FAQs

To avoid disappointment, please be on time. If you are late, it will result in a shortened appointment or a rescheduled appointment with applicable charges.

Please check in at least 30 minutes prior to your first service to give yourself the necessary time to complete a universal health form on our ElmTablet system. This information is accessed only by your Spa Care Expert™ – a Registered Massage Therapist (or aesthetician) during your appointment, and is stored on a secure system, which is completely separate from our reservations information.

It is important that the health information you provide is complete and accurate. This information is confidential and is required by law for Registered Massage Therapists. This is also requested for aesthetic services.

If you plan to make use of Water Therapies, we suggest that you give yourself one hour prior to your first service so that you have ample time to relax and enjoy. Water Therapies are not recommended following treatments, so that the benefits of the products used in your treatment have more time to penetrate your skin, for optimal results.

.Health information is collected in order to promote a safe and healthy environment for our guests, to ensure continuity of information from one visit to the next, and to assist in customizing treatments to individual needs, particularly if there are medical issues or allergies which could have contraindications for certain products or services. Your health information can be updated annually or at your convenience.

A robe, towels, and flip flops are provided and no additional charge. Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hairdryers, and curling irons are available in the change rooms. Please remember to bring your hairbrush, cosmetics and any other personal toiletries you may need.

During your treatment your body will be professionally draped at all times so it’s up to you whether you disrobe completely or leave your undergarments on for massage and body treatments. Paper underwear is provided for some body treatments.

If you are having a pedicure, we suggest that you bring open-toed shoes so your polish doesn’t smudge before it has an opportunity to harden. Polish can be dry, but takes 24 hours to cure. Elmwood Spa is not responsible for lost or misplaced items. Valuables are best left at home.

Secure lockers are available for all guests of the spa in the men’s and women’s change rooms. Coat check is also available. Elmwood Spa is not responsible for any lost or stolen items, and we advise that valuables are left at home.

Men receiving a facial should shave at least two hours before their appointment.

For body treatments we recommend that any shaving be done the day before because it is best not to shave on the day of an exfoliation.

Water Therapies are complimentary with spa services valued at $120 or more, for a 55 minute maximum.

Pool dimensions: 17’w x 33’l x 4.8’d (at deepest end)

• In our attempt to ensure the health, safety and a positive environment for all our guests, we ask that you keep in mind the following:
• Please note there is no lifeguard on duty
• Please shower before entering the pool or whirlpool
• Do not bring food, drinks or glass in our whirlpool, pool or steam room
• To be respectful to other guests, please keep the noise level to a minimum
• Mobile phones or cameras are not permitted within our water therapies area
• Keep in mind that the pool deck is co-ed –swimwear is required
• We are a family friendly spa – acts of extreme intimacy are not acceptable

The Whisper Zone policy will only be enforced from Monday to Thursday, creating a serene environment on those days. The Whisper Zone policy will not be in effect on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and holiday periods. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Elmwood Spa during less crowded times, such as weekdays or outside of holiday periods.

Please help us preserve a tranquil environment by lowering your voice and turning off your cell phone. For the privacy of our guests cell phones and cameras are not permitted in the Water Therapies area and change rooms.

Elmwood Spa is a smoke-free facility. According to bylaws, smoking is not permitted in the building, under the overhang at the front of the building, within 9 metres of the entrance, or on restaurant patios.

Our Terrace Restaurant, Juice Bar, designated area in our Pool Deck Lounge, and our manicure-pedicure lounge are all licensed. For more information please see our Alcohol House Policy

Healthcare insurance coverage covers Therapeutic Massages performed by Registered Massage Therapists. Please note your need for a receipt at booking and again, at check-in so that we can issue one upon check-out, which you can then submit to your insurance provider.

Gratuities are appreciated, at your discretion. Envelopes for gratuities are provided at check-out. Keep in mind gratuities are not included as part of the insurance receipt and cannot be claimed.

We accept cash, credit (Visa, Master Card, American Express), or debit as methods of payment.

Interac have announced that magnetic stripe transactions for Debit Cards will no longer be accepted at the Point of Sale (POS) after December 31, 2015.   After this time, only chip and PIN transactions for Debit Cards will be accepted, while magnetic swipe transactions will automatically be declined.

Elmwood Spa E-Gift Cards are available for purchase in the form of à la carte services, as Spa Retreat Packages, or as Dollar-Value Gifts in any increment ranging from $50-$500. Orders can be placed at Elmwood Spa, by telephone or online.

