The Perfect Detox Staycation At Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

Any excuse for a staycation is a good one in my opinion. But this time around, the excuse was… me! You see, I usually take part in staycay festivities with a group of girlfriends. Very little sleep is had, plenty of alcohol enjoyed and many late night snacks devoured. And although the experience is incredibly memorable and fun, I find that I often return home feeling more exhausted than I left. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with those type of staycays, but I’ve recently felt a strong urge to focus on relaxation and rejuvenation on weekends. Maybe it’s the fast-paced industry I work in (or maybe I’m just getting old), but the thought of R&R brings a huge smile to my face. So I decided to go the self-care route and opted for a detox staycation with my friend Krystle and our hubbies at Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto…

Everyone has a different way of approaching a detox, but my goals for this staycay were simple: slow things dowwwwnnn, sleep early, wake up late, drink lots of tea, take a bubble bath, sport a hotel robe for as long as possible, sit by a cozy fireplace in the lounge, eat healthy food, have great conversations and unwind at the newly-renovated spa. I’m not one to scrap alcohol entirely (I leave that to my hubby), but I did end up keeping it to a couple of drinks. I’m happy to report that the detox staycay was a huge success — I left Shangri-La Hotel Toronto feeling light, happy and relaxed. Here’s why…

Why Shangri-La Hotel Toronto Is Perfect For A Detox Staycation

1. It’s All In The Name

When a hotel chain is named after an idyllic hideaway (from James Hilton’s 1922 novel Lost Horizon), there’s no question that their aim is to create a serene retreat for guests. And that’s exactly what they’ve managed to do around the globe. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a handful of Shangri-La properties and am always whisked away to a place of calm. Quite a feat, especially in busy metropolises like Toronto…

2. The Scent At Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

Scent is a powerful thing. And while many luxury hotels have bespoke fragrances, I find none as calming as The Essence of Shangri-La. A delicate aroma with notes of vanilla, sandalwood, musk, bergamot and tea spiced with ginger, it is the first thing you’ll smell when you step inside the light-filled lobby at Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto…

3. The Guestrooms At Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

Muted earth tones, Asian décor and luxe in-room amenities set the scene for a relaxing stay. I’m talking lavish bedding, your choice of pillow (yes, they have a pillow menu so you can select the perfect one for your detox staycay — we went with lavender), floor-to-ceiling windows, plush robes…

Oh and the dreamiest white marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub that’s MADE for bubble baths. I filled ours up with Lavender L’Occitane foaming bath and melted away alllll the stress…

4. Free Yoga At Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

Have you ever peered into a hotel closet and found a yoga mat inside? Me neither. I was surprised to see one in our room at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto. But what’s even more amazing is that each guestroom has an iPad loaded with an exclusive yoga class. If group yoga is more your thing, guests also have access to the Health Club (more on that below) they offer free classes. Nothing says detox like a good yoga sesh…

5. Healthy Dining Options At Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

From the Asian-inspired cuisine at Bosk to the in-room dining menu, you’ll find plenty of healthy options at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto when it comes meal time. In my opinion, a detox staycay calls for long, leisurely breakfasts (in robes of course) so that’s exactly what we did. I highly recommend The Zen Smoothie and Egg White Frittata!

6. Guilt-Free Afternoon Tea At Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

And did I mention they offer a guilt-free afternoon tea all of January? Yup, a delish selection of bread-free sandwiches, verrines and savouries. You guys know how much I LOVE the afternoon tea service at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, so I was excited to try guilt-free version. The standouts? Beet & B-Wall Honey Ricotta (sherry vinaigrette, pumpkin & chia seeds), Poached Chicken Salad (Granny Smith apples, cashew nuts, herb yogurt), Zucchini & Kale Cake (honey & lemon gel) and the Coconut, Chia & Tapioca Pudding (kiwi jelly and compote).

They do have tea recommendations on the Guilt-Free Afternoon Tea menu, but definitely ask your server for the full list as they have over 75 incredible (and exclusive) teas to choose from!

7. The Health Club

The gym, 20-meter lap pool, hot tub, and infrared sauna at The Health Club are some of the perks you’ll want to take advantage during your detox staycay. I recommend doing the following circuit to relax your muscles: hot tub, pool, lounge on the chairs to the sound of cascading water features and finish it all off in the sauna. Repeat this cycle a few times and you’ll feel like jello!

A huge thanks to Shangri-La Hotel Toronto and Miraj Hammam Spa for hosting us for this detox staycation. As always, reviews and opinions are my very own. I’m convinced this is the perfect hotel to unplug, slow things down and recharge in the city. Click here to see their special offers.