Toronto have you heard? AIRE Ancient Baths – an internationally celebrated spa – just opened its first Canadian location the week of December 15th in the heart of downtown Toronto at 510A Front Street West. Set inside a beautifully restored 1912 Edwardian building in the Fashion District, I had to visit right away, the next week, to share AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto – Why It Has Mixed Reviews & Your Ultimate Guide to the Newest Luxury Spa Experience with all of you!

Booking:

The booking system had some glitches so I called to book. The attendant was very helpful and I booked the “Ultimate Baths Experience” for an additional fee ($231.65 with tax.). My bill outlined what the package included – a juice or virgin virgin sparkling wine, x1 set of hydrogel eye patches and x1 DYI scrub. At AIRE my actual choices were between two juices; a detox or energy/immunity booster. Before publishing this blog I revisited the website again twice – the first time it glitched but the second attempt I was able to use it properly. The website focusses on highlighting their packages, so calling to book their regular baths experience that start at $175 might be best. (I was unable tp locate it on the website but didn’t spend overly long looking although it wasn’t obvious.)

Pro Tip #1

  • Opt for the Regular Bath Experience over the Ultimate Baths Experience (it will make sense later.)

At checkout there was the option to tip – 0, 18%, 20% and I believe 22%. I was surprised by this because I wasn’t getting a service and the wording was slightly off putting – it said something to the effect that it was for the staff. As a luxury venue I would expect AIRE to pay their employees adequately and tips would not be required to subsidize their income. Tipping without a service, in my opinion would be for a truly exemplary staff member. Unimpressed I selected 0. Before you judge, I have worked in a tipping industry and tip well where I feel appropriate. As it turned out I did end up tipping cash to two attendants. I was told they are looking into ways to better explain or execute the tipping option.

AIRE Ancient Baths Website:

First Impressions:

AIRE Ancient Baths opens at 10am and I booked the first appointment of the day. Unsure of traffic I arrived at bit early at 9:20am. The doors open at 9:30am and was instructed to wait outside. At 9:30am I was welcomed in. From the moment I arrived the staff were notably attentive, a quality synonymous with luxury. All the staff were dressed impeccably but my favourite by far was the tuxedo, so lux and yet not out of place at all – I loved it. I was offered peppermint tea and water as they checked me in and explained the history of the building and AIRE. I was brought my waterproof bracelets on a gold platter  and then shown to the change rooms.

The History of AIRE and 510 Front St.

Every AIRE location restores a building that has a history to it. AIRE’s London location for example is the restored house of the writer of Peter Pan. AIRE’s Toronto location was built in 1912 over a century ago and they have spent the past few years restoring it. 510 Front St used to be part of the Copp Clark Publishing warehouse a landmark heritage site known for it’s early 20th century industrial architecture. Copp Clark Publishing did a lot of book printing on site and to pay homage to this history the lobby is decorated with vintage books imported from the personal collection of the owners of AIRE brought all the way from Spain. There is also a printing press in the lounge too.

The Changing Rooms:

I was introduced to my changing room attendant who was super sweet and very helpful. She showed me around the change room while explaining all of the amenities. AIRE Ancient Baths has everything you could possibly need! The only thing your need to bring is a bathing suit. After my tour she showed me to my pre assigned locker. The lighting for ambiance is low throughout including in the change room which made it challenging for me to see without my flashlight.

Pro Tip #2:

  • If you have trouble seeing in low light situations you may want a flashlight

The lockers have an extra deep drop – perfect for storing tall boots in the winter. I didn’t see this in the low lighting and my things went clanging to the bottom🤦‍♀️. For those who prefer a private space the changing stalls don’t have curtain or doors yet so you can change in the shower. (I feel the bathrooms stalls are too small to change in.) Inside your locker you will find: 

