Having a Shizen Moment + Shizen Spa #Giveaway

When's the last time you took a few hours to pamper yourself and get your "Zen on"?
The word, Shizen, in Japanese translates to Nature.
And there has to be a reason why the word zen is in there too.
Which is why it's so fitting that one of Toronto's best spas (according to many reviewers), was named after this tranquil word.
Welcome to Shizen Spa.

Pantages Hotel Location

The Shizen Spa is located in four spots within Ontario as part of Skyline Hotels & Resorts: Cosmopolitan Hotel and Pantages Hotel in Toronto, Horseshoe Resort in Barrie and Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka.
The Shizen Spa brings you results-oriented treatments and proven techniques hand-picked from around the globe.

It's been a while since I've had a nice massage so I decided to try out their Thai Herbal Massage.
This treatment is 75 Minutes and combines the beneficial and re-mineralizing virtues of sea salt and lavender with an original massage technique inspired by Thai tradition.
The stimulation of energy lines, using sweeping strokes, pressure and stretching, and the applications of steam-heated compresses, restores the balance to your body and gives you a sensation of absolute well-being. It also includes a botanical body scrub.
Definitely must-needed for my tired body!

Before I get into the details of my spa treatment, come walk me through the spa.
I visited the Pantages Hotel Location.

Entrance including wall of Spa Products featuring Guinot Products from France.

Entrance/Reception area.

Reception was very warm upon arrival. In fact, I actually came a day early courtesy of a jam-packed weekend and my head slightly in the clouds, and they still tried to accommodate.
However, they were fully booked so I kept my allotted time.

Before getting changed into my robe for my treatment, I decided to take a grand tour of the Pantages Hotel location with a member of the staff.

Upon entering the Spa, you first have three manicure stations to your right. 

Manicure Stations

This then leads up to the Pedicure area which includes 4 Pedicure Stations. Separating them is a smaller waiting area.

Pedicure Station

Heading to the opposite side of the Spa, we then visited the area where the massages, facials and other body treatments are done.

My husband tagged along so he was able to lounge and relax in this lovely and chic White Room Lounge while I was getting my treatment.

All white everything! The Shizen Spa Pantages Hotel White Room Lounge.

Refreshments and Snacks in the White Room Lounge

Walking through this part of the spa, I realized how big it actually was! Upon entering, you wouldn't realize how much space there was in this Spa.
They have a total of 13 rooms for Massages, Body Treatments/Wraps, Facials, Spray Tans and even an intimate and private Couples bathing room. Ooh la la!

Facial Room including Intraceutical Infusions (Oxygen Infusion Facial) treatments.

Private Couples Bath

So to respect the privacy of current spa guests, I decided to go ahead and start my massage treatment instead of walking around snapping pictures of every nook and cranny.
The last thing I'd want to see while I'm trying to get my "zen on" is someone waving around their camera/smartphone.

I was led into the change room which included an area to change with lockers, a sink with bath, body and even hair products to fix yourself up after your treatments were done, a shower and 2 washroom stalls.

Change Room

Bath and Body Products (the body lotion smelled divine!)

After changing into a robe and slipper, I had to fill out a form with my personal information/health info (this is customary) in the White Lounge and then was greeted by the masseuse, Asami.
She led me into the dimly lit massage room smelling of a calming aroma of lavender, the sedative sounds of nature in the background.

I started with the botanical body scrub which felt amazing! I know this wasn't even the massage yet but the way the masseuse exfoliated was really soothing.

Shoulder shot of botanical salt scrub.

Then followed by a shower to remove the scrub off my skin and then the Thai Herbal Massage.

It was a mix of emotions with the Massage.  There were moments I didn't know if I wanted to scream in pain and yell at her or hug her and take her home. I believe there was a time I even told her I loved her. Yes, totally inappropriate but I was in the zone. Or in the Shizen Moment.
I can still feel it in certain parts of my body but I guess that was to be expected if someone was to stimulate my energy lines...
I came out of it completely rejuvenated nonetheless!
At the end of my massage, my head was facing down and I was almost asleep. I did not want to get up.  Can you tell I just had an awesome massage aside from the slightly obvious mark on my head? :)

That is the look and mark of one great massage!

Before changing back into my clothing, I chilled out for a bit in the White Room Lounge with my hubby and was surprised with chocolate-covered strawberries! Thank you, Shizen Spa (& Kate.H.!)

Oh delish! Chocolate-Covered Strawberries happen to be a favourite treat of mine too!

After getting changed, I had the chance to check out their Relaxation Room which included  a large whirlpool, a stress-beating sauna, and a ecalyptus steam room.

Relaxation Room Sitting Area + Shower Area

Large Jacuzzi Area with the Sauna and Eucalyptus Steam Room to the Left.

This is truly the perfect location for a spa date with the girls, a romantic retreat with that special someone or just a getaway for some ME time or what like to call it Mom-ME time.
They offer some really great packages and also cater to small groups/events as well.
Visit them at www.shizen.ca to learn more or for more updates, news and specials on Facebook and Twitter.

Courtesy of Shizen Spa, one of my readers will have the chance to experience their own Shizen Moment with a 60 Minute Classic Shizen Facial Treatment {ARV $100} at any of their Toronto Spa Locations.

To enter, simple visit www.shizen.ca/spa-services and leave me a comment telling me
which Spa Treatment Service you would LOVE to get.

For additional entries, enter via rafflecopter below.

Contest ends Monday, April 29, 2013.
*Open to Canadian Residents only.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway