With arguably the most stressful season upon us (we’re certainly feeling it around here), why not treat yourself to one of the following completely indulgent, out-of-the-box or, in some cases, very Vancouver spa treatments?
The Absolute Spa Group, with various locations around the city, uses smooth B.C. river stones in one of its signature massages to help soothe tension and really work out those kinks. You’ll be feeling right cosy as the polished rocks slowly heat to your body temperature during this 45-, 60- or 90-minute Swedish-style session. Starting at $130 at www.absolutespa.com.
At Spruce Body Lab in Yaletown traditional saunas are a thing of the past. Enter the infrared, boasting a walnut exterior, an all-cedar interior, piped-in down-tempo music and infrared rays that will warm your body with an aim to increase the circulation of blood to the tissues. Think of it as your own, private retreat from seasonal stress – for 25 minutes at a time, at least. $25 at www.sprucebodylab.com.
Spa Utopia wants to take you on a journey – a West Coast Seaweed Journey, that is. This uniquely local treatment starts with a full-body exfoliation that preps your skin for a nourishing seaweed body wrap. Or, dive deeper with an Ocean Detox Wrap that combines mineral-rich algae and marine sediments with essential oils to eliminate toxins and excess fluids. $173 and $270 at www.spautopia.ca.
Revert back to simpler, ancient times at Miraj Hammam – a South Granville spa that brings the concept of a traditional Turkish bath to Vancouver. First, allow your body to detox in the hammam – a low-mist, high-intensity steam chamber made of Jerusalem gold marble. Next, it’s gommage – a full-body exfoliation (not for the shy or squeamish) with black Moroccan soap. Finally, relax in the lounge with sweet tea and cake. $115 at www.mirajhammam.com
