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The new CHI spa consults traditional Chinese philosophy to customize treatments around your signature element. Tea service, a foot soak in local seaweed, and individual suites — complete with a personal tub, shower, fireplace, and changing room — make a trip here total decadence. 1128 W. Georgia St., Shangri-La Hotel, 604-695-2447.
Every treatment room at BREATHE SPA features black-and-white tiled floors, imposing marble columns, and twinkly chandeliers. Centrally located in the historic Rogers building, it provides plenty of incentives (like the signature facial) to stretch that lunch hour. 464 Granville St., 604-688-4769.
Until recently, the fashion-forward had no refuge from the ceaseless racks of high design at tony Holt Renfrew (poor things). That all changed with the new HOLT’S SALON AND SPA. Don’t expect couture attitude here; friendly staff seem warmly incongruous against the allwhite, achingly chic basement treatment rooms and lounge area. A main-floor salon speedily transforms your postmassage hair from oily to ooh-la-la. 737 Dunsmuir St., in the Pacific Centre, 604-681-3121.
Outside Istanbul, we’re convinced there’s no Turkish bath more authentic than MIRAJ HAMMAM SPA. Leave your western modesty with your shoes as you slip on sandals in the lobby: once inside the steam, you’re au naturel. Now you’re ready for the traditional gommage scrub with black Moroccan soap. Your skin never felt so soft. 1495 W. Sixth Ave., 604-733-5151.
ABSOLUTE SPA’s three-level space in the retrofitted Century Hotel can accommodate big groups, but it still maintains a cozy vibe. Your treatment includes a light snack in the Spa Café, along with chocolatedipped strawberries and Champagne — most welcome after an oxygen facial. It’s a favourite with celebs in town for filming. 1015 Burrard St., in the Century Hotel, 604-684-2772.
At NÉFER SPA BOUTIQUE the bath and Vichy massage table are handcarved from Egyptian marble, which is believed to have healing properties. Walls are also clad in intricate marble tiling, and the treatments, like the divine hot-stone therapy, are offered on infrared amethyst mats. 571 Cardero St., 604-696-0222.
Yaletown’s industrial-Zen SKOAH has more of a see-and-be-seen vibe. Downtempo beats and minimalist décor make it a hipster’s skin-care paradise. The $35 Quickie Facial is just the thing for a pre-event pick-me-up. Take home Skoah’s in-house line of products, and play around with its new makeup collection, Chiiki Munki. 1011 Hamilton St., 604-642-0200.
Pure white can feel so clinical, but SPRUCE BODY LAB’s Yaletown outpost feels more like your best friend’s airy loft. Wall quotes like “Be the change you wish to see in the world” set a contemplative tone as you head to your treatment room. Dermalogica’s face-mapping facials are top-notch; cosmetic acupuncture achieves facial rejuvenation. 1128 Richards St., 604-683-3220.
Lounge fireside in overstuffed furniture, sample treats (courtesy of the Pan Pacific’s hotel kitchen), and browse the shelves overflowing with products at SPA UTOPIA. This is not your typical hotel spa — Vancouverites come here for serious skin care like microdermabrasion, enzyme peels, and other anti-aging procedures. 999 Canada Pl., in the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, 604-641-1351.
