Vancouver's reputation for healthy living, balance and overall well-being is reflected in dozens of spas and wellness centres that excel in pampering and bliss.
Spa treatments are diverse and range from West Coast-inspired organic seaweed wraps and traditional heated stone massage to a decadent 24-karat gold facial and authentic Middle Eastern hammam and gommage. Also included? Dedicated men’s spas and holistic wellness retreats.
Popular Day Spas
Hollywood stars have been known to frequent Absolute Spa at the Century Plaza Hotel; Gwyneth Paltrow, Janet Jackson, Uma Thurman, Sharon Stone, Renée Zellweger have all been sighted here. Men will love Absolute Spa at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, with its leather chairs, masculine decor and gentlemen's treatments (ladies are also welcome, of course).
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver is home to CHI Spa, where each treatment room features a fireplace, private bath and relaxation area. After a spa treatment, dine at MARKET by Jean-Georges or one of Vancouver's other excellent restaurants.
At Vida Spa, find inner harmony with a custom tailored Ayurvedic spa treatment. Vida Spas have three Vancouver locations: Sheraton Wall Centre, Sutton Place and Westin Bayshore. For spa-goers with children, these hotels feature an on-call nanny service.
Other popular Vancouver day spas include Spa Utopia, with locations in the Pan Pacific and North Vancouver; Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim, and Spruce Body Lab in Yaletown, which specializes in therapeutic medical treatments.
Unique Spa Treatments
Miraj Hammam Spa offers traditional Middle Eastern treatments. Sit in a eucalyptus steam room before receiving gommage – an invigorating body scrub with authentic black Moroccan soap. Afterwards, relax on silk and velvet cushions and enjoy tea and sweetcakes.
For the ultimate in skin care and facials, visit Skoah. The flagship spa in Yaletown is popular, and there are also locations in Kitsilano, Metrotown, and North Vancouver. Looking for the golden touch? Visit La Donna Fina Spa in West Vancouver for a 24-karat gold facial (yes, real gold is used in the treatment).
Vancouver Yoga and Fitness
Vancouver is a laid-back city that embraces yoga, health and fitness. Yoga studios and fitness centres are located throughout Vancouver (and the Lululemon yoga brand was started in a Kitsilano). A popular spring and summer activity is outdoor yoga; classes occur on beaches and in parks.
Health and Wellness
Vancouver has numerous practitioners that offer wellness treatments and physiotherapy, as well as yoga, pilates and other fitness classes. Many yoga and wellness studios encourage drop-ins and clinics with licensed therapists can often accommodate visitors on short notice. Ask at hotels, B&Bs or local Visitor Centres for recommendations.
Trip Ideas: Vancouver Spas & Wellness
Check out Vancouver spas and wellness trip ideas for suggestions of some relaxing places to visit, types of spa treatments, and places to stay.
Read Less