Hot-Rock Rubdown

When owner Jess Fletcher opened her BE Studio, she wanted to create a community space where people could find balance and well-being. Befitting its location on the western edge of Toronto’s College Street strip, BE Studio is cool and sleek, but down-to-earth and decidedly less pretentious than some mega-spas downtown. An all-white decor puts you at ease, a quaint patio allows you to sip your Starbucks pre-rubdown, and simple, skylit rooms offer lots of privacy while you enjoy your treatment. I chose the hot stone massage, and was surprised when my therapist, Karen Dansingani, not only placed water-heated stones strategically on my body, but used them in addition to her hands in order to achieve a more “intense manipulation” of my muscles. The stones are meant to help with a variety of ailments including insomnia, and I was so relaxed later on in the evening that one glass of champagne nearly put me to sleep. And sleep I did – until 2 p.m. the next day (for the first time since my teens!). Bonus: BE also offers yoga classes infused with Thai massage for those who want to pose and be pampered at the same time.
- Julia LeConte, Assistant Editor, Copy & Research

BE hot stone massage, from $88, BE Studio, 932A College St., Toronto, 416-505-5195, bestudio.ca.