Women have come a long way, and every year is not only a reminder of their progression, but also an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. This is exactly what YWCA strives to achieve on an annual basis – to recognize women who make a positive significant difference in the lives of females (both young and old) with a focus at the local and international levels. The tradition has been ongoing for the past 35 years, and this time around is no different. On Thursday, May 26 with CBC personality Marivel Taruc as host and several distinguished honourees, The 2016 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards was a truly inspiring evening. Elwood Spa and Bangkok Garden are proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful event –as we have been long supporters of the advancement of women. Not only that, but there is a personal connection to the cause! Did you […]

Though the sun is setting earlier and we immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, remember to take the time to explore all that Toronto has to offer. Here are eight things to do if you find yourself in the city’s downtown core: 1. Appreciate Art at the AGO: Stroll through the Art Gallery of Ontario located just steps from our very own Elmwood Spa and Bangkok Garden, at 317 Dundas Street West. Here, you can marvel at the Canadian Collection which includes paintings by The Group of Seven, or enjoy works that international artists from various eras have left behind. Click here for a full list of current events and exhibits. 2. Be a Star at Bar + Karaoke: Warm up your vocal chords and sing along to your favourite tunes! Bar + Karaoke is located at 360 Yonge Street #2 and offers private rooms […]

November: the month when your girlfriend groans at the sight of your moustache no matter how impressive it is, while your buddies bump fists and marvel at its beauty. Yes, the feedback may be conflicting, but props to you for participating in the Movember movement –a great cause that raises funds and awareness for men’s cancers. But as the month winds down, it’s time to reach for the razor and say “hasta la vista” to the Handlebars, wave goodbye to the Walrus, and bid au revoir to the Regular Mo. And after you’ve parted ways with your ‘stache, why not treat yourself to a Men’s Essential Facial at Elmwood Spa? Not only is it a great reward, but you can keep contributing to the cause. Elmwood Spa will be donating $25 from every men’s facial enjoyed in the first week of December! It’s a win-win you can’t refuse. If facials […]

At Elmwood Spa, we are thinking about gratitude. In a fast-paced, click-through world, it’s easy to compare our lives to others, and focus on the lack. We can get caught up in thoughts like: They have more; they look better; they are more loved.  From the grand to the granular, we believe that taking time to recount the positive aspects of one’s life can help create a better sense of well-being. When we focus on what we have, as Ms. Winfrey states, “you end up having more.” While October is a month to reflect, we hope the practice of giving thanks extends to every month of the year. Happy Thanksgiving!

  Chef Ian Penny from our fourth floor restaurant The Terrace shares his recipe for Maple Bacon Popcorn that he enjoys with his wife. It’s perfect for a night at home, and indulgent enough to put the microwave popcorn on hold. Enjoy! Recipe: Maple Bacon Popcorn  It can be done two ways. Ingredients 1cup of unpopped popcorn—1/2c rendered bacon fat (saved from breakfast maybe) 1/2c maple syrup. If the popcorn is popped in a air popper. drizzle warm bacon fat (double smoked is better) and maple syrup over top. Old Fashioned: Get a good pot with a lid and put the bacon fat in the pot till almost smoking hot. Add the maple syrup and popcorn. Cover and shake until the popcorn has finished. Note: Better to stop with some still to pop rather than wait to get all popcorn popped because the maple syrup can burn!

  When the temperature drops, it’s time to cozy up with your significant other. It’s couples season at Elmwood Spa, and we know that spending time with your loved one is an important part of unwinding. From enjoying the fall weather with an outdoor activity, to embracing a couples massage, we’ve rounded up our top 10 ten coupled activities for a renewed season, and an exciting #datenight.   Getting back into your routine and making each other a priority is important. It’s time to shut off the screens, and get back to basics. Carve a pumpkin – Bring out your inner child and get crafty. Pumpkins are in season, so grab a knife and your competitive edge and see whose masterpiece makes it to the front step. When you’re done, scoop out some seeds, and toss them in the oven for a healthy snack. We loved this Roasted Pumpkin Seed […]