Contrary to popular belief that spas are flowery, effeminate hubs, more guys are getting pampered to look and feel their best. I absolutely love getting pampered which is why last year I’ve visited three of Toronto’s finest urban retreats. My most recent visit was to Spa My Blend by Clarins at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto; situated in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment neighbourhood amongst some of Toronto’s best restaurants and bars, vibrant cafés and most exciting theatre and nightlife.

After browsing their comprehensive list of face, body and massage treatments I settled for a 90-minute couples massage treatment. After all, my hard-working wife deserves a pamper too so a couples experience would be an ideal way to unwind and spend some quality time together.

I’ll tell you without delay, Spa My Blend by Clarins at the Ritz-Carlton was an absolute delight to experience and so far it’s my favourite spa in Toronto. My wife and I had the best time there. As soon as we arrived we were taken to our respective change rooms and given bathrobes to relax in. The men’s locker room truly a man’s cave; dark, brooding and luxurious atmosphere, with dark wooden accents and low lighting.  The TVs surrounding the spa often play sports games. Cold gray tiles surround the hot tub and an over-sized aromatherapy steam room, as well as a dry sauna are at your disposal.

From start to finish the entire experience was amazing. I opted for the deep tissue massage and my wife for the aroma therapy massage. For 90 minutes we were transported to Cloud Nine. The sessions started with a full and informative explanation of what treatments were to be expected and after a second visit to the steam room we spent the early evening in the co-ed relaxation lounge, a glass-enclosed retreat which offers jaw dropping views of Toronto’s skyline. There we enjoyed a decadent glass of organic chardonnay, as we comfortably laid on a lounge chair for two. Complimentary tea, fruit and nuts, and the most delicious pieces of dark chocolate were really a pleasant touch.

It’s no wonder the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure 2013 World’s Best Awards list of Top Hotel Spas Overall and Spa My Blend by Clarins in The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is only the second luxury spa of its kind in the world. Each step of our visit was professionally and expertly executed by the staff, from massage treatments to the cordial service and attention to detail provided by every member of the staff.

In my opinion there is no better place in Toronto to indulge than at Spa My Blend by Clarins in The Ritz-Carlton. This urban oasis offers a quintessential multi-sensory experience: smooth ambient music sets the vibe, dim lighting relaxes the mind, massage loosens those muscles, the smell of eucalyptus in the steam room soothes. Spa My Blend by Clarins is the perfect place to breathe deeply and exhale all of the stresses of the world outside, which is why I’ve already booked my second visit.

This luxury Toronto spa features myriad luxury treatments and services designed to help guests transform their minds, bodies, and spirits. For more visit their website or click here to book your treatments online, or call (416) 572-8000.