The Best Ways to Treat Yourself in Toronto on Any Budget

We work hard, so every once on a while we should treat ourselves in the form of a good, old-fashioned pamper session.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

Of course, in a city of sky-high living costs and something exciting (and expensive) happening nightly, dropping hundreds of dollars on a day at the spa isn’t always in the cards.

Luckily, there is no shortage of options in Toronto to pamper yourself properly, regardless of your budget.

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If you’re filthy rich(ish):
If money isn’t a thing, you may as well go all out in the luxury department – somebody has to.

Located on the ninth floor of the hotel, the Spa at the Four Seasons Toronto offers 30,000 square feet of urban luxury at its finest, featuring 17 treatment rooms, two steam rooms, and a full beauty salon. Adjoining the spa is an indoor relaxation pool, a whirlpool, and – best of all – an outdoor terrace that overlooks the city. To do it up properly, hit Café Boulud for a post-spa glass of Champagne (hey, you earned it) or wine and a meal fit for the finest of the foodies.

If you’re in search of baby-smooth skin from head-to-toe and have the dollars to drop on a unique spa experience that cuts no corners, book an appointment at the Miraj Hammam Spa at the Shangri-La hotel. Here, you can indulge in traditional Hammam and Gommage treatments, which will have you leaving feeling like a whole new person. The steam and body exfoliation followed by massage is part of authentic traditions of the Middle East and a favourite among Toronto’s seasoned spa goers.

Treat, Treat Yourself, Yourself, Spa, Grooming, Man, Woman, Men, Women, Toronto, Summer, 2016, Money, Budget

Photo – Four Seasons Hotel

If you’re doing just fine:
If you’re feeling good financially, but not so good you want to splurge on a luxury spa day, you can still get a royal-worthy experience that won’t break the bank.

If a cocktail is your idea of the perfect mani/pedi accessory, you should spend a few hours at Her Majesty’s Pleasure. The King west gem – known as the perfect girls’ night out and bachelorette prep spot – will set you back a bit more than your local nail salon (their signature manicure is $35) but the entire experience makes it worth it. In addition to elegantly designed manicure and pedicure stations, the space features a fully licensed cocktail bar that serves up creative cocktails to complement your fresh polish (and yes, the gents are more than welcome).

Sometimes, a fresh blow dry or haircut is all you need to lift your confidence (especially before a night on the town). Of the blow dry bars in the city, an always reliable and convenient (there are three locations throughout the city) option is Blo. As North America’s pioneer blow-dry bar, Blo always gets it right when it comes to everything from beach waves to a wedding-worthy up-do.

For the guys, a visit to Mankind includes everything from a haircut or a beard trim to a facial – all tailored to the modern urban gentleman. One of the best deals is the “Alpha Male,” which includes a haircut with shampoo and conditioning treatments and comes with a complimentary scalp massage, paraffin hand wax treatment, hand massage, and face hydrating lotion.

If you’re in search of an affordable but blissful spa day, Shizen Spa may be your best option. Tucked away from the city chaos on Colborne Street, the spa offers massages, facials, wellness rituals, body treatments, nail care services, hair removal services, finishing touches, and group packages. Everything about the Shizen Spa is designed to reflect the Japanese sense of zen… but the best part is that this zen can come with an equally relaxed price point.

Treat, Treat Yourself, Yourself, Spa, Grooming, Man, Woman, Men, Women, Toronto, Summer, 2016, Money, Budget

Photo – Man Kind Grooming

If you’re struggling to make rent:
If you’re still faking it until you make it (but need to look the part), there are quality options for a little “me time” that won’t compromise your rent (let alone your grocery fund).

When you’re practically living paycheque to paycheque, the last thing on your list of financial priorities is probably a spa facial. Toronto’s skincare and beauty lovers on a tight time schedule budget collectively rejoiced last spring when Blitz Facial Bar opened its doors. The idea behind Blitz is that of the “express facial.” Basically, it’s a less time consuming, more affordable, but still top quality facial that lacks the frills of a spa and produces serious results.

If you’re in need of a haircut, colour, or blowout, but your wallet can’t really handle it, you don’t have to head to TopCuts. A little-known secret to Toronto’s fashionable babes on a budget is the Aveda Institute – a training facility for the next wave of the city’s latest and greatest hairstylists. Here, you’ll find Aveda-worthy quality (including coffee, tea, and the signature complimentary massage) from the professional students at prices that practically rival a mom and pop barber shop (blowouts for less than $20).

Treat, Treat Yourself, Yourself, Spa, Grooming, Man, Woman, Men, Women, Toronto, Summer, 2016, Money, Budget

Photo – Aveda Institute

Now, go ahead and indulge.

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