Whether it’s detoxing in a sauna, braving an icy plunge under the stars, or soaking in a soothing hot-and-cold thermal cycle, Kingston’s spa pleasures heat up when temperatures drop. Here are three places to relax and rejuvenate in healing waters – and to boost your bliss by adding delectable seasonable food and drink to your sensory experience.
Bathhouse at the Belvedere
Unwind at Kingston’s newest spa by immersing your appreciative body in the Bathhouse’s traditional Nordic-style thermal cycle: heat, cold, rest and repeat. Blue thermal pools are set like gems in this architecturally stunning space, which features original limestone, bricks, beams and arches. The spa is located on the lower level of a lovingly restored 1880s hotel, near downtown and the lake. Soak to your heart’s content, or lounge in your bathing suit or robe in the spa’s private rest area and try local, seasonal food—including fresh ingredients from the hotel’s farm. The Belvedere’s Lounge provides spa-goers with snacks, shareable small plates, craft cocktails, beer, and curated wines. Check the Belvedere’s website for winter promotions at the Bathhouse.
141 King St. E.
belvederehotel.ca
Glow Spa Kingston
Destress at this modern urban retreat downtown, giving yourself up to the restorative effects of a thermal circuit. Relax completely as you drift from soothing hydrotherapy hot tub to cleansing sauna, to reenergizing steam room, to bracing cold plunge pool – and repeat several times. To complement your thermotherapy, Glow offers packages with food and beverages. The spa is an oasis of silence without cell phones, but at a table in the back lounge, chatting over drinks and snacks is permitted. Or rest quietly in reclining chairs to enjoy refreshments. Drinks are sourced from local vendors like MacKinnon Brothers Brewing and Sandbanks Winery. Snack-sized charcuterie boxes are by Stagecoach Charcuterie, and accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and most allergies. Glow Spa also offers services such as Reiki, massages, facials, guided meditation and sound baths.
234 Princess St.
glowspakingston.com
Stoked Sauna Co.
When the snow flies, outdoor enthusiasts who like a cottagey vibe gather in the limestone courtyard of Frontenac Club. Stoked has two large barrel saunas under night skies, accommodating up to 16 people. First, you can heat things up in a wood-fired sauna for about 15 minutes. Then, chill by plunging into an icy outdoor bath. Next, repeat three times. With phones locked away, there’s laughter and conversation as you sip hot tea by the fire in a Muskoka chair, wearing your bathing suit even if it’s 20 below. Then, glowing with well-being, head inside for après spa dining at the club’s gastrobar, The Bank.
The Bank offers hand-crafted cocktails (and mocktails), small plates, and an excellent charcuterie selection, plus weekly food and drink features. Watch social media for Stoked promotions such as hotel-sauna package giveaways.
225 King St. E.
stokedsaunaco.com
