Dove Spa – the day spa concept first launched in the UK in 2006 – has unveiled its first site in Canada.

The 3,000sq ft (278.7sq m) spa opened in Oakville, an affluent suburb of Toronto, in October, and a second site is set to open in downtown Toronto in early 2009. The two sites will be used to test the business model with a view to rolling it out across the country.

According to Andrew Lane, director of Spa and Salon International, which licenses the Dove name from global conglomerate Unilever, owner of the Dove toiletries brand: “Canada is one of the strongest countries for Dove worldwide – it’s an iconic brand there… We did some research on the market potential in 2007 and we felt this was the most suitable market [to launch in next].”

Designed by Drinkall Dean (previously Din Associates) working closely with the team from Dove Spa UK, the Oakville spa features eight treatment rooms and a relaxation lounge, and offers a wide range of facials, body treatments, massages and holistic therapies. Treatments use the Dove Spa professional product range. According to general manager Fay Chapple, who has been appointed to head up the business in Canada, there is the potential for at least 50 sites in the country.

Spa and Salon International currently owns and operates 11 Dove Spa sites in the UK – with two more due to launch by the end of the year – plus a further 15 spa businesses, most of which are earmarked for conversion. According to Lane, the plan is to grow both through acquisition of existing businesses and development of new-build sites. Details: dovespa.co.uk