Congratulations to the Guerlain Spa, located within Hotel X Toronto.

In October 2024, it was named Canada’s Best Hotel Spa. It was a huge win for the property, given the vast number of hotel spas across the country. Standing out in the crowd isn’t easy, but the Guerlain Spa has managed, thanks to its pampering Parisian treatments, luxurious facilities and innovative wellness approach. It has 10 treatment rooms, including two for couples.

I experienced the spa for myself when I visited to celebrate my husband’s birthday. While he enjoyed a pedicure, I got my glow on with a lovely facial followed by a glass of champagne. Afterward, I caught up with spa director Jennifer Loyola, director, Guerlain Spa Toronto, to dish about the latest trends in spas and what goes into creating personalized services that guests love. Here’s what she said.

HA: I’ve just had the best facial ever. I could tell that my esthetician was gifted in a way that went beyond just technical skill. How does that happen?

JL: It isn’t just training. It really does come from an empathy. It comes from a passion they have. It comes from wanting to nurture your guests. And it can’t just be about the application of products or the techniques used.

HA: So true. Can you share a bit about your background?

JL: I’ve grown up in this industry. I’ve been involved in the beauty industry since I was 16, and then I became an aesthetician. I did that for quite some time and then became the business manager for some cosmetic brands, but later went back into esthetics. I missed that human connection. COVID made me appreciate the importance of physical touch and for the services that estheticians provide. Now, I really see that what we do is not just about applying a product, selling a product, selling a service. It’s about wellness and healing. Our goal is to make sure every spa guest feels nurtured and cocooned and cared for. In my role here at the Guerlain Spa Toronto, which I began in the summer of 2023, I am able to do that.

HA: And what was the appeal of working with Guerlain as a brand?

JL: I think French brands are the epitome of luxury and Guerlain is one of the most respected and one of the oldest family-owned brands that goes back to 1820. There’s a long history of innovation and taking great care with packaging and formulations. You can see the care in everything they do. And, at minimum, the products are 95 per cent natural, something you don’t often see in a luxury brand. Some brands sacrifice the quality for the sensoriality or the packaging.

HA: How should spa guests really maximize their experience at the Guerlain Spa?

JL: I do encourage our guests to enjoy taking time for yourself. Self care is so important and it’s partly the rituals that you create for yourself. One of the great things about our therapists is the way that we approach the spa service itself. We do encourage guests to utilize some of our techniques at home. So there is a home care aspect that we promote. And when you are purchasing our products as an extension of your service, we will walk you through the steps because it’s not about slapping on product. It’s about really taking the time to enjoy the aroma, the feeling, the texture and how you apply it. That helps guests get extended benefit from our services.

HA: You see a lot of guests from all over the world come into the spa. How does travel affect skin?

JL: One thing we often see with travelers is severe dehydration especially after flying. In someone who already has dry or normal skin, you’ll see redness and flakiness. For someone with combination or oily skin, they also need moisture. These skin types need water as well. Without it, their skin retaliates and creates more oil, which can look extra oily and create blemishes they didn’t have before they left for their trip. What I would recommend is to really, if it is a longer, extended trip, to make sure that you are using an entire skin routine before leaving. Some people even like to put masques on during their treatment or even during their trip. I think that’s a great idea.

HA: When traveling, skincare routine are disrupted and you can’t always bring all your products with you. What are the essentials?

JL: Definitely cleansing. Travelers often feel exhausted and be tempted to skip it but it’s such an essential step because you really are putting your skin out there. Not only is it open to free radicals that are sitting on your skin, but microbes in the air on the plane and pollution. You really do need to cleanse your skin. You need to remove what your skin has been exposed to over the day. On top of that, you definitely need to use a serum. The reason the serum is so important is because it’s a concentrated product with smaller molecules, so it enters the skin a little more deeply and quickly. It addresses the concerns you have specifically, but you still need a moisturizer, which is meant to sit on top of your skin, so you’re actually receiving moisture. And it helps create a protective barrier.

HA: Serums seem to be hot in skincare now. What’s the appeal?

JL: One of the good things about Guerlain is that they do constantly have research ongoing to make sure that they are always producing the right products for our guests. Its serums are a truly effective part of your treatment, and without it, you won’t see such quick results. We are in a day and age where people want instant results, and the only way you’re going to get it is the concentration and the consistency. That makes using a serum at the spa and at home so crucial.

HA: What trends are happening in skincare?

JL: We’re seeing a lot of people who want home treatments. Because of the pandemic, people got into the habit of doing more of them at home. I think people are doing a lot more research into their products, which is wonderful. We welcome guests to come see and learn more, and to get directions on how to use products at home. We’re here to assist them in any way we can.

For more information and to book appointments, visit Hotel X Toronto and Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto.

Photos courtesy of Library Hotel Collection.