Toronto is quickly being recognised as a premier urban wellness destination. Across the city, new modalities are popping up that offer everything from cold plunges to meditation and mindful spaces focused on both physical and mental rejuvenation. When it comes to massage therapy, the city has a plethora of options—everything from aesthetically pleasing hotel spas where you can be pampered to more clinical and efficient spaces that address specific needs that require no lingering at all. There’s plenty of room for whatever style you choose in this city.
But if you’re looking for something in between? I checked into the new TOUCH Massage Bar and discovered the best of both worlds. It’s where beautiful and zen meet results-driven treatments without the stress of Toronto downtown parking and traffic, or spending half your paycheque.
TOUCH Massage Bar, a much loved King West sanctuary, recently opened its second location in midtown Toronto (Yonge & Sherwood), a welcome addition to the ever evolving area. Just take a walk along this stretch of Yonge Street and you’ll notice a growing number of wellness-focused businesses opening up. Nut Bar, The Hut (a Muskoka favourite), Impact Kitchen, and Coco Market have all recently landed here—a reflection of a health-conscious community that’s clearly on the rise.
TOUCH Massage Bar is all about the details. Its soothing Mediterranean-inspired space offers a tranquil break from our fast-paced everyday life. The calmness of the interior, from the colour palette that emphasises natural elements to the choice of music and the light, relaxing scent, immediately transports guests from the street below to a state of bliss.
Founder Saira Lakhani comes from a family history of managing salons and spas. She grew up learning how transformative a visit can be for the visitors. She also had opportunities to travel to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, including Bali, where she explored and experienced a wide range of spa massage treatments and took note of what she loved. Yes, she experienced a variety of treatment styles, but what also stood out for her, at home and abroad, was the importance and sincerity of the human touch.
Those memories had a lasting impact and helped shape the business she runs today. After leaving the corporate world behind, Saria was inspired to create a place where people feel cared for as they de-stress. She founded Touch Massage Bar with the idea of making the experience feel luxurious by also more affordable. She also wanted the space to be comfortable, welcoming and inclusive, catering to all our senses.
The staff here? It’s like I’ve known them for years. Gracious as any high-end luxury spa. They treat everyone with utmost respect and truly pay attention to individual needs. It’s more than a business, it’s the time spent to ensure the experience is stress-free and conversations are as engaging as you want them to be from start to finish.
“I loved the guest interaction so much, and I loved knowing that everyone would leave happier than when they came in,” said Saira.
The massage menu has an impressive number of offerings (25 minutes, 50 minutes, 1 hour and 2o minute options) from their signature “Much Kneaded” full-body massage that can be customised to your needs to “Go With The Flow” Lymphatic drainage massage. Some of the most popular treatments at this location includes the 50-minute “Much Needed” massage and the new “Mama Knows Best” treatment. Given the younger family demographic in the area, that made sense. If you’ve never experienced a buccal/intraoral face massage, they offer it here too. The complete menu, including options for clothes-on chair treatments or table massage, all serviced by RMTs, can be found here.
It all starts with a scent journey and invites each guest to select what appeals to them on each visit. Essential oils incorporated into the experience were created by Fern + Petal, a Vancouver-based family run business that focuses on handmade, ethically and locally sourced, high grade ingredients.
I fell in love with the background music here as well. No flowing water streams or singing birds here. Instead, it has a more lounge-vibe. There’s a playlist in the treatment rooms and another for the chill out areas. Both are also on Spotify — and now on my go-to library at home while I work, rest, and entertain.
My initial treatment booked was Go With The Flow lymphatic drainage treatment. My RMT was curious as to why I chose that one. Quite honestly, I told him it was because it seems to be the trendy one now. But after a quick consult, we came to the conclusion that my stressed out lower back and shoulder areas needed something more. Eric suggested a hybrid to give more focus to the sorely needed areas, but also experience what lymphatic drainage massage was like. I was grateful for his attentiveness and recommendation. I quickly realised I was in good hands!
TOUCH Massage Bar offers a mix of one-off services as well as membership-based offerings. Membership definitely has its perks, including member rates, complimentary beverages, stress-free booking (recurring appointments once a month), and more. See here.
Oh, did I mention they have their own café? You can order up matcha lattes, Lake&Oak loose leaf teas, espresso-based drinks, and even a selection of wine with your service.
TOUCH Massage Bar is a great place to rest, recharge, and hang out with your bestie or on your own. Perfect date idea too! Pssst…they have a couple’s treatment room!
I will definitely be back to this place of bliss!
TOUCH Massage Bar Midtown is located at 2555 Yonge Street (above Impact Kitchen)
TOUCH Massage Bar King West is located at 451 King Street West, Suite 102
