The Perfect Spa

Just about now, as soon as pretty sandals come into the stores, I book my first pedicure of the year at the best spa on the planet. This is Spa Utopia in North Vancouver. In case you've never heard of Spa Utopia, it's a world class facility that offers, if only for a brief period of time, a life of champagne wishes and caviar dreams. The first Spa Utopia opened in February 2001 on 64th Avenue in Langley. Today, there are three spas, the others located on Harbourside Drive in North Vancouver and in the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.

A visit to Spa Utopia is truly a delight, whether it be for a simple pedi or the full treatment in one of their exquisite VIP suites. After snuggling into a fluffy white robe, you will be led into the lounge, through a long, dark corridor flanked by Roman statues and mood lighting. Here, you will find an array of nibblies and beverages including fresh and dried fruits and white wine or the spa's delicious signature blend of warmed apple juice and rooibos tea served in a champagne flute. Relax in front of the fireplace to the soothing sound of the central fountain (the whole interior is fashioned after a Roman villa) or read your favourite beauty mag as you wait.

You may think I'm waxing a little too eloquently about Spa Utopia, but there is simply no place like it. I must admit I have a weakness for spa-ing, and have been to many—in various locales and different hotel chains including the Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea in Maui. (At the latter, I endured my half-hour pedi while listening to my technician chatter on and on about her problems with the roadworks to two other technicians providing pedicures inches away from each other. Finally, one of the customers told them she wasn't paying $100 with gratuity to feel like a sardine and listen to all their complaints...) Of the 20 or so spas I have visited, Spa Utopia is by far the most luxurious, with the hands-down best selection of services. And, yes, they are private...

At the top of my list of to-dos this summer is the Aromasoul Experience. Four treatments are available, reflecting ancient traditions of the Orient, Mediterranean, Indian and Arabian cultures. Each ritual encompasses soothing music, an Aromasoul essential oil blend, refreshing body scrub and an Aromasoul massage typical of the culture you choose. I plan on having the Oriental Aromasoul Experience to begin with. Here's a description:

Essences of Ylang Ylang, mimosa and jasmine set the foundation to create a warm and comforting atmosphere and help reduce anxiety. Mother of pearl powder favours a cherished exfoliating tradition to bestow smoothness and luminosity to the skin. Oriental Aromasoul massage honours the ancient theory of the five elements to increase energy flow to exert a soothing and relaxing effect on the body for sweet comfort.

The image to the left is of an elegantly appointed VIP suite in the North Vancouver location, complete with fireplace, double Jacuzzi, waterfall shower, private dining area, private changing area with super-soft robes, towels and extras, and personal hostess. This and the Pan Pacific locations offer a VIP Getaway Package for two that would make the perfect anniversary or birthday gift. The package lasts approximately 3 hours and includes:

- Two Spa Utopia luxury robes to keep ($250.00 value).

- Side by side private VIP suite treatments

- Two 50 minute Classic Swedish Full Body Massages

- Two 50 minute Designed for You Facials

While spa treatments are, of course, a luxury, it is a luxury we all need from time to time to restore the self and remind us that our bodies are the temples of our souls. Being a member of Spa Utopia provides a number of benefits including up to 25% off treatments, a $25 gift card, 10% discount on products (and the array is nothing short of staggering) and upgrade to a VIP suite at 50% of the regular rate (North Vancouver and Pan Pacific locations only). The cost of membership is just $129 plus GST.