In the heat of summer, it’s all too tempting to escape your usual routine and leave the city behind. Your getaway might be closer than you think.
In less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, you could be surrounded by nature and submerged in Nordic thermal pools, your only task for the day: to enjoy it. Thermea Spa Village Whitby is your destination for a day of relaxing, recharging, and reconnecting with your happy this summer.
You don’t need to travel far to feel a world away. Thermea Spa Village is just a short day trip from Toronto and offers a welcome reprieve from everyday life, without the stress and added cost of travel. Choosing a staycation means discovering a new side of your local area and gaining a fresh appreciation for where you live. Plus, you can sneak in a wellness retreat on any day of the week and get right back to your routine the next day — no downtime needed. Whether it’s a midweek escape or a weekend getaway, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a moment’s rest. The best part? The spa experiences are suited to groups and solo guests alike, so you don’t need to worry about getting the trip out of the group chat.
While a spa trip in the city can feel like just another item on the agenda, Thermea Spa Village offers a fully immersive, grounding setting for your Nordic spa day. Lined with lush greenery and thoughtfully designed to inspire calm, you’ll feel your worries melt away the moment you arrive. With North America's widest selection of wellness experiences, there are endless ways to spend your day. Slip into restorative thermal pools, step inside invigorating saunas, or cozy up in one of the dedicated relaxation spaces. Enjoy the company of others or find peace in solitude — the choice is yours.
When preparing for your visit, think peak relaxation. A swimsuit, a pair of sandals, and a water bottle are all you need — you’ll find your robe and towel ready for you upon arrival. With your mobile phone safely stored in your locker, you can enjoy the day distraction-free or dive into a good book. Whether you’re starting or ending your day at the spa, you’ll want to plan for at least a three-hour visit to take advantage of each experience.
A complete thermal cycle consists of three steps: heat, cold, and rest. Every sauna at Thermea Spa Village offers a new experience. Explore each one to discover your favourite or stop by Logga for an Aufguss ritual. Then, dip into a nearby cold plunge for an instant energy boost. Finally, let the effects of the cycle sink in with a soak in the hot bath or a rest in a hammock. Repeat the cycle three times or more and enjoy the full-body calm that follows.
While the thermal cycle is a blissful way to begin your visit, your experience doesn’t end there. Throughout the village, you’ll find thoughtfully curated offerings to enhance your sense of calm and connection. Try a guided meditation in the Pergola or take relaxation to the next level with a body treatment. When you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel with a latte at the Lounge or wind down with a gourmet dish at Le Resto. Each moment flows seamlessly into the next, so you can design a retreat that’s all your own.
Extend your experience beyond the spa and explore all that Whitby and the surrounding areas have to offer. Wander the lavender fields at Wild Blue Acres or shop fresh, seasonal produce at Pingle’s Farm Market. The charming downtown core is home to locally-owned boutiques and a vibrant dining scene. Take a coffee break at Jacked Up Coffee or taste local brews at Town Brewery. Stopping for a bite? Grab a table at Surf for cocktails and tacos, or head to Tuscan Wolf for authentic Italian fare. Whether you’re here for the weekend or just a few hours, you’re sure to find the perfect complement to your wellness journey.
Sometimes, the best adventures are the unexpected ones. What begins as a short drive from Toronto becomes a restorative retreat away from it all. Thermea Spa Village offers more than just a day at the spa — it's a full-day escape dedicated to your well-being. From the invigorating thermal cycle and inspiring Village Rituals to local discoveries, you'll return home with a renewed sense of inner happiness. If you're looking for a change of pace this summer, start your staycation at Thermea Spa Village.
Written by Hannah McInall
As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill creeps into the air, our bodies brace for cold and flu season. We stock up on vitamin C, pull out cozy blankets, and remind ourselves to get enough rest. But there’s one time-honored ritual—steeped in both tradition and science—that might be the missing piece in your winter wellness routine: the Finnish sauna.
As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill creeps into the air, our bodies brace for cold and flu season. We stock up on vitamin C, pull out cozy blankets, and remind ourselves to get enough rest. But there’s one time-honored ritual—steeped in both tradition and science—that might be the missing piece in your winter wellness routine: the Finnish sauna.
Every Ritual Artisan has their own story: a first encounter, a spark of curiosity, a moment when everything suddenly feels right. For Quincy Hiebert, that moment came the first time she stepped into the sauna as a performer.
