Reacquainting Myself with the Heart of Rosewater

Liz Belford

Each morning over the past two weeks, I have awoken with a distinct, joyous feeling of anticipation. I would open my eyes and think: “I can’t wait to go to work.”

My wonderful spa director, Amanda, has been on holidays, and so I have been working the front desk in her absence. I will admit that I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to this short stint. It would be the first time that I found myself at the front of the business in quite some time; I ordinarily operate behind the scenes, ensuring that Rosewater runs smoothly.

Almost immediately after assuming my position at our tranquil reception, however, my outlook began to change. I quickly found myself reconnecting with staff. I began to greet returning clients whom I had not seen in a while. I was able to observe daily operations from a new perspective, which allowed me fresh insight as to what systems work well for us and where there is room for improvement. Our retail grew. Our services gained traction. As I found myself having a direct impact on the business, I was reminded that my favourite part of this job has always been “driving the bus,” so to speak.

The past two weeks have been extraordinarily rewarding, and I found myself growing more excited and grateful with each passing day. The demands of the position also served as a reminder of just how hard my fabulous staff works. I have a renewed appreciation for their ability to multitask, fulfill our clients’ needs, and create a positive and warm environment that upholds the Rosewater name.

Another wonderful element of being re-immersed in the daily operations of the spa has been a renewed love for the atmosphere we have created here. From the very first day I opened Rosewater, my mantra has always been that it is absolutely integral to engage the five senses. Regardless of whether you visit for a manicure or a massage, we aim to provide a sensory experience that surpasses expectations. Rosewater is an oasis filled with soft candlelight, soothing music, and serene interiors. In our VIP Lounge you’ll find a cozy, crackling fireplace; in its adjacent subterranean steam room, visitors can relax in a sanctuary hemmed by textured, pebble-encrusted walls.

We are big believers that health and wellness is about treating the body inside and out. We don’t offer coffee or anything stimulating, aiming to create an environment of relaxation and peace. We instead offer hydration in the form of lemon water, cucumber water, and Rosewater’s signature tea, a tantalizing blend of rosehips (which are very high in antioxidants), hibiscus, and tropical fruits.

These past two weeks have also been a reminder of one of my favourite elements of Rosewater: its signature fragrance. Again and again, I have witnessed clients coming through the door after a long day of work, frustrated with parking or the general hustle and bustle of urban living. The minute they step over the threshold, the change in facial expression and physical demeanour is like a storm giving way to a sunny magic hour. The custom aromatherapy oil that we diffuse has an immediate calming effect, and you can almost see their problems temporarily evaporating.

Before I opened Rosewater, I knew that I wanted only the purest quality of essential oils. Extensive research pointed me in the direction of Eve Taylor, an herbalist from England. Taylor has made it her life’s work to source the purest oils from all over the world –– nothing is synthetic. She also sources her herbs and flowers from their indigenous regions; lavender can be grown in plenty of countries, for instance, but Taylor only uses lavender from France because the fragrant, purple flowering plant is indigenous to that country. Think of it like champagne; true champagne comes from the Champagne region of France, where the makeup of the soil and the specific grapes harvested there all contribute to the uniqueness of the fine sparkling wine. The same principles can be applied to herbs and plants.

The specific Rosewater blend we diffuse is a sensually sweet but crisp mix of Indonesian Patchouli, exotic Ylang Ylang, Mexican lime, and aromatic Damiana flowers. It’s a fragrance that is both impossible to forget and difficult to describe; once you walk through our doors, you’ll understand its tranquil allure. Pay us a visit soon, take a deep breath, and experience it for yourself; we’re ready for you!

