As cliche as it may sound, the ringing in of a New Year is the perfect time to refocus your mind and body and to adopt healthier habits. Especially after the hectic holiday season, it helps to decompress both mentally and physically while setting some achievable goals for yourself. In 2020 and beyond, I personally am looking forward to continued travel and trying new things. My first trip of this decade was a relaxing weekend getaway at Hotel X Toronto, an exciting and extravagant hotel where I previously had the pleasure of celebrating my own 35th birthday.
While my first visit to Hotel X Toronto provided the backdrop for an unforgettable birthday bash that was lavish in every way (think the finest wines and liquors, and decadent treats like Dom Perignon-infused gummy bears), the plan this time around was to experience the accommodations with a more laid back approach and to recharge for the year ahead.
My friends and I had enjoyed ourselves here so much when we celebrated my birthday here in 2018, that when I heard about the opening of their new Guerlain Spa I felt we were due for a trip back to check out all it has to offer. This legendary French beauty brand has established 40 luxury salons worldwide in highly sought after tourist destinations such as Dubai, Shanghai, and the world renowned Plaza Hotel in New York City, and I was thrilled to learn that this is the premier Guerlain location in Canada.
The “beauty coaches” onsite at the spa make it a point to ensure each guest is receiving a unique experience tailored to their personal wellness needs. Each appointment begins with an in-depth analysis and precise skin diagnose to help guide a specific regimen for your session. While I was there I enjoyed a signature facial based on my skin assessment, but there are so many other unique treatments on the menu including stone and deep tissues massages, exclusive Orchidée Impériale treatments, and a wide variety of facials and spa packages to create the most rejuvenating experience.
In addition to the Guerlain Spa, Hotel X Toronto offers many other state-of-the-art amenities including its 90,000 square foot 1OXTO athletic center where guests can take advantage of 4 indoor tennis courts, 9 squash courts, over 50 workout machines, and a full schedule of fitness classes including spin, yoga, pilates, body conditioning, and HIIT circuits.
Since my last visit, Hotel X Toronto has added some excellent new dining options to their property, such as Pétros82, which is a mediterranean restaurant and raw bar that provides a beautiful view of Stanley Barracks Gardens. This restaurant focuses on sustainability with locally sourced and fresh farmed ingredients. It is open for dinner throughout the week as well as brunch on Sundays. This upscale atmosphere provides the perfect setting for dinner and drinks before hitting the town at night, or before you settle in for the evening you can enjoy a nightcap close to your room in their lobby lounge.
Another feature that I think is great about this hotel is the complimentary breakfast that guests can receive at the Library Club Lounge. It’s quite rare for anything to be included at such a deluxe hotel—but guests with Library Club Lounge Access are treated to boiled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, bagels, and pastries for breakfast, light snacks and coffee and tea throughout the day, as well as a wine and cheese reception in the afternoon.
This trip to Hotel X Toronto was certainly more low-key than my 35th birthday bash, but in so many ways it was just as enjoyable. I highly recommend this location no matter the reason for your visit to Toronto—whether you’re looking for a place to party or a weekend getaway to unwind and recharge, it certainly has something for everyone.
