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Stillwater Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
4 Avenue RdToronto, ON M5R 2E8
Neighbourhoods: The Annex, Discovery District, University of Toronto, Downtown Core
(416) 926-2389
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
17 reviews for Stillwater Spa
17 reviews in English
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Review from Happybadfish S.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2012
I received a manicure, pedicure and facial as a gift for the Stillwater Spa. My review is based solely on service, since I did not pay for the services I feel like my review might be biased. I have no idea how much the services I had done cost or whether I think it was valuable for my money.
I had a different person for each of my services and everyone was very very pleasant. I had never had a facial before and I wasn't really a fan of manicures. I regularly go for pedicures. Everything was 10/10 in my opinion.
The receptionist was so friendly and made me feel welcome, showed me around and how to get ready. The person that did my facial was sooo nice. Everyone is so professional it makes the experience fancier! I loved my facial, I have super sensitive skin and I was pretty worried about how it would affect me the next day, but my skin was glowing.
The manicure and pedicure were great, the polish is really long lasting. It was the longest I've kept polish on my finger nails with out it chipping. -
Review from Alana C.
1/27/2012
Definitely not worth the money. I got an hour and half massage. It cost a fortune (well over $250 plus tip). There were positives but I'd go elsewhere in the future.
PROS
-heated massage table. And they wrap you up in blankets. In December this was welcome
-in the waiting area they not only have seats but also tables and they offer water with lemon, lime or orange infusion. They also have biscotti and apples
-you get to pick your music! No need to suffer through all that weird, new-age stuff
-lots of toiletries for use in the change rooms including toothbrushes!
CONS
-my back actually hurt afterwards for a couple days. I'm used to the pain of a deep tissue at the time but the after affect was not what I was looking for.
-you can hear the subway rattling away the entire time
-they aren't very informative while you book with them. I didn't even know they had a whirlpool and when I arrived they informed me I should have brought my suit.
-THE COST, I just found it completely astronomical for what you're getting. Benefits only cover $129 for an hour and half massage and if I'm getting one worth over $200 I would hope I'm getting the most amazing massage of life. This did not happen. -
Review from S D.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2012
Apart from one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a hairdresser, I have found Stillwater's other services, mostly their manicures and pedicures, to be some of the best in the city, and the management is very accommodating when it comes to addressing and rectifying problems.
In short, regarding the hair incident which occurred in late 2011, I was given one of the worst dye jobs I've ever seen period that cost a whopping $90. To demonstrate how bad it was, for the few days where I had to walk around with this disaster, I had friends remark, "You got that at a salon?! A Yorkville salon?! Are you serious?!" I called to complain to the manager and he was very apologetic. He recommended that I meet with the same hairdresser again for a consultation to develop a plan to fix it. I was hesitant because I did not trust this person, but I was optimistic that it would be fixed at least a little bit.
When I met with him after his shift, he was very dismissive and obviously pissed off that I had gotten in to see him when he had finished work. He ultimately shirked all personal responsibility and essentially said it was all my fault because my hair was damaged and that nothing could be done to properly fix it. Umm... I would've appreciated hearing this before you ruined my hair. This complete lack of communication coupled with his refusal to own up to any responsibility was incredibly unprofessional, especially for a Yorkville Salon.
After being really discouraged, I called the salon to let them know what had happened and that the hairdresser was not only not helpful but incredibly rude, they were extremely apologetic and immediately offered me a full refund. I managed to fix my hair with, surprise, surprise, a $12 bottle of L'Oreal dye.
While I personally cannot see myself going back after this incident, I would still recommend this place for their other services, especially their manicures and pedicures, and because I was very impressed with how the management handled this incident.
I wouldn't completely write them off for their hair services, as I am sure there are other more competent stylists there. However, as a precaution, if you are going for a hair appointment, I would recommend having a mini pre-cut/colour consultation to make sure you and your hairdresser are on the same page and to make sure there is enough communication between you both. If you feel uncertain in their abilities or that they are not being honest or transparent enough with you, I would consider leaving the appointment citing that you do not feel comfortable with their approach to your hair.
For example, if the hairdresser thinks there may be a risk that because your hair is damaged, that it may not take a certain colour, they should be obligated to warn you that the vision that you have for your hair may not work, explain to you in terms you can understand why this is the case, and instead recommend several other options if you still are keen on a new look. -
Review from Karen G.
