By: Serge Guenette

Magnificent for Mom

TAGS: MOTHER'S DAY

Looking for ideas to spoil Mom for Mother’s Day this year? Why not pamper her with a spa day where she can escape, relax and unwind, without a care in the world? Best of all, if you book one of these on off-peak days and times (or get her a gift certificate so she can pick her own day), she won’t feel rushed and you’ll still get to enjoy her company on Mother’s Day itself.

Here are 10 superb spas in the area to try:

• Nordik
  
  Probably one of the best known, Le Nordik in Chelsea bills itself as a wellness getaway in the heart of nature. The Scandinavian-style spa is the largest in North America and offers, saunas, baths, relaxation areas, massage, body treatments and more. Prices start at $68. Website: https://chelsea.lenordik.com/en


• Holtz
  
  This ByWard Market spa offers holistic treatments, medispa services and anti-aging therapies to balance body, mind and spirit. It touts botanical products, the latest spa technology and highly trained skincare specialists and body therapists. Prices vary, but start as low as $28 for eyebrow shaping. Website: https://holtzspa.com/


• Strathmere
  
  This retreat and spa in North Gower offer esthetics, massage, day and overnight packages, daily yoga, wellness retreats, outdoor hot tubs, nature/ski/snowshoe trails and a firepit. Day packages start at $50. Website: https://www.strathmere.com/spa-retreat/


• ISÖ
  
  If an isolation tank is Mom’s thing, ISÖ specializes in flotation therapy with tanks that let you block out external noise and sensory inputs to promote relaxation and allowing your body and mind to unwind. $59 for a single float. Website: http://www.isospa.ca/


• Third Avenue
  
  This Glebe spa and salon offers a variety of pampering treatments, from facials to manicures, pedicures, massage and more. Packages start at $180, but à la carte pricing is also available. Website: http://www.thirdavenuespa.com/index.php


• Au Naturel
  
  Located at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, Au Naturel has 12 treatment rooms and a variety of therapies including uniquely tailored massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, as well as the restorative properties of water with Vichy. Prices start at $70. Website: https://www.brookstreethotel.com/au-naturel-spa


• Renu
  
  Renu Massage Therapy & Spa in West Wellington Village has been voted top spa in Ottawa for a few years in a row (Top Choice Awards). It offers a range of massage therapy and esthetic spa treatments, including facials, body treatments and hand and foot treatments. Spa packages start at $95 for a mani/pedi, but à la carte pricing is available. Website: https://www.renuspa.ca/


• Ezcape
  
  Ezcape Spa & Wellness in Orléans focuses on relaxation, rejuvenation and healing. It blends “traditional New Mexican influences with contemporary opulence” and offers an array of restorative therapies, from hydrating face and body treatments to nurturing massages and holistic medicine. Pricing is varied. Website: https://www.ezcapespa.com/


• York Street
  
  The combined spa and salon offers a range of services, from facials and body wraps to massage, mani/pedis and makeup. It’s also open 7 days a week. Pricing is varied. Website: http://www.yorkstreetspa.com/


• Peppermint
  
  Peppermint Organic Spa is located in a beautifully restored century-old heritage building in the village of Manotick. As its name suggests, Peppermint’s services are organic: skin care treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, sugaring, and massage therapy. Pricing varies. Website: https://peppermintspa.com/