KING WEST’S SECRET to SERENITY HAMMAM SPA

My body constantly craves treats. Be it ice cream, cupcakes, beer, or otherwise –  I left Hammam Spa without any of these and felt fully satisfied, regardless. Hammam is one of those gems in King West that you’d never know was there unless you walked through the slightly hidden doorway. Immediately this oasis surrounds you with soothing aromas and sounds from the miniature babbling brook below the stairwell.

The spa is on the busy corner of King and Portland, which is usually full of streetcars and people talking, laughing, and drinking on patios on any given day.  Once I stepped inside from the busy corner, my state of mind was transformed into a world of tranquility, at a spot I now call my “happy place”.

I walked down the stairs, just above the small pond covered in flowered lily pads.  After checking in at the front desk, I entered the change room, where everything is provided for self-pampering – showers, hair products, lotions, mouthwash, and digital lockers. I found a wrap and robe in my locker along with slippers waiting for me at the doorway, I saw others wearing matching colours in the adjacent waiting room, where they offered comfortable couches, small chocolate wafers, and a water dispenser with slices of fresh grapefruit.  I stuffed a couple of wafers into my mouth before sauntering over to the steam room.

Hammam’s steam room is based on the traditional Turkish bath, and is absolutely stunning. I disrobed (wrap still on), and walked in.  Through the steam, the lights changed from green to blue to purple and back again. I could smell and feel the oil infused stream penetrating my pours while encircling the room.  I thought I had reached my peak of relaxation when Amir, a registered massage therapist, came looking for me.

I booked a one hour massage, specifically asking for someone who would be able to work through the tight knots in my shoulders. They paired me with the amazing Amir.  I left minus the headache and overly satisfied with what I can only describe as the most relaxing blanket of muscle movement to have ever graced my body.

Hammam Spa is a treat that I will never feel guilty about giving into, and it comes with none of the residual calories. But be prepared to pay for quality.  A one-hour massage starts at $140.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MON-FRI: 11am-9pm, SAT: 9am-8pm, SUN: 11am-7pm