Many boutique day spas in Victoria's downtown core incorporate naturally harvested ingredients like Pacific seaweed into spa treatments, and resort spas and wellness resorts just outside the city provide the opportunity for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Wellness Resorts
Bear Mountain Resort is a full service health and wellness resort. At Santé Spa, golf-specific treatments like The Mulligan or The Eagle massage tired feet, joints, back and shoulder muscles, and complement Bear Mountain's Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Bear Mountain guests can also choose spa packages or a couples retreat that features private side-by-side treatments complete with soaker tub and fireplace.
Popular Day Spas
The Willow Stream Spa is set in The Fairmont Empress – Victoria’s landmark hotel – and has received “Best of the City” awards from local newspapers. Try the lavendar massage that uses local lavender, or make like royalty with a “Fit for a Queen” facial, then complete the experience with afternoon tea at The Fairmont.
The Spa Magnolia, in a luxurious boutique hotel, offers a full suite of treatments, from chakra-balancing and massages to men's spa services and a hydrotherapy tub.
Le Spa Sereine is an independant spa that features dozens of treatments and heritage architecture, while scenic harbour views add to the relaxation at The Spa at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort – each of these spas were winners in Black Press' 2010 “Best Spas in the City” awards. At Parkside Victoria Resort's AquaTerre Spa, try a signature maple sugar scrub and maple butter body wrap.
Short on time? Urban Oasis Spa at Executive House Hotel has express spa treatments (60 minutes or less) designed for time-challenged spa-goers. This is also Victoria’s only hotel medi-spa and offers treatments like Botox and fillers.
On the scenic Saanich Peninsula, a short drive north of Victoria, is Haven Spa at Sidney Pier Hotel, named a "Top 50 Spas of 2010" by Spas of America web-guide.
Unique Spa Treatments
Sapphire Day Spa features body treatments that use local seaweed hand-harvested by Sooke's famous “seaweed lady.” In Chinatown, visit Silk Road for tea-inspired spa treatments.
Enjoy an outdoor spa experience at Merridale Ciderworks – the Orchard Spa Experience (for up to 12 people) combines spa treatments, champagne cider and fresh seasonal treats from local farms.
Arrive in Victoria refreshed and relaxed with a new spa service available on BC Ferries. A mini on-board spa offers manicures, pedicures and chair massages on select sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay terminals.
Resort Spas
Brentwood Bay Resort is a deluxe spa resort on the Saanich Peninsula. At Brentwood's Essence of Life Spa, try the signature vinotherapy treatments that use local grapes: Vino Massage, Vino Stomp Pedicure or a Vino and Honey Wrap. The lodge also offers private boat tours to The Butchart Gardens and waterfront dining at SeaGrille and Brentwood Pub.
Health and Wellness
Victoria 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 the Victoria Visitor Centre for recommendations.
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