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Spas |
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I'm a total spa slut - lather me up and rub me down.
There are different kinds of spas for different needs and moods, so it's
nice to mix it up. Expect more reviews to
come, this is research I can really sink into. |
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| Victoria BC |
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Silk Road Spa, 1624 Government St. 250-704-2688: Silk Road
is the spa I frequent the most often because it's very
reasonably priced and the treatments and products excellent.
Many times I go just to relax and the specific treatment is
irrelevant. It is however, not a full service spa and due to
space limitation does not have a lounge or other common spaces.
Also, I do not recommend they're manicures or pedicures -
they're simply not set up for them, nor do they apply polish (a
serious disappointment for some people). |
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Willowstream Spa at the Empress Hotel,
721 Government St (250) 995-4650: Ryan, my friend and fellow spa
addict, swears by the Willowstream. It's a luxury spa with lots
of amenities. What I especially like about the Willowstream is
that the staff are extremely tolerant of self-indulgence and
really make you feel like your doing something important and
useful. |
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Le Spa Sereine 1411 Government Street, 250.388.4419: A bit
overpriced, Le Spa Sereine has the best pedicure chairs I've
ever seen. This spa is my top pick for a pedicure. Also of note:
it's wheelchair accessible and uses an elevator to connect its
three levels. This is useful if you want to buy a gift
certificate for your wobbly old mum (like mine). |
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| Vancouver BC |
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Vida
Wellness Spa at the Sutton Place Hotel 845 Burrard Street
1-800-401-4018: Vida Wellness is a pricey excursion, but if
you're having a weekend in the city, this spa is to die for.
Absolutely beautiful decor, a tranquil lounge and wonderful
ayurvedic treatment. Have the ayurvedic massage - hot oil poured
over your body and rubbed in using specific ayrvedic principles,
it's soooo good. Note: they also have locations at the Sheraton
Wall Centre and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. |
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| Tofino BC |
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Sacred Stone 421 Main Street, Tofino, BC 1.250.725.3341
Good value and a pleasant casual environment. My 90 minute
massage was one one the best have had in awhile. The therapist
was very good and paid careful attention to what are my fairly
obvious tension centres. Better value than its hotel spa
competition, with less pomp. They carry several different lines
of products, but we're heavy on the Silk Road line, also a
favourite. |
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Ancient Cedars
Spa at the Wickanninish Inn Osprey Lane, 1-800-333-4604.
Beautiful setting on Chesterman's beach and if you book the
couples room you actually get your services performed in an
outbuilding with a view of the ocean - and if you schedule just
right, a beautiful sunset. Lots of signature treatment and Aveda
products. They also have a steam room and every service starts
with a foot soak taken outside, wrapped in blankets with tea -
so cozy. |
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San Francisco CA |
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Kabuki Springs and Spa 1750 Geary blvd. (@Fillmore) tel:
415.922.6000
Semi traditional Japanese style bath house. Different days
are assigned to men and women, with a co-ed day on Tuesday. You
can drop in for the baths alone, or an accompanying spa
treatment. While the spa menu is not extensive, the services are
all well above average in quality and innovation. Ryan and I
went for a two hour package, including a facial, "wet treatment"
(a salt rub in a fully "wet" environment) and a Swedish massage,
we left after four hours of delight, ahhhh...While in the
neighbourhood you can also visit the Japan Centre upstairs from
the spa, featuring an extensive selection of Japanese
restaurants and shopping. |
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