you can shop online or in our spa retail boutique. Start with the Basics Ready for your close-up? Skincare is important, especially during the weeks leading up to your big day. Prep your skin and get that dewy glow with a facial. Our favourites? The HydraFacial or Oxygen Infusion Facial to get you started. Get Ready for Routine Once you’ve enjoyed a refreshing facial to prime and prep your skin, start with a skincare routine. Use a cleanser, exfoliant, toner, serum, and more, to keep skin in tip-top shape before the wedding day. 1. Guinot Biological Peeling Radiance Gel A gentle and effective “peeling” treatment. SHOP> 2. Elmline Hydrating Cream Cleanser and Toner: […]

When you think about everything that your body does for you each day you may think of how our hearts continue to beat each day, that our bodies carry us where we need to go each day, or even that our bodies allow us to sleep and rejuvenate each day.  But what about breathing?  Breathing is one of the many things our body does for us, without us having to consciously think about it (thankfully!).  Our bodies are amazing, aren’t they?  But what happens when we focus more of our attention on our breath and more specifically, breathing exercises? Breathing has been a main focus in the field of stress and anxiety with the strong role it plays in stress relief.   Relaxation techniques that aim at reducing overall stress levels, often include some component of breathing exercises.  Here are some tips on finding the right breathing technique for you and […]

Nowadays, it seems like every celebrity, health coach, and yoga teacher are talking about doing a “detox”. But if you’ve ever tried a detox program, you’ll know that it takes A LOT of dedication and discipline to endure the challenge. But while a detox program can be a step in the right direction, they aren’t always complete. Here’s why. A proper and safe detox has everything to do with your hormones. If you’re “eating healthy” and still experiencing skin breakouts, cravings and weight fluctuations, then your body is trying to communicate an overabundance of toxins in the body and potential hormonal imbalance. There’s also a good chance your detoxification pathways aren’t functioning optimally. While detox programs can be a great reboot, detox is something we need to support our bodies with every single day. Given that we’re exposed to an unprecedented number of toxins daily, it only makes sense that we […]

Many assaults end up on the ground.  You can fall, trip or slip.  An assailant might hit you, push or pull you to the ground. In real situations, you are not falling on a soft mat but rather on a sidewalk, hard floor, or other dangerous surfaces where you are then vulnerable to kicks, punches, chokes, being pinned down. It is a very dangerous place to be! Experts at the Krav Maga Academy Toronto have put together some useful tips to help you deal with this type of scenario. Protect Your Vulnerable Parts: Chin into the chest, head off the ground, arms protecting head and ribs and legs between you and the attacker. Keep Limbs Close: Don’t give someone an opportunity to grab your limbs and put you in a lock or expose your vulnerable parts. When striking, make sure you recoil as fast as possible. Fight Dirty: Look for vulnerable […]

It’s February, and it’s more than just cold weather that’s in the air. Love is also all around us! With Valentine’s Day being the centerpiece of this month, many are taking the time to celebrate their relationships –friendships, partnerships, marriages, and more. Though we have 365 days to say “I love you”, there’s something about saying it with roses, chocolates, and candy hearts that makes it much sweeter. At Elmwood Spa, we have our very own couple that celebrates together! Raquel, who works on the Housekeeping team, and Jose, who is with Maintenance, have been together for 10 years and counting. Take a look at their story! To shop for your Valentine, check our our package and Gift Cards here >

Whatever the occasion, show your special someone how much they mean to you with a special treat. Everyday life can get pretty packed –with buzzing phones, back-to-back schedules, and lengthy commutes. So how do you show off your appreciation (and skills in the kitchen)? Cook them a dinner, and top it off with a decadent dessert. As featured on Breakfast Television, Chef Sameer Soni from our Terrace Restaurant has put together 3 easy-to-make desserts that are sure to wow your Valentine! View the segment as seen on TV here > 1.CHOCOLATE MOUSSE INGREDIENTS • ¾ CUP HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM • ½ CUP DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS (NOTE: YOU CAN USE ANY TYPE , IE. WHITE, SEMI-SWEET, MILK CHOCOLATE, BUTTERSCOTCH ) METHOD 1. HEAT THE CREAM IN A SAUCE PAN JUST BELOW BOILING POINT 2. IN A BOWL MEASURE OUT THE CHOCOLATE AND POUR THE HOT CREAM OVER THE TOP 3. WHISK […]

Co-workers. Colleagues. Teammates. There are many ways to refer to the people we work with but what really matters is the stories they tell. Elmwood Spa and Bangkok Garden are celebrating 35 years, and many staff have been a part of ours for just as long! Whether they contribute their bright smiles, support, or expertise, everyone play a big role and looks forward to making guests a part of the family. Here’s what some of them had to say: Fariba Ghaderi “We try to treat guests like they’re coming home. We’re not just a service provider. We’re family.” Rosalee Ward “I love my clients and the connection I make with them. You get to know them, their problems, and you get to have regulars coming back.” Chef William Thethsombandith “It’s when you feel your energy is drained after a very busy night, you can’t even crack a smile, but a […]

Time flies, so how do we keep track of it? Well, we could listen to the clock tick but we prefer to make the time count. We look at all the milestones we’re part of, the mother-daughter duos we’ve hosted for me-time, all the flavourful bowls of curry we’ve served, the countlgiving our guests a place to escape the stresses of every. This year, Elmwood Spa and Bangkok Garden are celebrating 35 years and couldn’t have done it without you! So just what is our journey made up of? We invite you to explore with us as we take a look back.

