Exquisite Relaxation at AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto: REVIEW

My family and friends know that water is a magnet for me. I can spend hours in the lake, ocean or pool because I find the experience so relaxing. That’s why I was thrilled to be invited to experience AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto, as well as enjoy a complimentary 30 minute Hydrating Honey Ritual.

Walking into AIRE is like being transported to a different century. The historic, early 20th century building was originally home to publishing company Copps Clark and features thick brick walls, dim lighting and cavernous halls leading to the thermal baths and changerooms. The reception area is candlelit and also features an electric fireplace and a stellar collection of vintage books in a nod to the building’s literary history. I was informed that AIRE has a no-phone policy so that meant I couldn’t take photos or videos of myself other than in the reception area…which turned out to be a good thing!

I was greeted by a staff member and led to the changeroom, which is very well equipped with hairdryers, straighteners, hygiene products, moisturizers, body lotions, and brushes. I was provided with a robe, towel and non-slip shoes to wear.

One of the staff members gave me a brief tour of the baths. The thermal baths are co-ed, but the number of bathers is limited at any given time to give each guest a certain amount of privacy.



The staff member suggested that I start with The Tepidarium (Warm Bath). I waded into the three-foot pool and enjoyed the soothing water.

The Flotarium (Salt Bath)

I then headed to The Flotarium (Salt Bath) as I was really eager to experience it. Two women were floating in the bath, but there was plenty of room for me to float in a separate section. This was my first time floating in a salt-water pool and I can describe it only as transcendent. I lay on top of the water and didn’t have to exert any effort to float. I think I  was floating for at least 15 minutes. I wondered if my neck would get stiff from holding the position, but it didn’t. I couldn’t hear anyone else around me…just the calming music being played in the background.

After I tore myself away from The Flotarium, I headed to The Balneum (Two Baths of Thousand Jets), which was a deluxe whirlpool. The Balneum was connected to The Palestra (Outdoor Bath), but I chose to skip The Palestra because it involved submerging my head under the divider to the outdoors and I didn’t feel like doing that.

The Frigidarium (Cold Bath)

The next bath was The Frigidarium (Cold Bath). This is one thermal bath I really wanted to try since I’ve read about so many wonderful benefits of relaxing in cold water such as reduced blood pressure and reduced inflammation. Well, it was cold and I don’t think I lasted more than 10 seconds in the water. Thankfully, right beside The Frigidarium is The Caldarium (Hot Bath) into which I quickly stepped! I did try The Frigidarium again for another 10 seconds and then quickly returned to The Caldarium!

I decided it was time for The Saunarium! This is a great place to sweat out toxins! The Saunarium was quite warm, so I was able to stay in there for only 3-4 minutes.

The next bath I tried was The Vaporium (Steam Room with Aromatherapy). This was another room that was quite warm, plus I couldn’t see very far in front of me due to the steam. I really enjoyed The Vaporium because it has its own plunge bath so you can sit immersed in the cold water bath with your upper body feeling the warmth from the steam. I loved experiencing this contrast of temperatures concurrently!



Because I had a bit of extra time before my Hydrating Honey Ritual, I returned to The Flotarium for another 15 minutes of floating. I then returned to The Vaporium for another five minutes because that was one of my favourite baths!

There is also a Salt exfoliation area with shower, but I did not try this.

Hydrating Honey Ritual

Now it was time for my Hydrating Honey Ritual! I was led upstairs to a private room where Evina would be giving me a 30-minute body massage and honey hair mask. I got out of my wet bathing suit and put on a pair of disposable underwear that was provided to me and got under the blanket. Evina is not a big woman and I have to admit that I wondered if she was strong enough to give me a decent massage. Boy was I wrong! She has powerhouse strength and I felt it when she massaged my legs and back using jojoba oil. She did ask if the pressure was too much and I told her that it wasn’t. Evina provided an expert massage! After the massage, she applied a honey hair mask to my hair, which I decided to leave on for several hours. My hair felt so soft after washing it off when I got home!

I had an incredible few hours at AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto. It was an experience of deep relaxation that I will never forget. Thank you for inviting me!

The Hydrating Honey Ritual includes a 30 minute body massage using jojoba oil and a honey hair mask and 90 minutes’ use of the thermal baths and costs $275.

AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto, 510A Front Street West, Unit 100, Toronto M5V 1B8

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