spa guide

Top 10 Best Spas in Vancouver

Filed under: Spas

Although Vancouver, BC is a three-hour drive from my home in Washington state, I venture up there every six weeks or so for hair care at Ian Daburn Salon and to indulge in one of my favorite day spas. Here are my top ten day spas (listed alphabetically) in the vibrant Canadian city of Vancouver. Divine, indeed!

1. Absolute Spa

Absolute Spa has two downtown locations: Century Plaza Hotel at 1015 Burrard St. and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at 900 W. Georgia St. Call 604-248-2772 for appointments at both. The spa at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is Vancouver's "first spa for men," and features a 75-minute Gentleman's Facial ($125 CDN). But the spa is women friendly, too.

2. EvelineCharles Spa and Salon
EvelineCharles Spa and Salon, 1495 W. 11th, 604-678-566. This is a sleekly whitewashed second story haven located in the shopping-friendly South Granville Rise area. Get down and dirty with the Mud Slide ($245 CDN), a soothing treatment that includes a mud bath, mud wrap, massage and moisturizer. Mmmm!

3. Miraj Hammam Spa
Miraj Hammam Spa, 1495 W. 6th, 604-733-5151. Middle Eastern treatments are featured here, including the Hammam and Gommage, an exotic steam and exfoliation process, followed by a 30-minute massage ($125 CDN). Luxuriate afterwards In the Sultana Lounge with tea and sweet cakes.

4. Breathe Spa
Breathe Spa, 325 Howe St., Suite 501, 604-688-4769. This sanctuary is tucked away in the fifth floor of the Pacific Coast Building in the heart of the city. Indulge in the "Out of This World" package ($215 CDN) that includes a two-hour Breathe Facial followed by a two-hour Hot Stone Therapy Massage.

5. Skoah
Skoah, 1011 Hamilton Street, 604-642-0200. This is the spot to get the skinny on skin. Featuring its own product lines, the small menu of facials includes everything from a "quickie facial" ($30 CDN) to the more intense "face, peepers and pout" treatment ($100 CDN). Located in trendy Yaletown and just a few flip-flops away from the Opus Hotel, by far the hippest hotel in the 'hood.