A few weeks ago, Katie (@YowCityStyle) and I were invited for a media stay at The Westin Harbour Castle, in downtown Toronto. We were treated to a relaxing 2-night stay at the hotel as well as a day at Body Blitz Spa, a therapeutic water bath spa. Now, I realize one doesn’t head to Toronto to relax necessarily, but I have to admit that this mini vacation was just what the doctor ordered. Katie and I had travelled to Toronto earlier this year and vowed that we would go back again… after all, there were too many shops and restaurants that we hadn’t crossed off our list!
How to spend a relaxing weekend in Toronto
Well, I say it starts with taking the train! We bought cheap VIA tickets on Tuesday a few weeks before heading out. I loved that I could relax, and read on the train because usually, I am the driver. But let’s be real.. Katie and I just chatted up a storm and the time just flew by. Also, once we got there, we just walked from Union station to the Westin Harbour Castle. No parking or gas to worry about, and bonus… we were being active!
My second recommendation is to carve out some “You” time, we did that at Body Blitz Spa. We spent the morning in the baths and then got treated to a SWEET GINGER + MILK BODY GLOW . After the treatment, we both came out of there feeling rejuvenated and most importantly, our skin was given a new life! The entire experience was out-of-this-world. Between the full body scrub, hot milk being poured all over my body and warm oil massage, I wondered if I could ever have a simple stand-up shower again.
My third tip is take a nap. I never take naps, because I feel like I am wasting away the day. But on this trip, I felt like I had to rest and recharge before the evening festivities. We woke up early every day to maximize our stay, so the nap was key to staying out late. The Westin is known for their legendary Heavenly Beds, so needless to say we rested and rested well!
My fourth tip is to be active. Because we didn’t have a car, I estimate that we walked over 15 kilometres
every day. It’s such a great workout and there is so much to see in Toronto, so it doesn’t feel like you’re working hard.
To our surprise, when we arrived in our room, we both had workout clothes set up on our beds. So, no more excuses! If you forget your workout clothes at home or don’t have room in your suitcase, the hotel will lend you New Balance clothing and shoes for a small fee. The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel also has a beautiful fitness studio and indoor pool onsite (so make sure you bring your swimwear!).
Best healthy restaurants in Toronto
Aside from ordering in a healthy meal at the Westin Harbour Castle, there are a plethora of delicious and healthy restaurants to chose from in Toronto. And, I am proud to announce that we crossed off quite a few in such a short amount of time!
- Planta Restaurant – 1221 Bay street, all 100% plant based
- Byblos Toronto– 11 Duncan Street, Eastern Mediterranean
- Bar Sybanne– 229 Ossington Ave, Mid-Eastern/ Mediterranean/ Moroccan
- Early Bird Espresso & Brew Bar– 613 Queen Street West
- Frank and Oak Café- 735 Queen Street West
GIVEAWAY on Instagram- Win a 2-night stay at the Westin Harbour Castle and much more!
Now it’s your turn to give this all a try! Head over to my Instagram post and follow the entry instructions. You can double your odds of winning by entering on Katie’s post as well!