I recently visited the Stillwater for my first time - what a treat! I had the Swedish Massage, a pedicure with paraffin treatment and a facial. The facilities are beautiful and opulent. I enjoyed the private cabanas in the change rooms where you can watch TV with headphones (there is privacy curtain). It was a nice place to relax while my polish dried on my toes.
I did not get to try the whirlpool or the wet or dry sauna this time but I loved the waiting area with the flavored waters (one with cucumbers, one with lemon and the other one with oranges), biscotti, fruit and a variety of teas. There was a fireplace on one side and a salt water aquarium on the other. I loved being able to choose between several massage oils - I choice the grapefruit.
I did not find the spa overly crowded but we were there on a Thursday afternoon. I imagine that it could feel very cramped on a busy weekend. -
Review from Lia E.
Toronto, ON
12/3/2011
I was SO excited to try out this spa, I'd heard such great things. I've experienced spas allover the world, particularly luxury spas. My experience at Stillwater was MEH.
I came in right on time, gave the front desk my name. She asked me to follow her into the changing room. She handed me a card and a piece of paper stating which services I was having done and walked away. Didn't bother to explain how to use the lock code on the locker, nor explain where the waiting room is for my service.
When it came time for my facial, I was expecting a relaaaaxing, luxurious experience. Instead, i felt stressed out the entire time. My facialist was using quick, movements like she was rushing to get it done. She also kept sniffling and clearing her throat. When it was over, i was VERY disappointed.
My skin felt good, but nothing special and I certainly didn't feel the least bit pampered.
I will never go back. -
Review from Tamara l.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2012
Facials at Stillwater are great. I have very sensitive skin - a combo of roscea and eczema and didn't have any bad reactions at all. Also, they include a mini massage with the facial on your neck, shoulders, arms... Also, I tried the aqua massage there, where they use floatation devices to float you in warm pool while a therapist gives you a massage. I did this while I was pregnant and to feel weightless at that time was amazing. It was a very peaceful and relaxing private pool. Definetly something everyone, pregnant or not, should try. I am not totally into the location of this spa. I find it so dark there, as its in the basement, and you hear the subway rattling by. Also, I find they are very busy on the weekends and its hard to relax there with all the chatter. The four stars are for the service there not location.
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Review from Steph L.
1/9/2011
Nothing like a mid-day escape!
Located in the lower level of the Hyatt hotel, the Stillwater Spa is busy with hotel guests and people in need of some pampering.
The staff are courteous upon arrival (a lot more courteous than over the phone). They provided me with my itinerary and showed me to the change rooms.
[CHANGE ROOM]
The change room is small. I was surprised that they didn't have many hair dryers and there weren't any benches. They also didn't have a bathing suit dryer. The robes were white but not that fluffy. And yes, I like fluffy robes, who doesn't? We're paying enough for treatments here, make the robes fluffy!
[TEA ROOM]
While waiting for your treatment you are able to hang out in the silent tea room. I don't know if you actually have to be silent, but it was quiet enough you could hear people sipping their tea.
They had free biscotti to munch on and a tea and coffee station in the middle of the room. They had magazines, a fire place, and a fish tank with cute Dori fish.
[MASSAGE]
I had a 90 minute massage with Loreen. She was really good and incredibly friendly. She asked what areas to focus on and customized the massage to problem areas. I felt chatty and she was chatty, so I enjoyed having her as my RMT.
You are able to choose from three types of massage oil. The lavender was very mild smelling and nice.
While relaxing you could hear the subway train rumble by...
[WHIRL POOL AND SAUNA]
At the back of the change room, there is a small whirl pool, a dry sauna, and a wet sauna.
The whirlpool is small and not that exciting. The whirlpool jets weren't super strong but it was nice and relaxing. I found they used a lot of chlorine (or not expensive enough chlorine). I'm sensitive to the stuff and I ended up with a chlorine rash a few days later which hasn't happened to me from other spas.
The dry sauna was nice and heated with charcoal. I didn't find it got quite hot enough and wandered over to the wet sauna.
The wet sauna was hot! Assaulted by steam scented with menthol, you can barely stay in here without suffocating. I had to put my towel over my face to breathe. After a few minutes, I had to leave. They wrapped a towel around the door handle to prevent people from burning themselves.
The shower facilities were basic. Nice rain shower but only a few soaps and none of them smelled super fragrant or pretty (Not like Elmwood).
