With cold weather approaching, it may feel as if the best part of the year is escaping us. For many, fall weather is the signal to freshen up before we head off into the hibernating months filled with sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes. With some of the hottest spots in Toronto being a short walk from each other, the Toronto Entertainment District is home to some of the best luxury spots within the city – guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Time for a Tune Up
Kicking off our list is none other than the lush Shangri-La hotel. Located at 188 University Avenue – on the outskirts of the district – the hotel’s sumptuous ambiance cannot be missed. With its expansive exterior, the hotel allows for natural sunlight to peak through its floor to ceiling windows, perfect for afternoon high tea in its cozy lobby lounge. Shangri-La’s high tea menu includes over 75 tea options and decadent treats guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. While indulging in the lounge, live music will add to the rich atmosphere. High tea runs daily from 2-5 p.m. and often fills up quickly, so it is recommended to make reservations beforehand. During the holiday season, the Shangri-La features a Nutcracker edition of high tea. The course consists of all your favourite holiday sweets accompanied by opulent seasonal décor, making you feel as if you are in the hotel’s version of the sugar plum field. After treating yourself to sweets and exotic teas, make your way to the coveted Caudalie Parisian spa. Set up within the Shangri-La, Miraj Hammam offers a variety of treatments from massages to wellness packages. These treatments will add a bit of luxury sparkle to your day and are more extravagant than the average mani-pedi. Manicures start at $65 while pedicures start at $95. As you would expect from a Caudalie spa, lavish products are not skimped out on! Both the traditional manicure and pedicure include a Moroccan black soap exfoliator to say bye-bye to dead skin and conditioned with some beloved Argan oil to moisturize. Like the high tea, visitors are encouraged to book appointments ahead of time.
Already visited the Shangri-La spa but looking for some pampering within the Toronto Entertainment District? Do not fret! The Ritz Carlton offers the same degree of luxury as the Shangri-La. Located in the south end of the district, the Ritz Carlton is a contemporary yet outstanding hotel, home to the Clarins spa – with the only other location being in France. Its featured treatment on the menu is the personalized “My Blend” facial. The spa boasts about the rich peptide complexes used as an invigorating booster. The facial lasts around 60 minutes and costs a humbling $245. But you’re worth it, right?
Wining and Dining After a day of high tea and spa treatments around the district, it’s time to treat yourself to a swanky meal. Akira Back, one of the city’s hotspots, is a Michelin-star Japanese hideaway located inside the aesthetically-pleasing Bisha Hotel. Namesake chef Akira Back has created a fusion menu including Japanese and Korean delicacies with cold and hot sharing plates. While the menu ranges in price, featured items like its lobster dinner total to $110. If the most opulent item on the menu isn’t for you, opt for the signature tuna pizza, or the Brother From Another Mother roll. And don’t worry vegans, Akira also has options for you! Order the crispy vegan signature roll and you’ll wonder why it took you so long to try it.
Take Me Home While the Entertainment District offers highlighted spots to hit up, you can take the pampering experience home with you. The Detox Market is an all-natural beauty retailer that promotes ‘green beauty’; pure products containing no artificial chemicals. The market offers products from cleansers to serums and makeup, without compromising effectiveness. Entering one of its two Toronto Entertainment District locations is quite the experience itself. With its minimalist interior, the store is easy to navigate and full of luxurious treats you need to get your hands on, like the Honey Mud face wash, featured as number 1 on their top 5 best cleansers list.
Toronto’s Entertainment District is more than just a hub for events, clubs and movie premieres. Indulging in self care in the city’s best hotspots is sure to exceed your expectations. With its plethora of luxurious amenities, spoiling yourself is all within walking distance.