Ultimate Guide to Thermea Spa in Durham Region

Thermea Spa is a Nordic-style spa located in Whitby, which is in Ontario’s Durham Region. Durham Region is the perfect location for a spa getaway because there is so much to see and do in the area. We spent the day relaxing and recharging at Thermea Spa, a full-service spa which includes hot and cold plunges, a variety of saunas and steam rooms, various rest areas, a beach area, state of the art change rooms and two incredible on-site restaurants. After our stay, we explored Durham Region, checking out a few local farms and farm markets, restaurants, and stayed at an incredible wildlife reserve.

THERMEA SPA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Experience

There are so many wellness offerings at Thermea Spa, you can easily spend an entire day there. Some of the experiences include:

Spa Village, which includes hot and cold tubs, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, and a manmade beach.
Kalla (additional cost); a relaxing epsom salt float
Rhassaoul (additional cost); rejuvenating clay body treatment
Body treatments and massages (by appointment only)
Aufguss rituals (included); a sauna experience heightened by water and essential oils with towel-waving choreography and music. The experience lasts 15 minutes and it’s recommended that you take a cold plunge immediately after. Listen for the gong as a warning that another Aufguss is starting soon. Get a spot in the Aufguss sauna early because these rituals always fill up!

We brought a book and chilled by the beach since it was a gorgeous sunny day, but in colder seasons there are hammocks with warm sleeping bags so you can enjoy the fresh air but it’s most comfortable during the summer months!

At the end of your day, shower and get ready in their state-of-the-art change room, complete with showers, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, and complimentary hair dryers.

When to visit

We love that Thermea Spa is just one hour outside of Toronto making it an easy escape from the city to enjoy a relaxing day. Open year round, the Thermea Spa in Whitby is always a good idea! The summer is an amazing time to visit so you can enjoy the heat and nature. We recommend arriving earlier in the day to experience the spa during quieter times, and weekdays are always less busy than weekends. But, the spa is big so even when it’s at full capacity it doesn’t feel that busy.

Spa Passes

We recommend buying passes ahead of time to ensure you get the time and date you want. You can book passes for entry every 15 minutes. Once you enter, you can stay for as long as you like. We love to arrive early and spend the whole day there since there is on-site dining and so many relaxation areas.

What to pack for Thermea Spa

Thermea Spa has thought of everything, so you don’t need to bring much. Robes and towels are included in your entry fee, and you can load your spa bracelet with money so you don’t need to carry a wallet with you. But there are a few things you will want to bring with you to be most comfortable at the spa!

Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Sandals
Sunscreen
Hair clips/ties
Water bottle
Toque (seasonal)

WHERE TO STAY NEAR THERMEA SPA

Ontario’s Durham Region is a lively place with so much to see and do, you’ll want to book at least a night there so you won’t miss anything. We loved staying at Soper Creek Widnerness Villas in one of their solar-powered off-grid wilderness domes.

Each of their domes / villas is furnished with a cozy bed, soft linens, bedside tables and more. Outside of our dome was a tranquil pond. The solar power allows each villa to provide guests with lamps, power to charge their devices and fans.

Outside each villa is a private firepit and adirondack chairs. While you’re there make sure you book a complimentary wildlife tour to see all of the amazing work they do to help animals on their reserve! Your stay in a wilderness villa supports Durham Region’s only wildlife rehabilitation hospital and outdoor education centre.

Soper Creek Wildlife Villas tranquil pond

THINGS TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR THERMEA SPA VISIT

Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Tour. Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue is an incredible place where injured Ontario wildlife are rehabilitated so they can return to the wild. Learn first-hand about the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre in a one hour tour led by one of their Wildlife Educators. You can observe some of the permanent residents (animals who live there permanently since they cannot safely return to the wild) and feel good knowing the cost of your ticket goes directly towards helping injured wildlife thrive again!

Pingle’s Farm Market. Pingle’s is known for its pick-your-own fields. They have blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, corn, apples and peas for picking throughout the various times in the summer. They also offer seasonal pick-your-own flowers (lavender, wild flowers an sunflowers), seasonal events such as yoga in the lavender fields, and have the most amazing market that sells tons of local farm fresh items.

Parkwood National Historic Site. You may recognize the incredible fountain feature at Parkwood Estate from the famous comedy movie, Billy Madison, starring Adam Sandler. The home was once owned by the late R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada. Today it’s a museum site where you can take an indoor tour of the mansion, explore the expansive gardens and experience a lovely high tea (requires an advanced ticket). Lunch and dinner are also available on-site.

WHERE TO EAT NEAR THERMEA SPA

Tyrone Mills. A local favourite family-owned business that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to a simpler era. They have famous sugar donuts, pizza made in a traditional wood fire pizza oven, and incredible freshly baked treats. They also sell other local products such as soaps and greeting cards in their market store.

Thermea on-site restaurants. Thermea Spa has three on-site dining options for guests to enjoy. The Restӧ is more formal with a full menu, the Lounge is less formal with snack options, and the Biërgarden offers a wide selection of beer and wood-fired pizza.

Soper Creek. Soper Creek offers overnight guests a selection of food that they can order ahead of time. Some options include Libretto Pizza that can be cooked over the fire, and fresh granola and baked goods for breakfast.

For more places to eat in Durham region, check out the NEW! WHITBY FOOD GUIDE.

Durham Region is such a great place to explore year round, so next time you’re looking for a quick trip out of the city book a spa day at Thermea Spa in Whitby, then check out everything else Durham Region has to offer. Don’t forget to stay the night at Soper Creek so you have enough time to see everything in the area!