spaethos
Julie Register experienced this day spa
in
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada April 2006
*It
had been 4 1/2 years since I was in Vancouver for a quick overnight
stay. I don't even remember seeing the magnificent mountains in the
not-too-far-off distance (how could I miss them???). I did not have
time to explore. This visit was different. I was there to attend the
Leading Spas of Canada Conference
and Expo with my SpaQuality
LLC business partner, Linda Bankoski, and we had arrived early.
Our first stop was at spaethos
in the trendy Kitsilano area of Vancouver (from the English Bay waterfront
to 16th Avenue, and from Burrard to Alma Street). We arrived at spaethos
first thing in the morning - just as it was opening. We checked in,
completed health history forms then were given a quick tour.
The spa has a large, bright retail area as you enter. Spaethos brand products as well as a number of other top brands are available.
An etched glass door leads to a transitional area - inviting nail rooms with soaring ceilings on one side of a dividing wall...
and changing rooms on the other. The men's and women's changing rooms each hold lockers, a shower, a eucalyptus steam room, vanity area and WC.
Another door divides this transitional area from the quiet area of the spa. Through it, we find the Intention Room, refreshment area...
and wet treatment rooms. The building was originally a bank, and the safe was converted into two tiled wet rooms. An elegantly curved staircase leads to more treatment rooms on the second floor.
It is remarkable how much is offered in a relatively compact area. The whole spa is architecturally interesting - contemporary yet cozy. Most treatment rooms have barrel vaulted ceilings and indirect cove lighting which gives the illusion of more space. It is clear that a lot of thought went into planning the spa - from the front to back transition of busy retail to quiet areas to the design of the treatment area door and multi-tasking of space. The result is a beautiful, comfortable and relaxing environment fully supportive of the spa's mission to provide "an atmosphere that absorbs the individual in the intention of self renewal, well being and restoring a sense of self."
We ended the tour at the women's changing room, were given lockers and invited to enjoy the eucalyptus steam room. We did. Then we moved to the Intention Room to wait for our treatments. We enjoyed a cup of Matcha tea, the fireplace and each other's company in this cozy room. The floor of the Intention Room has eight secret doors. When slid back, they reveal pedicure baths. Eight friends can have pedicures at the same time in this versatile room!
Jonathan came for Linda and Maria escorted me up the stairs to a facial treatment room on the second floor. Without giving it much thought, I had scheduled a facial. Because of a treatment I had just before leaving home, a facial wasn't really a good idea. I asked Maria if I could have a facial on my back. Although this is not one of the treatments on their menu, Maria cheerfully and, without hesitation, said yes. She proceeded to give me a truly customized, Multi Vitamin Enriched Facial on my back. The treatment menu describes the facial as a deep cleansing treatment utilizing the most advanced formulations of AHA and BHA followed by an exfoliating mask and an enriched multivitamin cream which results in a smooth and healthy glow. The series of cleansings followed by masks and a final massaging in of the multivitamin cream made it very relaxing. My much neglected back looked and felt rejuvenated.
I returned to the Intention Room seconds before Linda. From all appearances, her massage had been total bliss. We relaxed with another cup of tea and slowly prepared ourselves to get on with our day. We left spaethos ready to enjoy the many boutiques of Kitsilano.
Other services offered by The Spa include:
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Therapeutic Massage and Body Work Body Treatments Just for Him Teens and Tweens |
Facial Treatments Hand and Foot Care Packages Make-up Professional Hair Removal |
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More
Information
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Contact spaethos |
Related Resources |
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FYI
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The spa asks that cell phones and pagers be turned off in the
spa.
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Gratuities are customary at your discretion for excellent
service. |
Photos
copyright Julie Register
2006
except those marked * which are courtesy of spaethos