The lobby at the Miraj Hammam Spa.
For us, the spa is a necessary indulgence, like cashmere or champagne — once you get a taste you can’t imagine your life without it. As avid spa-goers, we have visited our fair share of spas, with our most recent visit being the spa at the Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid. Thankfully close to home there is not shortage of amazing options. When we heard about the new Shangri-La Toronto opening we knew a spa wouldn’t be far behind, so when we were invited to experience the luxurious new Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris we said “Yes!” in a heartbeat.
The spa lives on the fifth floor, the same place where you’ll also find the hotel’s fully-equipped health centre. Upon the elevator doors opening, we were first greeted by sounds of trickling water and an over-sized medallion featuring the spa’s logo. We headed through the glass doors where we were pleasantly welcomed in.
The relaxation lounge.
In going with the hammam theme of the spa, Moroccan and Middle Eastern details touched everything from the decor to the architecture including the lattice window panes behind the front desk, a tiled fountain embedded in the wall, iron lanterns and bright silk embroidered pillows.
Before we were shown into the change rooms, we filled out your standard forms, while listening to the continued trickle of water that poured out of another gorgeous Moroccan-tiled fountain. A spa associate came by to provide us with some plastic sandals, offered her sincerest apologies that they were currently experiencing problems with the locks on their spa lockers. Besides offering to hold our valuables, she also suggested we could bring our purse right into the treatment room. Not the most ideal situation, but it was a tiny issue we suspect they’ve already resolved.
The change room itself was more modern than it was Moroccan, although the exotic flair was certainly the mood, with dark woods, red velvet curtains and striking artwork taking centre stage. We spotted two large sinks, as well as two separate bathroom stalls, a large walk-in shower and a plethora of beauty essentials, including a selection of Caudalie Paris products, fresh combs and shower caps, not to mention a wall of towels and robes.
After slipping into a robe (they were a little on the light side of us, as we tend to get cold!), we left the change room and were once again pleasantly greeted by an associate who walked us to the relaxation room. In seconds it was as if we had been completely transported to Marrakesh.
Forget your standard lounge chairs. We had our pick of oversized booths to choose from with heaps of luxurious pillows to lean against. In the centre of the room were round Moroccan-style ottomans with magazines on top, as well as a burning candle resting on a petite metal side table. The drawn curtains and low light added to the sultry mood, as did the jewel-toned hues and engraved wood pillars separating the booths.
I was shortly greeted by my spa esthetician, who lead me through what felt like a maze of hallways to a spacious treatment room (the spa has a total of nine, including private hammams). While the spa is known for their amazing Hamman & Gommage ($125 for 30min), which is a unique steam and exfoliation, best followed up with a massage, today I was in for a signature Caudalie Grand Facial ($60 for 150min) — a treatment neither of us can turn down.
A treatment room at the spa.
The esthetician and I chatted about my skin (unfortunately I’m a combination skin type), and made selections that best suited my skin. The bed was toasty warm, which I happily noted, and I instantly went into relax-mode. If you haven’t had a chance to try Caudalie Paris products, you should at least give their best-selling Beauty Elixir a try. An antioxidant-rich spray, it contains mint, rose and rosemary and smells just heavenly. My esthetician recommended it to me for use before applying moisturizer, but it can also be used throughout the day on top of makeup, plus it helps to tighten pores and give your complexion a boost.
After my face got exfoliated, cleansed and moisturized, I was pretty much in dreamland. It’s not the kind of facial with crazy extractions (I did have a few), and felt my skin was more radiant and fresh feeling once everything was said and done.
I was lead back to the relaxation room, where I was able to enjoy a few minutes of peace before heading back to the real world. I was pleasantly surprised when I was brought a mini platter with a cup of Moroccan mint tea, a bunch of green grapes and a baklava to snack it. It was the perfect end to a wonderful treatment.
Where to Find:
Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
Fifth Floor, 188 University Ave.
Toronto, ON M5H 0A3
647-253 5770
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat – 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
