Award-winning European spa company to open first Canadian location in Toronto

If you're looking for a new type of wellness experience in the GTA, a renowned European spa brand is about to land in Toronto with a sprawling facility that will be its very first in Canada.

While a number of Nordic spas — which are defined by the practice of alternating soothing hot and refreshing cold hydrotherapy — have popped up across the region in recent years, Aire Ancient Baths eschews trending invigoration practices to instead focus on true, deep relaxation.

Debuting its first location in Spain in 2001, Aire now has 10 properties around the world, including in London, Barcelona, Copenhagen, New York City, and, by the end of this year, Toronto.

Touted as "temples dedicated to the relaxation of body and mind, where time does not exist," Aire's candlelit spas are modelled after the traditional baths found in ancient Rome, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire, with various sensory journeys available.

Luxuriate in buoyant saltwater baths, calming steam baths, tension-relieving jet baths, open-air outdoor baths, or even wine baths that allow you to reap the health benefits of polyphenol-rich Spanish grapes.

There are also, of course, sauna sessions, plus a variety of skin treatments and massages available, some of them taking place on heated marble beds.

True to the company's mission of only setting up shop in historic buildings, Aire Toronto will be located in the 1912-constructed Edwardian Classicism building at 510A Front St. W., one of Ontario's designated heritage properties.

But, just be aware that such immersive, award-winning serenity does not come cheap.

When it opens later this year — a firm date has yet to be announced — packages will be available from $175 per person or $380 per couple (for 90 minutes of the ancient baths), going up to a whopping $1,560 (for the signature wine experience for two) for those who truly want to indulge.

Massages start at $270, which covers 30 minutes of the basic ancient relaxing massage.