Spa of the month: Willow Stream Spa, Vancouver

From the West Coast to the Atlantic Ocean, beauty director Adriana Ermter scours the nation for must-try rejuvenating, relaxing and beautifying spas.

Willow Stream Spa, Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, 604-695-5550, fairmont.com/pacificrim

In dire need of a facial, a pedicure and relaxation, I head to the spa. I start off in the steam room, which, unlike most, is filled with natural light streaming in through the frosted glass windows overlooking Coal Harbour. Already beginning to feel the day-to-day pressures melting away, I slip on a robe and head to the lounge to sip orange-infused water and nibble on a bran muffin. Within minutes, my aesthetician Irina arrives and leads me through the winding hallways (the spa is deceptively large) to my treatment room. As I settle in, Irina explains that she won’t initiate conversation, but I’m free to ask questions. After all, I’m there to decompress and clear my mind. The Tranqwillow by the Sea facial ($179) begins with a warm back exfoliation and massage before Irina gently turns me over and starts working on my skin with Kerstin Florian products to cleanse my pores and help stimulate collagen production. Her gentle, prodding fingers massage my face then, as a hydrating mask soaks into my skin, she moves onto my arms and legs, kneading them until my whole body feels heavy it’s so loose. A heavenly 90 minutes later, I slip my robe back on (which has been warmed on a heated towel rack) and head to the nail lounge for a signature pedicure ($80). This includes an exfoliation, foot soak, paraffin treatment and hydrating massage before my cuticles are cleaned and toenails painted a wear-with-everything shade of nude. Taking advantage of my polish needing more time to dry, I slip back to the lounge for a cup of Fairmont organic vanilla orchid tea.
See more of our Spa of the Month picks

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