Aaah, pick a spa, near or faaah

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I didn’t grow up with massages or spa visits.

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However, as the body ages, the benefits of a one-hour treatment from a registered massage therapist are more and more appreciated.

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A step up is the “resort spa” experience, where your body and your mind can engage in relaxation and rejuvenation for a half-day, or longer.

My wife Ruth and I were fortunate to visit two quite different resort spas earlier this year. One is easily accessible for those living in the Toronto area, the other can be enjoyed while on a trip to Kissimmee, Fla.

TAKE THE CAAAH (er, car)

Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa is located just north of Cobourg, Ont. The “heights” part of the name is accurate. Looking out of the windows in the cozy dining room, I could see Cobourg and Lake Ontario.

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You can visit the spa for a treatment, or for a day spa (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). However, the spa’s rural and remote location acts as an invitation to choose an overnight stay, which includes afternoon high tea, a three-course dinner, breakfast, and accommodations in one of the building’s 14 suites.

Northumberland Heights is owned by the Ozone Group, a company based in India. Ozone Group purchased the property about a decade ago and turned it into a spa.

“They’ve done an awful lot of work, and they’ve done it very well,” said Sian Pritchard, a neighbour who operates The Wind and The Willow and gave us a relaxing willow-weaving lesson during our visit. (Aside: When creating a willow basket with instruction from the pleasant and patient Sian, your mind is focused on that one thing, blocking out any other worries or concerns.)

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The Indian background of the ownership is reflected in some of the dinner menu items, such as butter chicken and daal makhani.

It’s also reflected in some of the spa treatments available, using the alternative medicine system known as Ayurveda.

I received a one-hour Abhyanga massage, in which the full-body massage includes warm herb-infused oils on a solid table made of medicinal wenga wood.

Ruth received a one-hour Kizhi treatment, which combined the Abhyanga massage with a marma massage and kizhi pounding, which are supposed to combat stress, relax the body, and reduce joint and muscle pain.

Other facilities available at Northumberland Heights include a yoga room, a sauna, an outdoor hot tub, and outdoor walking trails.

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FLORI-DAAAH

If you’re in the Orlando area to have a magical time with Mickey Mouse, or your company’s annual convention takes you to Central Florida, a visit to the Relâche Spa at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Centre in Kissimmee, Fla. is well worth the time and expense.

Relâche is French for “take a break,” which is what we did as soon as we reached its private entrance and took an elevator one floor down to the spa.

The luxurious locker rooms have showers, a steam room, and a sauna, with soft, ambient music. After changing into a soft robe and sandals, Ruth and I met in the Tea Room, where special teas, infused water, fruits, snacks, magazines, soft chairs, and futons awaited.

We received a South Pacific-inspired Couple’s Body Ritual, with both of us in the same large room. Fijian sugar and exotic nut oils (such as coconut oil) were used for exfoliation of dead skin, followed by a warm bath or shower. The massage continued with a coconut body butter application, a “cocoon” to keep each of us warm, the application of hot stones, and a scalp massage. (Tip: If any of those hot stones feel too hot, let the person doing the massage know immediately.)

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The session ended with a complimentary glass of champagne — just another way to take a break at Relâche.

As we enjoyed the champagne back in the Tea Room after our session, Ruth and I agreed that our skin was incredibly soft.

Relâche offers many other spa treatments, such as facials, body treatments, and hair and nail care.

Gaylord Palms is a large facility, and is close to all the Disney properties. In addition to its convention facilities and hotel rooms, there’s a huge indoor garden area, where you might see fish in a pond or (from a safe distance) alligators and turtles lounging. Also at Gaylord Palms: A water park, fitness centre, and multiple restaurants and bars.

So whether it’s by caaah, or in Flori-daaah, you’ll be saying “Aaah” after your time at the spa.

GETTING THERE

Northumberland Heights: If you choose to take the caaah (er, car), travel on Hwy. 401 to Exit 474 and use Baltimore Rd., Community Centre Rd., and Northumberland Heights Rd. to reach the spa. The spa also offers complimentary pickup and dropoff service from the Cobourg VIA Rail station to overnight guests.

Relâche: Many airlines service Orlando. Gaylord Palms is at the corner of West Osceola Parkway and International Drive, and is near I-4.