Born and raised in Vancouver, it’s not too often I get to experience the luxury hospitality that draws travelers to the city. But, last week, I was treated to a day of staycation-inspired wellness at the Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
The experience began with a one-on-one yoga session in a private studio. My instructor, Ottillie Parfitt, splits her time between Vancouver and London, bringing a wealth of expertise and a calming presence to our practice. She guided me through a flow emphasizing strength, alignment, and form throughout various pose variations.
After working up a satisfying sweat, I enjoyed a refreshing green smoothie and explored the spa’s facilities. The space was stunning, featuring an experience shower, a steam room, and both female-only and co-ed lounge rooms stocked with complimentary tea and healthy snacks. The locker room was a sanctuary equipped with hair styling tools and products to help you prepare for whatever the day holds.
The sun shone as I stepped onto the outdoor rooftop lounge, where the views were as therapeutic as the treatments. The area included a dry sauna, a mineral bath, a jacuzzi, and chic lounge areas with private cabana beds, chairs, and couches arranged around cozy outdoor fire pits. I settled into a cabana bed with my book, basking in the warm, shaded comfort while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the seawall, ocean, and North Shore mountains.
After leisurely lounging, I indulged in the spa’s steam room, where the aromatherapy oil-infused steam left my skin glowing and my senses revitalized. With its digitally controlled multi-jet system, a quick cool-down in the Experience Shower was the perfect transition to my treatment.
The Soul Revival massage, the newest gem on the Fairmont Spa’s menu, was the highlight of my visit. I reclined in a luxury lounge chair before floor-to-ceiling windows, feeling the tension melt away as my technician began the treatment with an aromatherapy foot soak and scrub, followed by a grounding foot mask and heated booties. The massage itself used nourishing shea butter and targeted tension points in my arms, hands, lower legs, and feet. A delicate eye mask shielded me from the sun’s rays, allowing me to drift into a near-sleep state of bliss. The experience was topped off with a soothing scalp massage and hot stones on my legs, leaving me feeling entirely pampered and rejuvenated.
When I left Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim, I felt like a new person—refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the world. If you’re in Vancouver and looking for a luxurious escape, this spa is a must-visit.