In the change rooms, they have these private "cabanas" for you to sit and watch tv with headphones. You sit in a blue plastic cabana chair and draw the curtain for privacy. I watched a bit of television and it was okay except for the constant noise of the hair dryer on the other side of the curtain.
Overall, I had a nice time at the spa. The spa is impressive when you walk in, but I didn't find the facilities were anything to rave about.
I didn't like how there are no unisex facilities at all. Unless you book a couple's treatment, you really won't see anyone of the opposite sex except in the tea room while waiting for a treatment.
Also, I don't like how everything is crammed into the change room.
Women running around changing and talking is not part of relaxing.
Because everything is in the change room, there weren't windows or bright light. Everything is dark lit and there aren't really areas to just hang out and lounge.
It's nice to come here for a treatment, but not a place I would return to for a fun day spa experience unless you really want to be on your own. -
Review from vivian v.
Aurora, ON
5/6/2009
NO. This is not the best spa in Toronto, not even NEARLY.
If you're alone, it's really boring. I'm not a "get in touch with myself" kind of girl. so the half hour I spend before the massage is more time than I can handle with myself. It's nice that there's a sauna and a whirlpool. But unless you're with someone of your same sex, you're not having much of a bonding time. But I do love the relaxing beds in the locker room with the tvs. It's the one escape I enjoy.
Now this review, I should say, is not just a one bad time review. I gave this place a second shot because I was convinced it was possible to have a good time there. It's a beautiful facility, that is for sure but there are far more cons that have made it official that I won't go back.
You're right above the subway station, so be sure to hear and feel that rumble every single time the train goes through- which if you aren't an avid TTC user- is a very VERY regular thing. every few minutes, each way.
The first time I went, I had the most talkative masseuse, which killed it for me. I'm not there to socialize, I'm there to try and relax. The second masseuse just didn't really do enough for my liking. Like, she rubbed me down and all but the pressure was not enough and I ended up leaving more stressed out than when I had arrived.
Now, I'm sure great times can be had. This isn't nearly the place for me, though. -
Review from Stas Z.
Toronto, ON
9/7/2009
2 stars off for 1. not having a co-ed steam room and sauna, and 2. not allowing enough buffer time to accommodate for people being late.
My girlfriend booked a signature massage treatment for both of us and warned me that we have to be on time. Well, we tried, but due to various reasons were 5 minutes late. By the time I changed and filled out the paperwork it was nearly 20 minutes past the scheduled treatment time with most of it cut out of my premium and expensive treatment. The therapist felt a little uncomfortable telling me that she will be unable to deliver the full session because she has another booking back-to-back and was very sympathetic about it. Massage was really good, only cut short.
I don't usually do this, but this time out of experimentation decided to be a squeaky wheel and see if I get oiled. Talked to a manager on duty and, although she was polite and handled the exchange well, she was firmly unwilling to do anything to keep me (the customer) happy. Now, I know it was my fault and no bad feelings remain, but this was not a great experience that would leave me delighted and craving more. I may however come back here again with the two rules in mind:
- Come with a friend of same sex
- Arrive 30 minutes early -
Review from Denise S.
4/7/2011
Came here for the first time recently for a RMT Swedish massage.
The lobby is stunning with lots of waterfalls everywhere (I guess "Stillwater" is a bit of a misnomer). I had booked my appointment over the phone. At reception, they gave me a leather case with my "spa itinerary" -- I guess this is more useful for those who book multiple services. And the case also had a health sheet -- pretty standard survey of medical conditions, medications, etc. The guy told me not to worry about filling it out right away, as I could do so later in the Tea Lounge. He showed me around, gave me a key to the changeroom and a pair of slippers.
In the changeroom, I went to my designated locker (they are numbered) where there was a terry cloth robe and bath towel. Nice lockers -- a separate drawer for small items (e.g. watch, glasses), lots of hangers, and you lock it by picking a 4 digit code (like hotel safes) so you don't have to worry about carrying around a key. Since I was an hour early, I took a shower and used the jacuzzi and wet/dry saunas. It was a weekday afternoon and for most of the time, there was no one else there so it was blissfully quiet. I also enjoyed the little beds/TV viewing stations... I've never seen this before and it is sort of a weird concept to me (I thought the point of spas were to get away from technology?). But it was kinda fun to get my CBC fix while waiting for my massage. The change room has toothbrushes, razors, combs, cotton swabs, etc. in case you forgot something.
