Elmwood Spa

Been here twice. The first time I was assigned a male massage therapist even though I had requested female and I had changed my booking time to accommodate a female therapist. At checkout they were kind enough to provide 15% off for their error. My second visit was equally good. The couples’ room is nice although a bit small and chilly. I requested the fireplace to be turned on but it was making a funny clicking noise so we ended up not using it.

Good for a spa day downtown! Spent my anniversary day here with the boyfriend, they have the ‘bring a man’ 20% offer — not bad at all. We pretty much spent the day here — started with an hour of water therapies; they have a whirlpool hot tub, steam room, and swimming pool. Lunch offers a nice selection — 3-​course meal was delicious. Then another hour or so of water therapies and completed the visit with a massage. Overall a pleasant experience.

A Couples retreat to reconnect:
Love, love, love this spa to reconnect with my significant other. We always book a early lunch in their restaurant that we eat in our robes, then take our time in water therapies. And then finally we have a mid-​afternoon massage. Ah-​mah-​zing!
If you’re looking for a special couples experience, ask for your massages in the library (with the wood burning fireplace in the winter), or the room above the library with the vaulted ceilings. Both are lovely.
If you’re having a spa day with girlfriends, the hot tub in the ladies washroom is awesome and more private.

Friendly staff and calming place.

This was the most unimpressive spa experience I’ve ever had. To begin with it is a lot like cattle being herded when you get there. I opted for the facial. My biggest complaint was my esthetician left the room for 15 minutes during the facial. And since there was no music or white noise I spent that time listening to everyone in the hall. So, ¼ of my service lying alone in a small room listening to the gossip in the hall. While the faculties were decent, we weren’t told to bring a bathing suit so we didn’t get to use anything. Maybe I should have known, but a reminder would have been nice. Seriously, spend the money on some nice products. This place was terrible.

3.5 stars
The water therapy and restaurant experience was great, not a big fan of the massage and service was around the facility was alright. My friend and I both got the holiday package which includes access to water therapy, 3 course lunch and 50 min massage (~$ 160). Parking is $ 12 and ticket must be stamped by front desk at spa to get discount. Note that parking is located at Gerrard St not Elm St at Chelsea Hotel.
We were quickly checked in upon arrival and were given our itinerary and warm towels to wipe our hands which was a nice touch. There was a circular booth with Ipads to enter our information, also another nice feature. We spent the first hour at the water therapy which had a pool, hot tub and sauna, as well space for you to lounge around. We both quite enjoyed it and was really hoping the massage would be equally as great.
The massage rooms are on a separate floor and we opted for the couples massage so we could be in the same room. The experience was definitely sub par to all the other places that I went to. The masseuse felt like she was in a hurry throughout the whole massage. Instead of towels gently being place and maneuvering the bed subtly, I felt as if it was on an operation table with towels throw onto my face and constantly moving up and down. My friend had a gentler masseuse, however she said she felt like her skin was being exfoliated the whole time because his hands were really rough!
The lunch did make up for the disappointing massage. The portions were massive, the butternut squash soup was delicious! I order the salmon as main and gelato for dessert. Main was great, dessert I did not care too much for as there was too much sauce and was too sweet for my liking. But really enjoyed it overall. Service in the restaurant was great as well.
Girl at the front desk when we were checking out was definitely not having the best day, you can just tell from her face. We all have our days, but also a little unprofessional. I don’t think I would come back here which is a shame as the facility and building is gorgeous.

Had an awesome facial by Elisabeth… fabulous conversation, top tier products great technique. My massage from Jason was also top tier. Would go again in a heartbeat. My only reason for not giving 5 stars was that upon entry they handed me a robe that might have fit my 6 year old. Having to do the walk of shame back to ask for one that fits is a real downer for any plus size woman. I am grateful they had the larger robes. just wish I hadn’t had to go back and ask.