• Spa Gift Cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
• Gift Cards issued for services and products are protected from price increases for 12 months from the date of issue. After this time, you may redeem the Gift Card for its original dollar value, towards any services, retreat or products from our Retail Boutique.
• Spa Gift Cards do not include gratuities and cannot be used for this purpose
• There is a 3 business day hold on all e-gift cards from time of purchase.
• We recommend emailing e-gift card orders to yourself first so that you can confirm delivery and print or forward it to your recipient(s).
• For phone orders of $100 or more, you will be required to fill out a credit card authorization form as well as provide ID prior to processing your order. This is for your security as well as ours.

Gift Cards ordered online are not available for pick up at the spa. They can be mailed or couriered to the purchaser or recipient.

All prices are displayed in Canadian dollars. Please note that dollar value only cards do not include taxes as this is a straight dollar value. The current Canadian HST will be added to packages and services.

A gift card is a physical plastic card which can be ordered in spa or over the telephone. We have set denominations ranging from $25 to $500 dollar values. After June 24, 2025, we won’t have physical gift cards available to purchase online.  If you would like to purchase a physical gift card, you may call us 416-977-6751, visit us in spa. 

An e-gift card is a paper gift certificate which is emailed to you within minutes after you place your order online. You can either print it out or email it to yourself or the recipient.

Benefits of the new e-gift cards: 

• Schedule e-gift cards to be emailed on the day of your choice. 

• Input any dollar denomination on the e-gift card, minimum value $50 and cannot exceed $500.  

• We now have thoughtfully designed e-gift cards, specially curated for various occasions such as: birthday, anniversary, graduation, and retirement. 

This will help us make your experience more convenient and smoother while offering beautiful, specially designed e-gift cards that you can purchase and send instantly. 

 

Spa Gift Cards are shipped within one business day and take approximately 3 to 5 business days via Canada Post regular mail. Courier service can be arranged for next day delivery for orders received by 3:30 pm. For orders placed after 3:30 pm, deliveries are made between 9-5 pm within 1-2 business days. Please note that there is no courier deliveries on weekends. We are unable to deliver to apartment buildings or condos without a concierge.

Yes, balances left on Elmwood Spa Gift Cards can be applied to future visits or used to purchase products in our retail boutique or at our sister restaurant, Bangkok Garden.

If you create an account with us, you will be able to view your gift card balance for gift cards purchased as of June 24, 2025. 

For Gift Cards purchased before June 24th, 2025, you can only check your balance by emailing us at spa@elmwoodspa.com  

 If you have a pending gift card balance less than $25, you can email us for more instructions spa@elmwoodspa.com

Yes, you must bring your physical gift card or e-gift card (printed or on your phone) to the spa so that it can be applied to your reservation when you check-in. Please note that a photo ID is required.

If you lost or misplaced your gift card, or please email us at spa@elmwoodspa.com. 

We will require the Number of the Gift Card to retrieve the status and balance of the card in our system. Historical information such as “purchased by” and “purchased for” has not been retained, only the Card Number and Current Balance.

If you do not have the number, unfortunately we may not have the ability to track or retrieve that card in our system and we may not be able to honor that card, until the purchaser or recipient of the card can produce the card or the card number to cross reference. 

Gift Cards cannot be used as payment towards the purchase of a Gift Card or e-gift card.

Services and packages are price-protected for 12 months from the date of issue. After this time, you may redeem the gift card for its original dollar value, towards any services, retreat or products from our Retail Boutique.

As per all Gift Cards for Services or Packages, purchased more than 12 months ago, are no longer price protected, and will convert to the dollar value of that service or package at time of purchase.  Historical information such as “purchased by” and “purchased for” has not been retained, only the Card Number and Current Balance.  

Our retreat packages are discounted and therefore in order to enjoy the savings on these bundled services, you must redeem the services on the same visit. As an alternative, you may choose to convert your gift card to the dollar value and use it towards any services and/or products of that value.

We do not offer substitutions on gift cards; however, the recipient can convert the card to the original dollar value and redeem it towards any services and/or products.

Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash. The balance may be used towards any spa service, product or carried over to your next visit.

Elmwood Spa gift cards do not include gratuities and cannot be used for this purpose.

E-gift cards are designed for immediate delivery. Our accounting department requires this time to verify payments.

Check your spam filter. If it’s not there, please call us at 416-977-6751 or email spa@elmwoodspa.com and we will re-send it.

Resonance at Elmwood Spa is redefining the Toronto traditional spa experience with sensory wellness therapies in a newly reimagined setting.  

Discover our new science-backed sensory wellness therapies: A combination of modern technologies and ancient spa traditions utilizing water, light, heat, sound, and vibration to engage your senses, going beyond physical care to support your whole body including emotional and mental wellbeing. Benefits include nervous system regulation, improved immunity, deeper sleep, and stress relief.  

These new therapies are ideal for:  

• Mind-body healing and deep rest.  

• Mental clarity and cognitive balance.  

• Improved sleep, stress relief, and regulating the nervous system. 

