hot spring spa center is a Nordic style spa located in Whitby, Ontario Durham area. The Durham Region is the perfect location for a spa holiday as there are so many things to see and do in the area. We spent the day relaxing and recharging at Thermea Spa, a full-service spa including hot and cold tubs, various saunas and steam rooms, various seating areas, beach area, state-of-the-art changing rooms room and two incredible open-air baths. On-site restaurant. After our stay, we explored the Durham region, visiting some local farms and farmers markets, restaurants, and staying at an incredible wildlife sanctuary.
Thermal Spa: Everything you need to know
experience
The Thermea Spa offers a wide range of wellness services and you can easily spend an entire day there. Some of these experiences include:
- Spa village with hot and cold baths, sauna, steam room, relaxation area and artificial beach.
- Cara (additional cost); relaxing Epsom salt float
- Lhasa Ur (additional cost); Clay Body Rejuvenation Treatment
- Body treatments and massages (by appointment only)
- Ofgos Ritual (included); water and essential oils as well as towel waving dance and music enhance the sauna experience. The experience lasts 15 minutes and it is recommended that you do a cold water dive immediately after the experience. Listen for the sound of the gong, a warning that another Orvgus is about to begin. Get a seat at the Aufguss sauna early as these rituals are always full!
We brought a book and chilled on the beach as it was a sunny day but in the colder season there are hammocks with warm sleeping bags so you can enjoy the fresh air but are most comfortable in the summer!
At the end of the day, you can shower and get ready in the state-of-the-art locker rooms, which feature showers, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, as well as complimentary hairdryers.
When to visit
We love Thermea Spa, which is just an hour outside of Toronto, making it easy to escape the city for a relaxing day. The Thermea Spa in Whitby is open all year round and is definitely a great idea! Summer is a great time to visit so you can enjoy the heat and nature. We recommend arriving early in the day to experience the spa during a quieter time, as weekdays are always busier than weekends. However, the spa is huge, so even when it’s full, it doesn’t feel that busy.
Spa pass
We recommend purchasing your pass in advance to ensure you get the time and date you want. You can reserve your tickets every 15 minutes. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like. We like to arrive early and spend the whole day there as there are restaurants and lots of relaxing areas.
What to bring to Thermaa Spa
Thermaa Spa has thought of everything for you, so you don’t need to bring much. A robe and towel are included in the admission fee, and you can load money into your spa wristband so you don’t have to carry around a wallet. But there are a few things you need to bring with you to have the most comfortable experience at the spa!
- swimsuit
- sunglasses
- sandals
- sunscreen
- Hairpin/tie
- water bottle
- Toque hat (seasonal)
Where to stay near hot springs and spas
The Durham Region in Ontario is a vibrant place with lots to see and do, and you’ll want to book at least one night there so you don’t miss a thing. we like to live in Widneris Villas at Soper’s Creek In one of their solar-powered off-grid wilderness domes.
Each of their domes/villas comes with comfy beds, soft linens, nightstands, and more. Outside our dome is a tranquil pond. Solar energy enables each villa to provide guests with lights, electricity to charge their devices and fans.
Outside each villa there is a private fire pit and Adirondack chairs. While you’re there, be sure to book a free wildlife tour to see all the amazing work they do to help the animals in the sanctuary! Your stay at Wilderness Lodge supports Durham Region’s only wildlife rehabilitation hospital and outdoor education centre.
Things to do before and after visiting THERMEA Spa
Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Tour. Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Center is an incredible place where injured Ontario wildlife are rehabilitated so they can return to the wild. Get a first-hand look at the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center on a one-hour tour led by a wildlife educator. You can observe some permanent residents (animals that live there permanently because they cannot safely return to the wild) and feel good knowing that your admission fee goes directly to helping injured wildlife thrive again!
Pingel Farmers Market. Pingle is famous for its pick-your-own fields. They have blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, corn, apples and peas available for picking at various times during the summer. They also offer seasonal flower picking (lavender, wildflowers, and sunflowers), seasonal activities like lavender field yoga, and have the most amazing market with tons of local, farm-fresh goods.
parkwood national historic site. You may recognize Parkwood Manor’s incredible fountain feature from the famous comedy movie “Billy Madison” starring Adam Sandler. The home was once owned by the late RS McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada. Now a museum site, you can tour the mansion indoors, explore the extensive gardens and experience delicious afternoon tea (advance ticket required). Lunch and dinner are also served on site.
Where to eat near THERMEA SPA
Tyrone Mills. This is a favorite local family business that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into a simpler time. They have their famous donuts, pizza made in a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, and incredible freshly baked treats. They also sell other local products such as soaps and greeting cards in the market shop.
Restaurant in Selmiya Hotel. The Thermea Spa has three on-site dining options for guests to enjoy. The Restâ is more formal and offers a full menu; the Lounge is less formal and offers snacks; and the Biërgarden offers a wide selection of beers and wood-fired pizzas.
soper creek. Soper Creek offers a variety of food options for overnight guests, which they can order in advance. Some options include Libretto pizza, which can be cooked over the fire, as well as fresh cereals and baked goods for breakfast.
For more places to eat and drink in Durham Region, check out New! Whitby Food Guide.
The Durham Region is a great place to explore all year round, so next time you want a quick trip out of the city, book a spa day at Thermea Spa in Whitby and check out everything else the Durham Region has to offer. Don’t forget to spend the night at Soper Creek so you have enough time to see everything the area has to offer!
The smell of autumn is in the air! Check out our blog The Best Ontario Road Trips to See the Spectacular Autumn Colors Plan your fall road trip now!