I went to Elmwood Spa yesterday for my birthday and received an 80 minute DNA facial, which was about $ 179 after taxes. I also used the therapeutic waters and steam room for an hour before my facial. The water are complementary with a massage or facial.
First impression: When I walked into the main reception area on the first level the place smelled and look amazing. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. There was someone one each level who directed me where to go.
I thought the spa décor, aside from the main reception area was quite dated. I’m sure the place looked fabulous 10 years ago, but I think its time for some renovations. There were cracks in some of the tiles, the grout in the shower and steam room were discolored so it made look dirty and icky. I wasn’t comfortable removing my slippers at all.
I liked the fact that the women’s change room had its own steam room and whirlpool, but it was a bit strange to see this big whirlpool as soon as you walk into the change room.
If you want to swim and use the wet sauna, you have to use the co-​ed are, which also looks extremely shabby and old.
My favorite part of the day was my facial. It was VERY relaxing and I actually feel asleep a few times. When I got home, my husband couldn’t get over how radiant my skin looked. I felt like I was transported to a tranquil universe, floating into nothing but bliss during my facial. Salama, who performed my facial also massaged my hands and feet which helped me to relax even more. I noticed a difference in my skin as a lot of dead skin was removed. This was my first ever facial and the bar has been set quite high. I will go again for microderm treatment.

3 stars not because of the people who were very friendly and professional, but because it wasn’t worth the bang for the buck.
Although service and process were efficient, it was such a big facility with sooooo many other clients booked in, that it felt like a mass production of services. Kind of lose that relaxing tranquil feel because of it.
We had a couples Swedish massage which was just adequate. Nothing special. We both didn’t have particularly skillful masseuses. Also my relaxing was interrupted by constant sirens that I could hear from the window. I know it’s downtown Toronto, but maybe better insulated windows?
Lastly, the therapeutic waters were unimpressive. Simply a pool, a hot tub, and steam saunas. I can find this at most goodlife gyms even some condo gyms. Nothing particularly luxurious about these services.
The only thing I found impressive was the women’s change rooms. Spacious with all the fixings, but that’s not what you came here for right?
If you’re looking for a good massage with better therapeutic facilities, and you’re a woman, I’d spend my money at Body Blitz!

I took a half day at work and booked myself a day at the spa. I booked lunch and a facial, which came with the water therapies.
I have to say, I had higher expectations. I’ve heard great things about the spa from friends so I was really excited to go, but I felt like everything was just a little underwhelming.
The place was quite busy for a Thursday afternoon which was nice but also I can’t imagine how busy it would be on a weekend?
When I arrived I had to wait 5 minutes in line. I know this sounds a bit ridiculous to complain about, but there were about 5 employees in the lobby and somehow everyone was busy.
I saw that there were people at every floor, waiting to help you, but I would expect them to approach you and offer help. Instead I had to approach them and ask where to go/​what to do. At some points there weren’t even people there to help.
The place is beautiful. It has an old feel to it, wooden walls, cozy spa like atmosphere. There’s a lot of water facilities but overall I found that it could be better. Maybe it was outdated and I could tell and that was it. I’m not quite sure. I guess I feel like if I’m at a day spa walking around in my robe, I’d feel comfortable taking my flip flops off for a minute or two and I didn’t. They had staff constantly cleaning but for some reason it never felt clean enough.
The change room just wasn’t clean enough for my liking, and like I said above there were people cleaning while I was there. I felt the bathrooms were quite small and just didn’t give me the comfort I want in. I don’t think this is a reflection on the cleaning, I think it’s a facilities issue. Things are old, water is taken throughout the change room; it just seems like there must be a better way to keep the floors clean and dry. I did, at quite a few times, feel I would slip on the floor in my flip flops.
What I said above about the change room I also feel with the water facilities. I was really excited to use them but when I got there I was underwhelmed. I didn’t feel it was very spa-​like facility; I felt like I could have been in the Y or at a hotel.
I used the steam room and did quite enjoy that.
The lunch, I had a standard 3 course lunch and it was OK; nothing special but I didn’t expect a gourmet meal. I felt the vegetables had way too much oil on them which defeats the purpose in my opinion. The servers were quite nice.
My facial. I was very pleased with it. I had Coba and she was quite good. It was a standard facial and so I knew what to expect and wasn’t let down. I have to say, her scalp massage was incredible! She gave me good recommendations on how to maintain my skin.
I didn’t come out of it upset, but I likely won’t be going back, just because I wasn’t comfortable with the facilities.

