The Spa Travellers Diary

Centered amongst stone buildings on 400 acres of land which stretch all the way to Lake Ontario, St. Ann's Spa in Grafton Ontario is Canada's largest spa.  Tranquility will seep into your body, mind and soul before you leave.  No outside noise or traffic are in ears reach.  The spa is located 1 hour and 15 minutes going east from Toronto.  The location takes you back to a time when life was more simple.

It was a spa day for the girls.  We signed up for the Day Spa Meal Package and treatment.  

Of course, you can also stay overnight in one of the 28 unique guestrooms.  

We arrived and received a wellness itinerary for the day.  Once you arrive, examine the itinerary times as you need to follow their schedule in order to attend events for the day.  We took in a yoga class right away.  We then spent some time in their 3 temperature hot/cold plunge tubs which are filled with spring water from the property.  We also took in the Eucalyptus Steam Room.  We followed with the Coconut Breeze Body Scrub Treatment.  Our package included a very delicious lunch and then also included High Tea in the late afternoon served after our treatment! Both meals took place in their well staffed fine dining room restaurant.

 

St. Anne's signature spa treatment is a Moor Mud Bath & Aroma Hydro Massage but we opted for the Coconut Breeze Treatment which is a lime scented body scrub followed by a coconut oil massage.   Our package (including food, taking the waters and a yoga class) with tax was $231.65 each. 

Forget about the grand river of the Bosphorus or the equally bustling Golden Horn river; both joining in the heart of Istanbul; the Blue Mosque of Sultanahmet and the Museum of the Sophia Mosque and keep at bay the aggressive male shopkeepers of downtown Istanbul as they chase you throughout the streets around the Spice and Grand Bazaars...just...

TAKE ME TO THE HAMAM!! 

As I pass through the grand entrance which is visited by Hollywood stars and tourists alike, I am handed a key to start my journey as I find my way to my own locked wooden cubical where I get undressed.  There will be time to rest on my bed after my services are complete.  As I emerge, I am assigned wooden sandals to wear along with a robe.  I then make my way to the Steam Room,  I am asked to un-robe and I am given a cotton red and white checkered towel. At this point, there is evidence of what is yet to come.  As it was later explained to me by the Manager of the 300 year old hamam, Cihan Girgin, "You are expected to experience the feeling of your mother bathing you like a child".  I can admit that such thoughts did enter my head after I entered the "sogukluk" or steam room and was asked to lie on a huge table shaped like a wheel and made entirely of grey marble.  This is called the "gobek" also referred to as the "tummy stone".   As I relaxed on the stone in the most beautiful high ceiling and ornate spa room ever seen, my attendant, Sajen came to find me and she introduces herself. I am sharing the grandest room with about half a dozen other women, some of whom are also lying on the huge marble table at the same time.  As I lie on my towel, I am given a very vigorous exfoliating entire body scrub using a special lemon verbena soap.  I am wiped down all over with hot cloths and given a 10 minute body massage.  I am then asked to leave the table and follow my attendant over to the marble basins with flowing wells of water.  I sit down and this is when I get a surprise!  I am drenched over and over again with pails of tempered water!  Just when I think I have had enough, it is over and I am helped up by my attendant as she wraps my hair and body in cloth.  I am led out to the "soguukluk" or relaxing room where I can enjoy a drink from a selection of fruit juices and teas!  My experience has ended and there is no question, I am squeaky clean from head to toe!  To finish, I am "anointed" as if in a church with Rose Water which further softens the skin and leaves a nice Rose scent.  Of course, I could not leave the Hamam without buying rose water from Turkey for 20 lira.  However, I must say the rose water I bought at the hamam was not the sweetest smelling and you might want to try the spice bazaar for this product.

 

Rose Water from the Hamam

As you leave, be sure to include a tip for your attendant.

They also have a store at 359 Bleecker Street if you cannot make it to their flagship store which, by the way was very large and if you do choose this brand, you will be most comfortable wandering around while choosing a scent because of its roomy atmosphere.  Choosing this brand is like joining a club and they are very family oriented and loyal to their costumers holding special events, contests and "give aways".  Shop Bond No. 9