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January 8, 2026
Meet the New Owner of Rosewater! Dear Valued Guests, It is with great pleasure that I reach out as Rosewater Spa of Oakville begins a new chapter. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the incredible work that has gone into building The Rosewater Spa into the respected, trusted, and calming sanctuary it is today. Liz’s leadership over the past 25 years stands as a true testament to her dedication and commitment to creating a space where health, rest, and wellness are at the heart of every experience. Our community has been truly fortunate to see her vision come to life. I am honoured to continue this legacy and to work alongside you in upholding the same exceptional standard of service and personal care that Liz and her remarkable team have provided over the years. This transition feels especially natural, as Liz and I have shared a long-standing professional relationship. Many of you may recall when Rosewater Spa Burlington was located beside The Grace Clinic in Burlington, where our teams often collaborated in supporting client wellness and care. I am deeply grateful to build upon that trusted foundation. Looking ahead, our vision is to thoughtfully evolve Rosewater Spa of Oakville into a destination that beautifully blends Spa, Wellness, and Retail here in Oakville. We remain committed to maintaining the warmth, expertise, and excellence you’ve come to expect, while also welcoming your thoughts and feedback as we grow together. As part of this transition, please note the following important information: Our location remains the same, and we look forward to welcoming you at 156 Church Street, Oakville, Ontario. The Rosewater Loyalty Program will continue without interruption. Gift certificates previously purchased will be honoured until December 31, 2026. Thank you for your continued trust and loyalty. I look forward to meeting you and sharing in this exciting journey ahead.  Warmly, Erin Grace, Owner
By Liz Belford January 8, 2026
Exciting News: and a New Chapter for Rosewater! I am announcing a bittersweet milestone: after nearly 26 years of nurturing and building relationships with our amazing clients, I am thrilled to share the news that Rosewater has been sold as I now step into my next chapter. It has been an honour to provide an oasis of relaxation & wellness, and I am deeply grateful to every client, partner, and team member who has been part of this incredible journey. Thank you for the trust, loyalty, and support you have shown throughout the years. I am excited to introduce the new owner, Erin Grace, who shares my passion for wellness and is committed to continuing Rosewater’s tradition of exceptional care. Erin will bring fresh energy, new ideas and the same dedication to Beauty, Health & Wellness. Thank you for being part of my story. Here’s to the next chapter…full of growth, wellness, and endless possibilities. With gratitude and warm wishes, Liz Belford, Founder
By Liz Belford July 7, 2025
Seaflora Soothing Sea Kelp Soak Sea salt is a marvel of nature, rich in minerals and elements that are essential for healthy skin. Its benefits are vast, from deep cleansing to promoting better skin hydration and circulation.
By Liz Belford June 2, 2025
Eminence Organic Skincare Sun Defense Minerals Treat your skin to this feather-light, mattifying broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen. Designed to protect your skin from UVA, UVB and blue light, this soft powder sunscreen with SPF 30 perfects your complexion with a touch of tint. $61 Babor Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 A lightweight, non-nano mineral sun- screen. Contains Zinc Oxide 18.2 % $65 Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum An organic 3-in-1 SPF 30 serum that instantly brightens, hydrates, and protects. Clinically proven to instantly illuminate and hydrate skin all day Powered by Probiotic Technology, known to improve skin's moisture retention and support the natural barrier BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress™ Technology mitigates the effects of blue light and environmental stressors $81 ZO Skin Health Sunscreen & Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 This dual-action sunscreen, with ZOX 12® complex, protects against the damaging effects from UVA/UVB and IR-A rays, and from HEV light. Hydrates and doubles as a makeup primer for a smooth matte finish, diminishing the appearance of skin imperfections. $72 Jan Marini Marini Physical Protectant Tinted SPF 45 This tinted sunscreen with zinc oxide and alpha bisabolol is the ultimate in pure-physical sunscreen wearability! $72 Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation SPF20 Best-selling one-step foundation, concealer & sunscreen that blurs lines and nourishes skin with weightless, medium-to-full coverage and a second-skin finish. $88 Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm SPF 15 Best-selling one-step foundation, concealer & sunscreen that blurs lines and nourishes skin with weightless, medium-to-full coverage and a second-skin finish. $36
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