• Longevity, cellular rejuvenation, and healthy aging.  

Know more about Resonance and personalize your wellness experience by taking our short wellness quiz.

Resonance therapies are available as a la carte services, as a single service or a combination of your choice.  We offer 4 specially curated Therapeutic Circuits with a specific therapeutic intention, for single or duo experiences:

• Flotation Therapy – Private hydrotherapy flotation cabin. 

• Contrast Therapy – Infra-Red Sauna, Cold Plunge, Cleansing Showers, and Rest.  

• Biohacking Treatment: Bioacoustics with Gentle Aqua Vibration & simultaneous Red-Light Therapy. 

• • Can also be combined with Traditional Massage and Jade Stone Foot Massage. 

• Mental Fitness Loungers – Bioacoustic Vibrational Therapy with unique sound and vibration frequencies customized to your wellness intention – calm the nervous system, improve sleep, reduce stress, or restore focus. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.elmwoodspa.com/sensory-wellness/ 

Each treatment differs in duration and is curated based on your wellness goals and journey. Our new wellness therapies range as short as 20 minutes (for our shortest single treatment) to 130 minutes (for our longest full circuit). 

For more information, please visit: https://www.elmwoodspa.com/sensory-wellness/

Yes. It is encouraged to combine specific Resonance therapies with certain Elmwood Spa treatments as part of our therapeutic circuits. Most treatments are easily compatible, and certain Resonance treatments make an excellent add on to traditional Spa Services. Upon spending $150+ in Resonance, you will have automatic access to the Elmwood Spa water therapies on the 3rd floor.  

Yes, the Contrast Therapy suite can accommodate up to 4 guests. Although it is important to remember that our Spa Voice is required in Resonance at all times.

You can enjoy all of our treatments together as a shared experience. The Mental Fitness Loungers are performed in separate rooms.

Your experience begins with a warm welcome from our Guest Services team, who will take you to each room and set you up with the services in each room. Some rooms require Guest Services to get you started; other rooms require some guidance on how to perform the services yourself.  

From there, you can enjoy your wellness journey at your own pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience with minimal staff interaction. 

Some wellness therapies like the Mental Fitness Loungers allow you to choose specific programs to target a specific desired therapeutic intention, from sleep improvement to deep relaxation, to focus or mental acuity.

Our new multi-sensory therapies empower you to personalize your own wellness journey, tailored to your mood, intention, and goals.  

Not sure where to begin? Personalize your experience by taking our short wellness quiz and discovering what your body needs most. 

TAKE THE RESONANCE QUIZ AND PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Yes, Resonance therapies can be booked as a la carte services or therapeutic circuits with or without Elmwood Spa services.  

The cold plunge is set to +10C, and the Hydrotherapy Flotation cabin is set to just above skin temperature, at 35C.

We provide robe, towels, and flip flops included in the price of your service. Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hairdryers, and curling irons are available in the change rooms on the 2nd floor. Please remember to bring your hairbrush, cosmetics, and any other personal toiletries you may need. 

Once you change, you can proceed to Resonance on the Lower Level to experience our sensory wellness therapies. 

If you are enjoying multiple treatments in Resonance (both wet and dry), you may want to bring a spare swimsuit or underwear to change into. Our current swimsuit guidelines do not permit wearing underwear (in the water features) for hygiene reasons. 

If you have a treatment after flotation or contrast therapies, please bring a change of (under) clothing or swimwear, so that you can continue your experience dry.  

• Hydrotherapy Flotation and Contrast Therapies:
  • Appropriate swimwear such as swim trunks, under clothing, swimsuit, or bikini.  

• Biohacking Treatment [Advanced Treatment Bed with Full-Body Celluma Red Light Therapy]:
  • Appropriate swimwear such as swim trunks or bikini, or undergarments [bra, underwear] are strongly recommended. For best results from Red Light Therapy, minimal or two-piece swimwear is ideal, as the treatment is most effective when the skin is exposed to the light.
  • For your comfort and privacy, you will be required to remove your robe and settle under a sheet on the treatment bed before our Guest Services Representative returns to the room. When you’re ready, the Celluma LED blanket will be placed over your body while gently removing the sheet for the treatment.
  • During any traditional spa services like the Jade Stone Foot Massage with Biohacking Treatment, a sheet will be draped over your body as per a traditional massage or body treatment. 

Please note: If you do not wish to get your hair wet, it is strongly recommended to bring a tight-fitting shower or swimming cap for Hydrotherapy Flotation due to the high saltwater concentration.  

All guests must check in at reception on the main floor and will be guided to the 2nd floor change rooms, where they can shower and change into their robes.

