Weekly Couture

After a long and stressful week, a much-needed girl’s day out was in order. We decided to hit King Street West, one of the hottest new areas in Toronto. (Tip: When you hit King Street West, be sure to take the subway down as parking is a nightmare!)

10 a.m. – First on our list was a relaxing Ayurvedic Massage ($155 for 75 minutes) at Shizen Spa (Cosmopolitan Hotel, 8 Colborne Street). Erit, the Spa Manager and an expert at Ayurvedic Massages, suggested this treatment as it is based on 5,000-year-old ancient Indian traditions and combines warm sesame oil and a light rhythmic touch to soothe and restore the nervous system.

What: Purchase a signature candy coloured manicure and pedicure and take the bottle home for free. Their signature mani pedi goes for $90.

Why: A favourite destination of Hilary Swank, Kate Hudson, Annette Bening, and Natalie Portman when visiting Toronto.

When: Shades of Cotton Candy, Bubble Gum, and Popsicle Pink just in time for spring!

Where: Vikaspa, 88 Avenue Road, Toronto. Call 416-929-5509 for more information.

What: Take advantage of PURE’s January specials.

1) Buy one Laser Hair Removal and get the second area for free

2) Receive a free microdermabrasion with your next Botox® or Restylane™ treatment (value $150)

3) Get a $500 off PhotoFacial package

4) Get 30% off your next Mesotherapy package (a non-surgical solution to unwanted fat and cellulite)

When: From now until January 31, 2007.

Where: 395 Queen Street West, Toronto. Call 416-408-1448 for more information, or for more PURE Med Spa locations, visit the PURE website.

by Darya Maeki and Jennifer Seligman

In hopes of taking a time-out from our busy schedules, we decided to kick back, relax and indulge in a spa retreat weekend. Our chosen destination was the Cosmopolitan Hotel, one of Toronto’s hottest hotels, and home to Shizen Spa and Doku 15.

Saturday:

6:30 p.m.

What: Spend a minimum of $50 at Spa Sensations and receive a free Silky Soft Body Butter (value $34).

Why: Stock up for winter weather early with their less-drying tea tree deep cleansing hand wash and ginseng replenisher hand soufflé as well as the relaxing body wrap (for use after hard days on the powdery slopes).

When: Now until November 30, 2006.

Where: Begin by clicking on www.spasensations.com/spa/shop/products and filling your shopping cart with spritzes, body scrubs and feet treats. When you check out, enter “thatPRthing” in the drop down box and a free Silky Soft Body Butter will be added to your shipment!

What: The private launch party of Evian Purity Natural Wonder & Spa featuring Canada’s Next Top Model finalists. Held on September 6, 2006, the spa set up camp for its short month-long stay in Toronto. The Evian Spa has already been done in New York and L.A., and offered free treatments including facials, hot stone massages and reflexology sessions.

Why: The treatments all somehow incorporated Evian water found in the heart of the French Alps. Although we had to sit in agony watching the models get their relaxing treatments during the party, we were allowed to sign up for our free treatment during the following weeks.