Start a new tradition this Mother's Day

Need a fresh idea to celebrate your mom on Mother’s Day? You might be tempted to get her all giggly on mimosas and then lavish her with roses, but it’s unlikely she put up with your teenage angst for a bouquet of flowers. Show your mom how much you really love her with a day of pampering at the spa.

Ontario is a goldmine of spas – most of them within half a day’s drive of Toronto. Whether you’re looking for an urban day spa or destination spa (so your mom can enjoy a night away as well), GoGirlfriend has what you need to make Mom say ahhhh, the spa! She might even agree to forget about all those hormone-angst-inspired-tantrums.

Until next Mother’s Day, that is.

Shangri-La Hair Studio & Spa – Cambridge

An hour’s drive from Toronto, you’ll find an urban oasis of tranquility waiting to spoil your mom. The “Make Mom Smile” package begins with a moisturizing facial designed to enhance skin’s natural radiance and improve elasticity. Next, a vitamin C full body wrap refreshes, smooths and energizes dull-looking skin. The two-hour treatment wraps up with a soak in a 12-jet Jacuzzi tub surrounded by candles. Bliss, right? Treatment is priced at $145 (upgrades available).

Visit the Shangri-La Spa online or call 519.650.9100 to book your appointment. You can also catch up with them on Twitter and Facebook.

Body Blitz – Toronto

We’re big fans of the Body Blitz Spa. Not only are their treatments out of this world blissful, the therapeutic pools are yours for the whole day of your treatment. Arrive early and do a cycle or two of the waters before your treatment and stay later – just because you can. Our favorite package, “Blitz Lux” gives your Mom a 60 minute body scrub or facial followed by a 60 minute massage. You’ll also get $15 in Blitz Bucks to use at the juice bar or for Body Blitz products to use at home. Package is priced at $280.

Visit the Body Blitz online or call 416.364.0400 to book your appointment. You can also catch up with them on Twitter or Facebook.

Elm Hurst Inn & Spa – Ingersoll

Elm Hurst Inn, almost equal distance between Toronto and Detroit, is an idyllic getaway for Mom – and you! Oversized stone gates mark the entrance to the resort, along with a winding path that opens to a cluster of buildings (some more than a century old) perched on the edge of a forest and ravine. The Aveda spa features an over-sized whirlpool as well as a sauna and steam room for use at any time during your stay. Overnight spa packages (includes breakfast, $60 spa credit and access to spa and fitness center) start at $280 per night per couple.

Visit Elm Hurst Inn online or call 519.485.5321 to book your stay. You can also catch up with them on Twitter or Facebook or read reviews on TripAdvisor.com.

Scandinave Spa – Blue Mountain

Like the Body Blitz Spa, Scandinave Spa guests are welcome to come just for the pools or to add a massage into the experience. While Scandinave is not a medical spa, it's also not a beauty spa – so you won't find facials or more elaborate treatments like body scrubs or wraps. Enjoy the “Duo Swedish Massage” package with your mom – includes a 60-minute side-by-side massage and access to the pools for $264.

Visit Scandinave Spa online or call 877.988.8484 to book your appointment. You can also catch up with them on Twitter or Facebook or read reviews on TripAdvisor.com.

The Briars – Jackson’s Point

Reminiscent of a time when guests escaped the heat of the city for a summer retreat with steamer trunks and parasols, The Briars embodies genteel travel at its finest. Treat your mom (and you!) to a spring getaway, which includes a cozy room or cottage, full hot and cold breakfast, free parking and wifi, use of all recreation facilities and a credit of $25 – perfect for a light lunch on the patio or towards a treatment in the spa. Package is priced at $175 per couple, per night.

Visit The Briars online or call 800.465.2376 to book your stay. You can also catch up with them on Twitter or Facebook.

Ontario has so many spa opportunities to spoil mom, how are you planning to spoil mom this weekend? Not in Ontario, we’d love to hear what’s in your area. Drop a comment below to let us know or join in on Facebook or Twitter!