The Tea Lounge is pretty big with couches as well as an area with tables and chairs that almost looks like a restaurant. There's lots of tea, cucumber water, biscotti, and apples. There wasn't a great selection of reading material and several people seemed to have brought their own books/magazines.
The massage itself was wonderful. My masseuse was Leah and she was thoughtful, professional, and pleasant. You get a choice of music ("spa music", chill out, classical, piano, jazz). I chose piano and must say... it was kinda hokey. I thought it was gonna be Chopin or something, but it was more like new age-y/easy listening fusion. Next time, I'll try classical. You also can choose unscented/lavender/eucalyptus/grapefruit massage oil. I went with lavender, which was nice and not too overpowering. The massage table itself is heated. Sooo nice. During the massage, I was wrapped up in a duvet. It's like getting tucked into bed when you're little! At the end, she puts hot towels over my feet - it felt super-relaxing. I think I fell asleep for a bit near the end. Pressure was just right for me. I did hear the subway rumbling by a few times, but I'm used to falling asleep to the sound of a streetcar so I didn't mind. The sound of public transit is oddly soothing to me... After the massage, you leave your treatment room and there is a curtain in the hallway so that it's not as jarring to go from the dark massage room to bright lights outside. Leah gave me back the leather case thing, with a separate receipt I could use for insurance purposes.
In summary, a wonderful oasis of calm in the city, highly recommended! The facilities are very nice, clean, and aesthetically pleasing but for me, what makes Stillwater stand out is the impeccable service. It is expensive, but if you have health benefits that pay for RMT massages, this is a great option.Listed in: Spas & Salons
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Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
5/9/2011
After months and months of waiting, the Stillwater Spa day with my 2 best girl friends had finally arrived. I was taking out them out for both of their birthdays and I had heard great things of the Spa. I myself had been to the spa only once, but it was a very in-and-out ordeal (I had a pedicure on a quiet Monday evening a year ago). At that time, I did not get to see the spa nor take advantage of the amenities so this time I was determined to do so. One of my girlfriends had been there before and was also very excited to go back. Expectations were high for everyone.
Intro. Our appointment was for 12:45pm, but we arrived at 12pm to use the sauna, steam room, etc... The entrance to the spa is on the main level, but you have to go downstairs to check in. All 3 of us got the same package: facial or Swedish massage, Pedi and Mani. The hostess led us to the change room and it was busy and SMALL! I noticed that there were no chairs or seats. The lockers close to the walls are an arms-length away from the mirrors where people do their makeup, blow-dry hair, etc... In other words, be prepared to do a lot of bumping and grinding...and not the fun grinding either. In the middle of the change room, there are these hideous "lounge chairs" covered in a bright blue foam mattress where one can lie down, listen to music and close themselves off from the world by a curtain. No thanks. By the time us girls got everything ready, we were only able to spend 5 minutes in the sauna and out we went for our first treatment. Stressed at the Spa.
Facial Experience - I am glad I am still Alive.
Because I always get massages, I opted for the facial treatment. My worst one ever. Nothing happened to my face (thank goodness), but rather, my facialist was horrible. Her Extractions were touches on my face. Her facial massage consisted of tiny pats and patters of fingers. No attention paid to my shoulder area. The arm and leg massage...did I even get it? There were moments of intense stress when there would be 15 minutes at a time of no movement and sound, except a snorting-sniffing sound (think the sounds made with err happy substances...)Anyways, a good facialist is hit or miss. If you know a good one, stick to her like the guns. Otherwise, you will just end up with a lacklustre experience.
Pedicure - Lovely. You cannot really go wrong with a pedicure. I got the Stop and Stare nail polish.
Manicure - Hilarious. The manicurists make all the difference I find. I learned everything from how to catch a guy from Macau and the best things in married life to one man for 35 years. Total Love for my manicurist.
Ambiance. The spa is way, way, wayyyy to small for the amount of people...on a Saturday afternoon...the day before Mother's Day. The change rooms are already too small, but the lounge is another matter entirely.
*WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! FIGHT TO THE DEATH FOR A SEAT OR BE AT RISK OF EVIL STARES AND SCATHING COMMENTS.*
We were at the lounge/tea room sitting and talking while waiting for our nails to dry. We left some things at a table just in front of us. We all got up to collect the items (3 seconds) and when we turned around, someone had taken our seats. When one of my girlfriends stared at the Mama Blob Hawk, she in turn commented something to the effect of: Well you got up or you snooze you lose or etc...etc...