Winter is in full swing and we bet most of you are already dreaming of sunnier days. In between fussing with mismatched mittens, putting on more layers than an onion, and drinking tons of tea to stay warm, we’ve had it with the season! But where has the excitement of our childhood days gone? Building snowmen and cozying up on cold days was always a treat! Well, to help you get that groove back, we have a few suggestions: Swing By for Skating: Skating is a favourite winter activity. But if you thought it was fun on its own, the Harbourfront Centre has taken it to the next level. How? With DJ skate nights! On every Saturday until February 4 between 8 and 11 PM, you can skate to some fun tunes! So lace up and head over to the lake. For the full schedule, click here. Schedule a Spa […]

Winter –it’s all fun and flurries until someone’s hair gets knotted beyond recognition. With all that dry hair, warm hats, and cold air, tresses are bound to get tangled. But don’t worry, we have ways to keep your mane luscious all season long. Love Leave-In Conditioner: For most of the year, we can get away with a wash and condition routine. When colder weather rolls through however, it’s time to add an extra item in the mix. In times like these, consider leave-in conditioner your best friend. Your locks will love all the extra moisture to protect them.   Try a Treatment: Aside from your regular products, give treatments a try –masks and oils and all are good options. Our LI’TYA Quandong Hair and Scalp Treatment which is based on Australian healing rituals, nourishes hair and restores luster, with macadamia nut oil and native peach extract. Bring a Brush: and by […]

Do you hear that? Listen close: the sound of forks clinking to finish festive dinners, champagne bottles fizzing as they’re popped open, and grandma snoring…err, snoozing by the fireplace. Yep –those are sure signs that the season of holiday entertaining is here. And though having friends and family over has its perks (hello hostess gifts!), it can also be exhausting. Don’t worry though, we have tips and tricks to make sure that you’re the host with the most and can tackle it all. Here are three ways to make hosting a breeze: Don’t Be Frazzled with Food: what’s the secret to making sure you’re cool and composed before everyone walks in? Prepare your food in advance or choose dishes that are easily ready. Don’t spend hours frantically trying to finish the items on your menu. Baking, frying, and all things hot are best to be avoided. Opt for a potluck, or […]

It’s official, we’ve had our first snowfall and frosty temperatures are here to stay! What does that mean? It’s time to start shopping, of course. The holiday season is always filled with joy, but often also brings a side of stress –all those presents to prepare for! So slip into your comfiest shoes, pack your patience, and head over to the nearest mall. If that sounds a whole lot like the routine you’re used to, maybe it’s time to switch it up this year. We have four tips to keep you calm while shopping this holiday season! [C]lick & check out: skip the long line-ups and packed parking lots! Slip into something cozy and get gifts from the comfort of your home instead. Online shopping is a quick and easy way to get through your list, especially if you know what you loved ones want. And for those that you […]

It seems like we have breezed through fall, and the countdown to winter is officially on! Besides sipping on hot beverages rather than iced lattes, our skincare routine also needs an adjustment. So you’ll have to part ways with light creams and a sun-kissed glow. To help you, we have three tips from one of our Spa Care Experts™ to make sure your skin weathers the winter. The lat“er”, the bett“er” A treatment series such as microdermabrasion or peels can be the magic touch –they can help diminish dark spots and fine lines. But these work even better during months that end in “er”. You guessed it, that means November and December are the prime time. Our Spa Care Experts recommend that you book your series in the later part of the year, to get rid of all the dry skin from the summer, while replenishing with moisture that will plump you […]

Music –it can evoke emotions, awaken the senses, and bring back memories. Whether you’re taking over the dancefloor with Drake, spending a rainy afternoon with Adele, or running to Rihanna, each track has its time and place. So what’s best to turn up when you want to zen out? According to British researchers, “Weightless” by Marconi Union has the power to reduce stress by up to 65%! That news has us hitting the repeat button –and you should be too. It’s the perfect pre & post spa song to help you tune out the hustle and bustle of Toronto (just be careful when crossing the street or driving). But because (sadly) it’s only 8 minutes long, here are 10 more mellow tunes that we’ve complied to add to your playlist: Strawberry Swing-Coldplay The Traveler-Talvin Singh To the Sky-Dirk Maassen Heart Murmur-Swan +Antler + Feldt The Time to Sleep-Marble Sounds Electra– Airstream Flaws– […]

If the chiller temperatures and earlier sunsets have not given it away, fall is in full swing! That’s right, gone are the days of eating gelato, lounging by the pool, and wearing white. Even though we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy warmer than usual weather until now, it’s time to swap swimsuits for shawls and switch to the autumn state of mind. Aside from a wardrobe change, a new season also means that it’s time for new routines. We have three ways to make sure you’re all prepared for fall! Clean out the Closet: To make space for all those warm and cozy knits, tuck your summer stuff away. Whether you slide them under your bed or store them in a spare room, we love the idea of vacuum-packing all those extra outfits that are no longer in season. Also, if you have fall items that you can part ways with, it’s […]