SPAS
1. Silk Road Spa
1624 Government St, Victoria • 250 382 0006
This organic spa takes its cue from China, where tea and relaxation balance each other to harmonious effect. Green tea, an antioxidant, is used in some of the treatments.
2. Grotto Spa
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort and Spa, 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville • 250 248 1838
Overlooking an expanse of beach, BC’s largest spa resort offers a wide range of treatments, including couple’s massages. Their signature body treatments can include Canadian glacial clay, sea salt, and seaweed.
Pool at the Grotto Spa
3. Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler
4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler • 604 935 3400
Eucalyptus steam rooms at this sparkling, high-ceilinged spa offer total relaxation. Treatments feature Canadian maple syrup and seaweed.
Reception area in the Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler
4. Vida
Located in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, this spa has specialists in Ayurvedic massage analyze clients for the best way to treat their dosha, or body composition, using ancient holistic techniques. Staff then balance the dosha with dry brushing, a steam in the cedar cabinet, and essential oil massages.
5. Spa at the Wedgewood
The specialty at this spa at the Wedgewood Hotel is its Signature Thai Fusion Massage that includes yoga-like stretches and essential oils. The cinnamon enzyme facial, with its skin tightening effect, is also a favorite.
6. Spa Utopia
1001-999 Canada Pl • 604 689 7700
Awaken your senses at Spa Utopia with their signature facial that uses hot stones and Japanese facial techniques or experience the detoxifying Earth body wrap.
7. Absolute Spa at the Century
Escape into relaxation at this plush, award-winning spa at the Century Plaza. Choose from a soothing Hawaiian coconut lomi lomi massage, skin purification with Italian mandarin oil, or a rejuvenating oxygen facial.
8. Willow Stream Spa
This spa’s signature treatment, Coastal Mountain Retreat, includes a hydrating body exfoliation using essential oils of cypress, cedar wood, and clary sage. The spa’s setting is as romantic as the ambience of the hotel it is located in – the sumptuous Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Treatment room at Willow Stream Spa
9. skoah
1007 Hamilton St • 604 901 3335
Skin care is the primary focus at this luxurious spa. Its personalized Facialiscious treatment is the most requested. Skin-calming plant extracts are mixed by the spa’s staff chemist.
10. Scandinave Spa Whistler
8010 Mons Rd, Whistler • 604 935 2424
This wonderful retreat is a haven of peace and quiet. Hydrotherapy is at the core of what they do and stages include hot eucalyptus steam baths and a wood-burning sauna, then cold plunge baths to flush out toxins.
TOP 10 HEALTH AND BODY TREATMENTS
1. Hot Stone Massage
Locally sourced basalt rocks are heated and applied to the body to eliminate stress and restore energy.
Relaxing hot stone massage
2. Seaweed Wraps
West Coast seaweed mud remineralizes the body. Followed by an application of hot towels, a wrap makes skin feel wonderfully soft all over.
3. Plant Extracts Facial
Plants such as refreshing cucumber are blended with extracts, including gingko biloba and St. John’s Wort, in creams that make the skin glow.
4. Couple’s Massage
Sessions for couples focus on full-body relaxation massages by two therapists working side by side.
5. Body Loofah Exfoliation
Organic loofah is ground into a fine dust and essential oils are carefully massaged into the skin in order to hydrate and improve circulation.
6. Ayurvedic Steam Cabinet
A steam in a cedar cabinet is an aromatic way to detoxify.
7. Aromatherapy
Aromatic oils are blended for their mental and physical effects, often with a hint of cedar, pine, or lavender.
8. Spray Tan
Hydrating, nourishing products are used to apply even, sun-free color.
9. Therapeutic Body Massage
This therapeutic massage combines deep compressions with yoga-like stretches for energy and calm.
10. Lomi Lomi
This is a traditional full-body Hawaiian massage with free-flowing, wave-like strokes, which relaxes the body.