This place is clean for manicures and pedicures. They do not re-​use buffers and files and the metal equipment is autoclaved. Sure there are no big massage-​y chairs with a foot basin — because those are unhygienic. This is my go to place for mani and pedi because of this attention to hygiene which is so rare in the nail industry. Yes, you pay a bit more, but I’d rather pay more than get hepatitis.
I didn’t give it 5 stars because there is a real variability in terms of the skill level of the various aestheticians. Once my pedicure nail color application was uneven and the nail was not filed evenly. I had to re-​touch it myself at home. Another time, the person took WAY too long because it was a bold color and there was so much erasing with the remover.
But I will always go back because it is clean.

I needed a half day to relax and pamper myself, and figured Elmwood Spa would be a nice spot for a treat. I booked my 50min deep tissue appointment online about a week prior, with no hiccups, and essentially «prepaid» with my credit card. After signing up for their mailing list, they also sent a 20% off any service over $ 150 — save that for next time!
When I arrived, I was pleasantly greeted with a choice of hot or icy cold towel. There was a water station, infused with strawberries and cucumber, and a circle of IPads to fill in personal health details. Very efficient! I was given my intinerary for the afternoon, and sent to 2^nd floor change room. On the second floor, I was greeted by the floor attendant, who gave me a brief tour of the facilities in the ladies change room. There was a beautiful whirlpool, lockers with electronic locks (fullsize and half size). I was given a heavy duty robe and slippers to size. Something different about Elmwood is that the itinerary tells you where to go for your treatment (ex. 2^nd floor Seaquest room), so you’re expected to go there yourself. Would be nicer to have someone direct you.
In the waiting area, there’s a tea station with 6 – 8 different teas from Elmwood’s own line, and more fruit-​infused water. There’s also some apples to munch on. My RMT came to get me promptly for my appointment time and determined with me what areas I wanted to work on the most (back and shoulders). She concentrated the 50 minutes on those areas, so I didn’t get a full body massage, but MAN my back and shoulders felt like jelly after! In a good way.
Afterwards, my friend and I enjoyed the whirlpool in the ladies change room for a bit, before venturing to the 4^th floor for some food. Unfortunately, their kitchen is closed from 3−5pm, so we JUST missed it. We ordered a couple of Banana, Peanut and Chocolate smoothies ($ 7) instead, and sipped it on the 3^rd floor by the pool. I find the 3^rd floor water therapies area a bit dated in décor, particularly the chairs. Not a single lounger to lie down on! All chairs to sit up in!
Getting ready again for the real world, they provide body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, all of which are high quality and have a wonderful scent! Moroccan Oil branded. They have little vanity stations everywhere with hair dryers, curling irons and straightening irons, cotton swabs, hair spray/​gel, deodorant. BYOB, though… bring your own brush!
Checking out was fine — gratuities go in a separate little box, and they don’t need to be reminded to give you an insurance receipt. I booked the next session on the spot and receipted a gift of body lotion! Remember to ask about their Spa Passport — you get a stamp for services over $ 129, and after 2 stamps, you get 25% off next service and complimentary lunch!

first experience at a spa and I was floor at how amazing their service was.
Lester and Andrea were our RMT’s for our couples massage and they were just wonderful.
Very understanding and patient and gentle.
I would strongly recommend them if you go, they are simply awesome!

Went to Elmwood for the first time a couple of Sunday’s ago. Right by Dundas Station, Elmwood is in a convenient location. They have two restaurants on site, but there are also a number of eateries/​restaurants around the spa.
A friend got me a gift card and I wanted to use it before I forgot about it. I wouldn’t visit Elmwood on a weekly basis, but it’s definitely a great place to go to once in a while as a nice treat for yourself. Navigating their site, I saw all the services that Elmwood offers and I’m not going to lie — I was a little overwhelmed. Luckily their staff were extremely helpful over the phone and took the time to answer all my questions. With most services, you get access to water therapies (steam room, hot tub, and swimming pool), which was a nice touch to my visit. I went for the 50 minute citrus body scrub — a great choice as my skin is still soft! Following my scrub, I had a relaxing massage done by an RMT (Monica).
Just a couple of tips:
— Bath robe, sandals, and towel are provided (I’m a n00b and brought it from home)
— The change rooms have digital locks
— Anything purchased (i.e.) drinks, food are added to your bill that you pay for after your service (s)
Can’t wait to return!
Good for: spa day, pampering, mani/​pedi, RMT

My 3^rd visit to Elmwood today and I was equally impressed as the previous 2 times. I love that they have everything for you and you only need to show up with a swimsuit a comb and any personal toiletries you want to use. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning. I love that there is water everywhere to drink and that the robes and sandals and towels are all convenient and available. I tried to fire and ice massage and it was not as good as the last time I came here but it’s still a nice massage.

