Founder Alessandra de Oliveira at Laya Spa & Yoga, celebrating 13 years in West Queen West.
13 years ago, Alessandra de Oliveira opened Laya Spa & Yoga with clear intention: to create a sanctuary in the city.
The name of her business, Laya, is a Sanskrit term that translates to “a place of rest,” which is exactly what this spa provides to their loyal customer base.
A big believer in self-care, Alessandra felt that the city was growing so fast, but there were few places to find comfort. She wanted to create a safe-haven that would allow people to enter and feel like they’ve left the city—even if only for an hour at a time.
They started with aesthetic services and quickly grew to offer a variety of services including registered massage therapy, acupuncture, Ayurveda, Thai massage, facials, Brazilian lymphatic drainage, integrative therapy, and so much more.
“I wanted to house services that are mostly focused on natural services, taking eastern and traditional medicines, blending and bringing the two together.”
Immediately upon entering Laya, your senses are awakened by the gentle smell of natural essential oils. This unassuming storefront tucked in the heart of West Queen West is home to a beautifully decorated and surprisingly large space. Narrow but mighty, this city spa homes multiple treatment rooms and even a steam room, located at the very back of the spa.
“I have a passion for the human body and finding ways to calm and relax the nervous system. Every treatment that we offer is tied into dissolving stress from our bodies, and grounding and relaxing the nervous system.”
Detoxify your body and down-regulate your nervous system at Laya Spa & Yoga, at 986 Queen St. West. Visit their website or follow them on social media to learn more.