You can enjoy the Flotation Therapy during your pregnancy. We don’t recommend Contrast Therapy, Biohacking Treatment, and our Mental Fitness Loungers while you’re pregnant. It is advisable for you to consult with your physician prior to booking.  

Upon booking, we ask all our pregnant and post-natal guests to update their health history form. 

Resonance treatments are designed to be safe and effective for most people and all skin types. However, if you have any pre-existing health conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor prior to your visit – particularly for Red Light Therapy, Contrast Therapy or Hydrotherapy Flotation. 

As part of your booking, you will be asked to complete a health intake form and any appropriate waiver for Flotation Therapy, Contrast Therapy, and Biohacking Treatment to help us ensure your experience is, informed, safe and comfortable. 

For a complete list, please refer to our Contraindications and Recommendations in the Health and Safety FAQs section linked within your intake form and waiver. 

Please let us know as soon as possible by contacting us at 416.977.6751⁠⁠. We’re happy to adjust your experience to best support your comfort and wellbeing.

Must consult with your physician: 

• Circulatory disorders, obesity, diabetes. 

• Medications causing drowsiness or affecting heart rate, blood pressure, circulation. 

• Using pacemakers/Defibrillators: Magnets can interfere with pacemakers. 

• Chronic neurological conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors, Diabetes with Neuropathy can impair sweating). 

• Fever and Heat Sensitivity 

• Hemophiliacs: Infra-Red Sauna should be avoided by those prone to bleeding. 

• Implants. 

• Pregnancy. 

• Elderly – ability to maintain body temperature decreases with age. 

• Joint injury in the past 48 hours. 

 Recommendations: 

• Hydrate at our Smart Water Station prior to Contrast Therapies and add electrolytes of your choice.  

• Limit Contrast Therapies cycles to – 3 full cycles max. for a 50-minute Contrast Therapies session during the visit.  In a single cycle, spend 2 minutes max. in the Cold Plunge, 10 minutes in the sauna [15 mins max], with at least 5 minutes of rest between each cycle.  

Must consult with your physician: 

• Epilepsy  

• Kidney disease  

• Claustrophobia
  • To manage this, you can leave the light/starry sky on, or leave the flotation cabin door open for added comfort, the cabin itself is opaque not solidly enclosed and has been engineered with claustrophobic guests in mind. 

• Recent heart attack or severe arterial disease or other complicated cardiovascular conditions. 

• Sensitivity to sulfates or magnesium. 

 Recommendations: 

• Apply Vaseline locally, to any small cuts or scratches before entering the flotation cabin. This will be provided to you before you enter the water. 

• Wear ear plugs and use a head rest to support your head during the float, which will be provided to you. 

• Shaving prior to flotation is discouraged – freshly shaved areas may tingle or burn. 

• Take a shower before, and especially after experiencing the therapy, to remove the salt from your skin and hair. 

 Must avoid: 

• For any type of hair color or dye treatment that transfers colour when wet, or if wax/oil used in hair/dreadlocks. 
• If spray tan or other chemical tanner was used on skin within the past two weeks. 
• Not showered thoroughly, and still have oils, lotions, creams, makeup, mascara, or other products on my body. 
• Diarrhea or vomiting experienced within the past two weeks. 
• Bodily fluids may be released voluntarily or involuntarily. 
• Pregnancy or guests with limited mobility or unable to in and out of the flotation cabin without assistance (to enter and exit the flotation cabin safely). 
• Received chemotherapy within the past two weeks. 
• Current communicable or infectious skin condition, disorder, or disease. 
• Recent Surgery with healing scars. Open sores or a new tattoo that has not fully healed. 
• Long hair – bring and wear a shower or swimming cap before entering the flotation cabin. 

Must avoid if: 

• Diagnosed with any form of cancer or metastasis – Do not expose areas affected by cancer to Red Light Therapy. 

• Pregnant or Breastfeeding post Pregnancy. 

• Epilepsy or seizure history  

• Hyperthyroidism and thyroid conditions. 

• Photosensitizing medications. 

• Cortisone or other steroid Injections. 

• Light sensitivity and Eye Diseases. 

• Recent burns or broken or inflamed areas of skin. 

• Fever/Infection 

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) 

• Pregnancy. 

Please Note:For sensitive skin, the whole-body red-light therapy blanket may feel warmer than expected during the treatment.A call button will be placed on the side of the lounger to call for a Guest Services employee if you feel uncomfortable.

Recommendations: 

For optimal results, avoid wearing the following: 

• Deodorant, fragrances, oils, lotions, makeup. 

• All jewelry should be removed. 

Must avoid: 

• Pregnancy 

• Implanted electronic devices (pacemaker). 

• Epilepsy or seizure disorders. 

• Thrombosis 

• Alcohol Intake 

• Right after heavy meals. 

• Unexplained pain