  • x1 towel
  • x 1 foot mat
  • x1 robe
  • x 1 pair of slippers

Slipppers must be worn at all times, even in the pools. I LOVE this, it’s very hygienic and a nice touch. One thing I found unhygienic was that the women’s bathroom stalls do not have garbage cans. When I mentioned this I was directed to throw my hand paper towel in the tampon dispenser which gave me an ick. I opted to carry it with me to a garbage in the main change room area. Changing room amenities include:

  • Hair Dryer & defuser
  • Hair elastics
  • Q-tips
  • Shower Caps
  • TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairsray
  • L’Occitane Relaxing Body Lotion with 5 Essential Oils
  • Dove Spray Deodarant
  • Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse
  • Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
  • 3 magnifying make-up mirrors
  • Kleenex
  • Oil
  • High quality flat iron

The Thermal Baths

STUNNING, words truly don’t do justice. I was awestruck, by the beauty and tranquility created by the golden candlelit hues flickering over the pool’s baby blue waters. The buildings’ original wooden beams, pillars and high ceilings compliment AIRE’s rustic lux decor. And the thoughtful accents such giant amphorae which line the main bath space, antique wooden doors with ornate carvings and rusted chains completed AIRE’s ancient ambiance. Inspired by centuries-old bathing traditions the experience reminded me of the ancient baths I visited in Istanbul. Roman, Greek, and Ottoman cultures all used baths to unwind throughout the ages and AIRE Ancient Baths is built around those ideas of ritual and stillness. I have no doubt that AIRE will be on the must visit luxury experience wish list for both travellers and staycationers visiting Toronto alike.

In the baths area I met my attendant who walked me through the cycles explaining each bath and what to expect. I don’t have my own images yet (because I am a rule follower lol) but the photos included are on AIRE’s website and I welcome the opportunity to be invited back by AIRE Ancient Baths to update everyone once all of the opening kinks have been fixed eg – the jets in the Balneum. (see below)

The Experience

An exclusive experience, there are only 20 spaces per time slot. Each time slot is 90 mins – enough time to complete the Thermal Bath circuit twice. AIRE operates on a Tibetan chimes system sounding the chime twice during a visit. When the first chime sounds the instruction is to ignore as it marks the half way point of your visit, the second chime then marks the end of your visit. AIRE Ancient Baths has 10 stations to optimize your relaxation and wellness. The ritual consists of moving through these spaces at your own pace. The stations include:

1. Tepidarium (36C)

This warm bath is the introduction, it allowed my body to relax as it entered into a state of calm. Heated marble benches are found beside the bath with water and peppermint tea to enjoy as I sat – the was the perfect spot to unwind for step 10.

2. Floatarium (36C -38 C )

This weightless Salt Bath reminded me of my Dead Sea float in Jordan which I loved. I didn’t know this until writing this but if you lay back and relax there is underwater music to enjoy as you float. Floating in the Floatarium is effortlessly.

3. Salt Scrub and Shower

Stored in an amphora this salt scrub station beside the Floatarium is perfect for exfoliating and revealing smoother, brighter skin. Salt scrubs also detoxify the body while boosting circulation. I love how soft my skin is after a salt scrub which you shouldn’t do more than once a week. The shower is conveniently right beside it and required to use before accessing the pools once again!

Pro Tip #3

  • Part of my “Ultimate Baths Experience” was a small jar of DIY scrub – I realized there this was kind of redundant having a salt scrub as part of the circuit. I ended up bringing it home with me

4. Palestra (42 C)

A fun addition, this indoor /outdoor pool, is accessible by submerging and swimming under a transparent divider – which keeps the cold air out. Guests must pass underwater to access this outdoor pool space. Above the pool is a net that keeps leaves and garbage from falling in the pool for a peaceful swim. I exited via the second access point which empties into step #5 the Balneum.

5. Balneum

Guests can access the Balneum via the Palestra or a long corridor lined with beautiful antique wooden doors. The Balneum is a two jet bath. The hydrojets run for approximately 15 mins cycles and are suppose to activate by pushing the nearby green button. The Balneum is designed to revitalize the body and ease muscle fatigue. I was looking forward to trying their jet beds but unfortunately the jets weren’t working. Disappointed I mentioned this to the staff and they acknowledged that they were aware. They said currently it sort of “does what it wants” but maintenance is working on it. They weren’t wrong, I pressed the button at least 6 times with no response from the jets and suddenly after a few mins half of them started working but the bed jets never did work during my visit.

