Health Update: A wellness sanctuary downtown Toronto – What Experts Say

It is late March in Toronto, and if you are like me, you’re starting to feel like this winter is never-ending.

Mother Nature loves to tease us with a few double-digit days only to plunge us back into a deep freeze 24 hours later. It takes a toll on the mental health, so I decided it was time for a “Day with Dare” dedicated entirely to self-care.

While Toronto has become a bastion of spas, hammams, and saunas, I didn’t want to run all over the city for individual appointments. I wanted a singular sanctuary where I could spend an entire day relaxing. After a “deep dive” into local wellness centres left me feeling overwhelmed, I turned to my circle of friends for a recommendation. One suggested a hammock sound bath (tempting!), but the consensus was clear: I had to check out Trove.

A haven for burnout

Located at 426 Adelaide St. W., Trove was founded in 2021 by Zoë Paliare and Tanya Kololian. Drawing from their personal experiences with burnout, the duo created a haven for holistic healing that combines convenience with comprehensive wellness solutions.

To keep things interesting, I logged onto their website and played “treatment roulette,” picking a random selection of services to try. After all, life — and self-care — should be an adventure.

The heat and the (very) cold

Upon arrival, the friendly staff handed over my itinerary. First up: the infrared sauna and the cold plunge. While the private infrared sauna felt divine on my tired muscles, the transition to the “eeeek”-inducing cold water was a challenge.

As a first timer, I’ll be honest: I hated the cold plunge. I’m sure it is “good” for me, and Trove’s setup is undeniably top-tier, but it just isn’t my cup of tea. I like my tea hot. I retreated to the sauna for a second eight-minute cycle and happily skipped the second dip, although proud I finally took that plunge.

While I was solo in the room, you can have up to two friends with you.

Finding an escape on Adelaide

Thankfully, the day shifted gears with a 90-minute deep-tissue massage. The space was warm, dimly lit, and smelled divine; I felt immediately at ease. My therapist worked through months of stiff-neck tension and tight knots with incredible precision. If heaven exists, this room is a strong contender.

I rounded out my physical recovery with a session in the red-light therapy “cocoon” bed, followed by a full-body lymphatic drainage treatment in a body suit.

At this point, I melted away and forgot about everything beyond the space’s walls. 

For those looking to visit, Trove’s journeys are accessible through membership or a credit system, which starts at $52 per credit.

Mind over matter, for next time

Before heading back into the cold outside, I inquired about one of Trove’s newest offerings that had caught my eye on the website: Hypnotherapy. While I couldn’t fit it into this day’s schedule, and didn’t know much about it, I wanted to understand what it entails as it is something you don’t see often in a wellness space.

According to the team, hypnotherapy creates a state of deep relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind. During a session, you remain fully aware but become open to suggestions, allowing a therapist to help shift patterns around anxiety, habits, or fears.

“At Trove, our approach is rooted in deep care and thoughtful consideration,” the team explained. “Our practitioners use evidence-informed techniques to guide clients into a focused state where subconscious patterns are gently and effectively addressed.”

They also add that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and this service is offered virtually. 

As I stepped back out onto Adelaide Street, I realized that while I might not be a “cold plunge person,” perhaps adding a layer of mental wellness to my routine might be exactly what I need to survive the rest of this city’s endless winter.