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Sweat equity: At these home spas, no appointments are necessary. As the rise of wellness culture continues, homeowners in Toronto are transforming underused spaces into private spa sanctuaries. These luxurious retreats offer a range of amenities from steam rooms and saunas, to cold plunge pools and relaxation lounges, allowing homeowners to enjoy a bespoke spa experience without leaving the comfort of their own home.

Designing a Personal Spa Experience

Shadi Ramos, a Toronto-based interior and landscape designer, has created her own personal oasis in her basement. Every Sunday, she retreats to this spa sanctuary to enjoy a steam bath, a face mask, and some soothing music. This routine provides a much-needed reset and offers a great way to unwind from the stresses of the week.

Andrew Polischuk, owner-partner of Alair Homes Lorne Park in Toronto, believes that the popularity of home-based spas is on the rise due to the influence of social media amplifying the health benefits of spa culture. He advises those looking to incorporate a steam shower at home to pay special attention to moisture control and upkeep of cold tubs.

Creating a Luxurious Space

Julia Black, principal designer of Julia Black Design, recently undertook a project to transform a basement into a high-end spa for a client in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. The space, inspired by the dark palette of the Shangri-La hotel in Toronto, includes a custom infrared sauna, a steam shower, a lounge area and even a bar with a mini fridge. Premium products and integrated lighting add to the luxurious ambiance of the space.

Wellness Rooms: The New Trend

Montreal-based architect Martha Franco has also noticed an increase in demand for residential wellness rooms. “Lately, cold plunges are really popular and the most requested,” she said. Many clients want a full range of amenities, creating a “sequence” of activities, allowing them to exercise, relax, and truly disconnect in a secluded, acoustically treated space.

Simple Spa Spaces

While some homeowners opt for the full range of spa amenities, others, like Eva Pianezzola, prefer a more simplistic approach. Pianezzola, an urban designer, has created a peaceful, distraction-free bathroom space in her historic home in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood. The bathroom, blanketed with indigo tiles, does not boast a range of spa features but it offers a tranquil space where Pianezzola can soak in the tub at the end of the day, reminiscent of her experiences in Japan’s onsens.

These home spas show that, with careful design and planning, it is possible to recreate the luxurious and restorative experience of a spa within the comfort of one’s own home. Whether it involves a full suite of wellness amenities or a simple, tranquil space, these spa sanctuaries offer a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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