Protected: A look inside a swanky new 68,000-square-foot spa in Markham (which has an exclusive discount for Toronto Life readers)
Protected: A look inside a swanky new 68,000-square-foot spa in Markham (which has an exclusive discount for Toronto Life readers)
&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/GP_6_lounge.jpg&description=Go Place is a one-stop relaxation shop for anyone looking to spend a day getting pampered and feeling zen. The giant spa opened last December, after two years of design work and a year under construction. The owner is a local Chinese entrepreneur who wanted to introduce Torontonians to the kind of traditional Asian spa experience you might find in Hong Kong or Taiwan. It was also a response to the current Toronto spa scene, which he felt was limited. Go Place partnered with Toronto-based interiors firm Iron Design Solutions to dream up a totally novel spa and massage experience for Toronto. They meticulously designed every inch of the massive space so that it would feel like an exotic Asian palace. There are giant dragon sculptures, lush trees and living green walls, lantern-shaped chandeliers and comfortable minimalist furniture. The result is a seriously comprehensive leisure club with every possible way to unwind, from steamy baths to amethyst-lined saunas, diamond-powder facials and decadent Asian meals.
Though the atmosphere is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure the second you step inside its walls, the treatments take indulgence to a whole other level. Particularly appealing to wellness enthusiasts will be the themed therapy rooms. There’s a salt sauna lined in saliferous rocks from Malaysia, a traditional infrared sauna and another hot room filled with volcanic rocks, which, when heated, are said to soothe muscles and accelerate the metabolism. There are also three other rooms lined in precious minerals like jade, agate and amethysts, the latter of which is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety. Guests are encouraged to alternate heated rooms with the ice room for a complete cycle, which can provide an extra boost to the immune system.
Up until April 5th, 2020, visitors can simply show this article to Go Place before checking out to receive a 12 per cent discount on all services. Here’s a look inside:
The place has three floors. The main floor is reserved for the reception area:
The second floor is home to most of the main services, including the spa pools, lounge area, themed sauna rooms and dining area. There are three jacuzzi tubs for men, and a large one for women. Both areas come with their own steam rooms.
Here’s one of the themed sauna rooms, which is heated with infrared rays and filled with amethyst crystals. In the world of crystal healing, amethysts are said to help reduce stress and anxiety. When heated, they can release energy that can aids in intuition:
The treatment rooms on the third floor are where visitors can experience the spa’s signature selection of massages, facials and body treatments. For their facials, they partnered with popular cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides to combine clinical techniques with multi-sensory experiences. One of the most luxurious treatments is called the Celestial Black Diamond Lift ($405), and it uses diamond powder to increase the absorption of active ingredients custom-selected to target specific skin concerns. When it comes to massages, treatments like the oriental foot massage and body shiatsu channel traditional eastern techniques to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage:
Here’s the dining area, where guests can fuel up on Asian cuisine after their treatments:
There’s an extensive Japanese menu, with stacked sushi towers that can serve up to four people:
Here’s the salmon don:
And the shrimp crab dumplings:
Guests can also hang out in the spacious lounge, sipping tea or a fresh smoothie:
Mango pudding is also on offer:
The hall is yet another place where visitors can relax and unwind, clad in a plush robe and slippers:
There’s also a VIP area designed for guests who want more of a secluded, intimate experience and includes of more treatment rooms and beautifully appointed dining rooms that can be booked for business meetings or celebratory group events:
The space is open 365 days a year, giving visitors the opportunity to escape chaotic nature of everyday life whenever they feel the urge.
3275 Highway 7 East, Unit 2, Markham, Ontario. 905-261-7777. Goplace.com.
){kind=link}