My sister-​in-​law booked a day at the spa package deal for us. Wow! Totally impressed! Elmwood is gorgeous! And each staff member we encountered was awesome — completely professional and welcoming. We started our visit in the beautifully tiled hottub in the women’s changeroom. After that, we tried out the water therapies which seems like a rather fancy name for what it is. The pool was a bit cold for my liking and there was a very affectionate couple in the tub, so we returned to the ladies only tub. Our next appointment was a 50 minute Swedish massage. My massage was a little lackluster but my mom and my sister-​in-​law really enjoyed theirs, so I must have just not lucked out. Immediately after that we hustled to the restaurant for our three course lunch. We walked in with expectations of some cucumber sandwiches and a fruit tray or some similar light fare, but we were wrong! I had the chef special salad with spiced cashews and candied turkey bacon, a steak (a but gristly but super flavourful) with horseradish rapini and lovely baby potatoes for my main, and some chocolate overload for my dessert. It was so tasty and we were stuffed. We finished our day with a facial. This time I was completely satisfied and my skin felt great!
I really wish I could afford to come here more regularly because it is a wonderful way to spend a day. I will have to keep this experience as a very special treat, but one I will really really look forward to!

Why did this place get good reviews? It sucked from beginning to the end. The massage was decent, the check in is as slow as an airport terminal, the pool aka water therapy is packed loud bright and nothing about this spa is relaxing or in anyway nice. Waste of my money and day expected to be relaxed, I walked out even more stressed out than I walked in. Read the 40 non recommended reviews! They are all telling the true side of things.

I really enjoy coming to Elmwood spa. All of the employees are very friendly and the experience is very relaxing. All of the employees act completely professional. The masseuses are also really great!
It is also really nice at how Elmwood offers complementary water therapies with the purchase of a service. The water therapies are great! There are two jacuzzis for the ladies (one in the change room and one on the common area) and multiple steam rooms.
The Terrace restaurant never seems to disappoint. However I would recommend you get the steak with the normal sides instead of substituting your order with sweet potato fries. I thought my steak would come with the fries and something else. It just came with a few pieces of meat (it wasn’t the best steak I have ever had) and tons of sweet potato fries. I would have preferred some fries and vegetables
All over, I had a very relaxing day and felt like I was in a peaceful sanctuary.
They also offer guests a free 3-​course lunch a few days before and after their birthday.
All over I had a great relaxing birthday celebration at Elmwood.

I love this spa! The first time I went was a couples exotic getaway package. My boyfriend and I were so blown away by the service. Check in was smooth which I really appreciate. The women change room is really spacious, clean and bright! We went for the water therapies and I especially loved the relaxing hot tub and steam room! The massage was very relaxing and we ended our day spa with our four course meal at Bangkok Garden, the food was immaculate and full of flavour!
The second time I went was with my girlfriend and it was her first time. We took advantage of elmwood’s January special. She was blown away with how luxurious the spa was! We both passed out getting our facials done. We especially enjoyed being in our robes and having a 3 course lunch. The food was great! A lot to choose from and it really fills you up
Overall this place is worth it if you need to shut the world out

This is my first visit to Elmwood Spa and I am happy to say its well worth the money spent. I came on Wednesday mid-​day and had the three course lunch along with a 50 minute Shiatsu massage with free entitlement to the Water Therapies.
The Water Therapies and steam room was clean and also not too crowded when I was there mid-​day. There was alot more people towards the later part of evening and tends to get abit packed in the changing area.
The only thing that irked me was the cleaning lady in the changing room was moping when I was standing blowing my hair. She could have at least moped or swept another section and then attended to my section when I moved away.
The highlight was the Shiatsu massage and I highly recommend Lester. He was very good with the pressure points and courteous too. Good force and usage of strength during massage.
The three course lunch was also yummy. There was a great variety covering gluten-​free variety for my friend too. The carrot ginger soup was amazing! The waiter and waitresses at the restaurant was polite and certainly attentive.
Although I spent almost a whole day at the spa along with my friend, it didn’t even feel like I spent almost the whole day there. Time just flew by! I am definitely bringing my boyfriend here for a couple’s session to treat him.