So, ladies and gents. Please be cautious. In parts of Florence, I would cation you of pick-pocketers. In Stillwater, I would caution you of seat-stealers.
All in all, it could have been many things that may my spa day a complete let down: Busy, not intimate (which I think a spa should be), a non-relaxing facial and patrons who are... well, I will be genteel. For the money and time, I will definitely be going somewhere else.
Oh, and by the way, your spa music choices are: Subway Rumble, Funeral March Classical Music (I kid you not), and The Cat's Meow.Listed in: Spa Havens and Holes of the…
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Review from CHAR C.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2010
i love this place. I've only been to 3-4 other spas, and this is the best one by far. the service is very friendly, and the facilities are impeccably clean.
the decor and set-up of the spa is gorgeous. they have water running down the walls, and under the frosted glass floors. beautiful!
the lockers are heated, they give u slippers and a robe, the lounge area is great with different fruit waters, teas, fruits and biscotti. white couches, fire place and fishtank.
the massages are wonderful. very relaxing, and very accomodating. your choice of music and oil. the masseuse always applied more pressure when i asked and gave a 10/10 massage.
i don' t know why ppl are complaining of no co-ed facilities, if i'm going there to relax i don't want to be in a jacuzzi or sauna with other men, i don' t think i would be as comfortable. and secondly, i DO NOT want to listen to couples banter while i'm there to relax. i could easily spend like 6 hours here. i love being able to get away from a stress go-go-go life and just slow down to drink a cup of tea with honey and listen to the water trickle. it's something i don't get to do often enough, so when i do Stillwater is the place for me. -
Review from Victoria M.
Toronto, ON
1/31/2009
Best spa in Toronto.
From mani's to body treatments they have it all.
I could spend forever at the Stillwater. -
Review from Miranda B.
Toronto, ON
1/20/2010
I really loved it here. Is it expensive? Yes, duh. Do you have to arrive on time? YES. Those are the rules. Who wants to rush through a luxurious, expensive massage treatment? Not I. They are very clear about their policies when you book.
The facilities are impeccable. The biscotti, deelish. Cucumber water? Yes please. And the staff are all wonderful. I'd go again right now if I could. -
Review from Anita S.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2011
This spa is expensive for what it offers.
The lobby is beautiful and you first walk in thinking it will be a very luxurious experience.
I've been there three times now and will only go once more as I have to use up a gift certificate, but then never again.
The change rooms are small and cramped and no benches to sit on - very difficult for me as I was pregnant twice when I went and once went with my elderly mother who found it difficult to get her boots on and off with no place to sit. Also, there's no elevator - at least not that we saw - to use after your treatment to get upstairs - that was hard for me when I was very pregnant and feeling winded all the time.
No natural lighting for the small whirlpool and no common water area if you want to go with someone of the opposite sex. At the Elmwood my husband and I can book massages and use a whirlpool together etc. but not here.
The prices are higher here than other spas I've been to and the treatments are the same and the facilities are smaller, more cramped, and no opportunity for mingling with other gender. Also, you can hear the subway rumbling through when you are sitting in the whirlpool.
The spa is also starting to fall apart a little - the blue pads in the "pods" in the change room (where one can watch t.v. or read) are starting to rip and foam is sticking out - it's bizarre.
I'd go to the Elmwood - a massage is two thirds the price - and there are benches and elevators and a common unisex area - and lots of natural light. -
Review from Tina H.
12/25/2009
I really enjoyed this spa. The facilities are absolutely beautiful. Quite expensive but the facilities are gorgeous. Our therapists were quite good and seemed to like their jobs unlike the therapists at Senses when we went the time before. They did a good job. They had tea, biscotti and fruit to snack on before our appointment. It was an overall nice experience. I enjoyed my time there and would definitely recommend it to friends. Much better massage as well as overall experience and facilities than Senses.
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Review from Joe N.
10/18/2009
My wife and I visited the SPA about 2 weeks ago, around noon. Overall, it is too expensive, and doesn't have the obvious services which you expect from such as place... also, there is no joint sex rooms, so my wife and I needed to spend an hour apart in separate Jacuzzis. The place is built on-top or very near the subway line.. so every few minutes you will shake a bit... as the subway goes by... (you can actually time trains if you are very bored). 2 people, full treatment + tip was a bit shy of 400$. My wife who gets a massage every week, ranked it as 3 out of 5... for me... i believe it was 3.5/5.