6. Caldarium (39C/102F)

This large heated bath (hot tub heat) is a perfect contrast therapy opportunity, used in conjunction with it’s two neighbouring cold baths the Frigidariums. The heated bath was notably hotter than the rest of the pools and designed to release muscle tension, ease joint discomfort, and promote restful sleep.

7. Frigidarium 10C small large one 14C contrast bath

I love cold plunges, pushing through for the pending health benefits that follow! They awaken the circulatory system, reduce inflammation, and strengthens the body’s natural defences. On my first round of the circuit I tried the 14C bath and opted to use the smaller 10C during my second round.

8. Vaporium

I truly enjoy a good steam room, it’s actually my favourite perk of my gym membership at LIFETIME. I prefer a steam room over a sauna and have tried many around the world. That being said Vaporium’s unique addition of a cold plunge inside the steam room is something I have never seen before and I was VERY impressed! An ingenious addition that I absolutely loved!

9. Dry Heat Sauna

A typical dry heat sauna designed to promote sweating to help eliminate toxins. Saunas improve circulation, and help muscles release deep tension. The dry heat sauna is located right beside the room that houses their “Signature Wine Experience”. This luxury experience costs $1500 and must be pre-booked. During the wine bath guests soak in a bath filled with non-alcoholic wine as they sip on wine while enjoying a cheese platter and grapes. Would you try this experience?

10. Rest Area

Back to the beginning, guests can once again relax and enjoy some peppermint tea or water while sitting on the heated marble benches. While resting I was brought the upgrades of my Ultimate bath experience. I chose the detox juice and as previously mentioned opted to take the eye patches and scrub home with me. It was an unnecessary upgrade in my opinion.

  • I would have preferred to enjoy their signature peppermint tea over the detox juice
  • The scrub was redundant as I had used their on site salt scrub
  • The eyes patches were served warm. (They are supposed to used chilled) I mentioned this to the attendant and was told it was because I took to long doing something as they had taken it out of the fridge earlier. I was surprised about the blame shift instead of just getting me a fresh cold one.

Signature Rituals and Rituals

As mentioned above AIRE also offers a range of luxury rituals and massages to allow you to curate your own elevated the experience. Some of these rituals include:

  •  Signature Boreal Forest Experience – The 150 minute ritual is exclusive to Toronto and inspired by Canada’s northern landscapes . It includes pink-salt exfoliation, cedar oil jade stone massage, restorative scalp treatment, and sparkling wine with forest berries to finish.
  • Wine Bath & Full-Body Rituals – Private Tempranillo non-alcohol wine baths that include pairings such as grapes, wine and cheese platters then followed by a massage.
  • Couple and Classic Massages & Elemental Rituals – Deep relaxation, focused muscle relief, sensory wellness rituals and more!

Additional Pro Tips

📍 510A Front Street West (Portland Commons), Toronto, ON

  • Call to make your reservation if the site is glitching +1 416 637 7138
  • Pricing starting at $175 for the 90 minute thermal baths experience
  • Arrive early to check in and maximize your experience

Final Thoughts

AIRE Ancient Baths will definitely be an iconic must visit destination in Toronto. It’s a long overdue luxury spa experience in the heart of the city. The constructive feedback within this blog are easy fixes. My visit was during what could have been a “soft launch” phase as new spas usually takes a few weeks to get everything sorted. It was mentioned to me that their current ratings reflected what my reviews say too. I believe customers (and reviews) would be more understanding of the opening hiccups if there was perhaps a soft launch pricing. Regardless I would absolutely go back and would be thrilled to be invited back to AIRE to share an update blog and video with all of you as a sequel to AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto – Why It Has Mixed Reviews & Your Ultimate Guide to the Newest Luxury Spa Experience!