SAYING YES TO TOTAL BODY RELAXATION
Spa treatment offers ultimate in self-pampering
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to book in for a bit of full-body pampering.
Thankfully, there are a host of great spas in this city to do just that. One of the latest arrivals on the luxury spa scene in Vancouver is the aptly named Spa by JW Vancouver, located within the Parq Vancouver hotel and entertainment complex.
The space, which is on the towering building ’s 17th floor, offers a full slate of spa services ranging from facials to entire-body experiences — not to mention a stunning view of city landmarks such as False Creek, Science World and BC Place Stadium.
So, with an aim at achieving total relaxation, OK, and maybe to get a nice panoramic shot of the city to share on social media, our tester booked in for an 80-minute The Douglas Wrap.
Upon arrival, guests are ushered into the expansive changing room to don a plush terry-cloth robe and spa sandals.
While guests are welcome to spend time in the eucalyptus steam shower before or after their treatment, the cosy seats and savoury snacks in the quiet waiting area may be enough to tempt you to sit down, sip a TWG tea and watch the buzzing activity of the False Creek neighbourhood below while forgoing the steam experience.
The body-wrap treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation using a bamboo-infused formula. Limbs are hand-scrubbed by the practitioner, effectively sloughing away any dead skin without being too abrasive. After warm, wet towels are used to remove the majority of the exfoliating granules, a nutrient-rich mud is applied to the skin.
Then, it’s time to be wrapped up like an oversized burrito while the mud mixture works its magic. Needless to say, the moment provided the perfect time to slip into a little afternoon snooze.
After the mud sets, it’s time to rinse the mud off with a warm, eucalyptus steam-infused shower. Then, it’s back to the warm massage table to be tucked into the blankets.
What follows is a thorough body massage using a mix of gels, oils and lotions, including options from the luxurious line Aromatherapy Associates, to lull the body into a deeper state of relaxation.
The experience concludes with a shiatsu foot massage to release toxins, a soothing scalp massage — and finally, Thai compressions and stretches.
Total body relaxation — achieved.