With a baby on the way, the last thing most mothers have time for is rest and relaxation. “Me time” is nowhere to be found, even though it’s the one thing you probably need the most.  Expecting my second child in August, I find that energy levels are certainly diminishing as the weeks go by, and trying to squeeze in a little time for myself has certainly been a challenge.

Two weeks ago though, my hubby and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary, and with the helpful babysitting services of my sister, we were able to take a few days away for some much needed R&R. We decided on a mini-getaway close to home, that would allow us to spend time together enjoying the many great restaurants, spas and neighborhoods Toronto has to offer.

A major highlight of our getaway was a visit to Stillwater Spa at the Park Hyatt Toronto. We both wanted relaxing massages to help us unwind, and that is exactly what we received. Having had a “pregnancy massage” in the past (at a different spa) I was left less than impressed and definitely not in a hurry to try it again.This time, however, was different.

Stillwater does offer a traditional pregnancy massage, but I opted for the alternative Aqua Massage, and I must say it did not disappoint. Because your body is weightless in the water and it can be difficult for pregnant women to get comfortable on a massage table, this alternative therapy was a welcome experience. It’s described as a Shiatsu style massage done in the water. My therapist’s name was Patricia and she was amazing.

The service is performed in a private pool with warm, bath-temperature water. Weights are wrapped around your thighs and a pool noodle is used to keep your ankles afloat. Patricia asked me not to assist in balancing myself, but just to relax and let her do the work. My head was supported by her arm and never once did my face dip beneath the water. Just my ears were lowered beneath the surface, allowing a much welcomed silence, enhanced by gentle spa music faintly heard through the water.

As she gently stretched and massaged my shoulders, arms and lower legs, I was slowly maneuvered through the pool, twisting and twirling like a ballerina. The slow, gentle movements were extremely relaxing, however, if you suffer from motion sickness, this is not the service for you. Happily I don’t, and was able to enjoy every last minute of the experience. As opposed to a traditional massage where knots and tension are slowly worked out, this alternative therapy is calming, gentle and a fantastic way to completely unwind, pregnant or not. I would highly recommend it as a must-have third trimester “treat” – I mean treatment.

If you have a little more time to pamper yourself, why not spend a night at the beautiful Park Hyatt Toronto and linger as long as you can at the spa. Stillwater has a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and tea lounge for relaxing before and after treatments, and has long been recognized as one of the best spas in Toronto. An added bonus to staying overnight at the hotel is that each guestroom in all 36 Park Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide will now feature a copy of the book Sons+Fathers, an anthology designed exclusively for the hotel brand, with contributions from some of the world’s most famous men including U2’s Bono. Some inspirational reading for curling up with in your comfy bathrobe.

If all goes well I hope to find time to return and have this treatment again before my expected due date. It was that good! If anyone has tried it out or is going in the near future, be sure to leave your comments below, I would love to hear what you think!

* Spa photos courtesy of Stillwater A Hyatt Spa