Location: Vida Wellness Spa at Sutton Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Category: Hotel Spa
Price Range: Massages ($115-$225) Facials ($110-$275) Body Treatments ($65-$240)
Signature Treatments: Ayurveda Sampler
Treatments Received: Thai Massage, Reflexology
Summary: The word Vida means life in Spanish, which is exactly what this hotel-based spa needs….I’m talking major CPR. There was nothing outrageously wrong with Vida Wellness Spa. There just wasn’t anything outrageously right with it either. The spa’s focus on the ancient wellness philosophy of Ayurveda is meant to inspire serenity and balance, but the lackluster experience just left you feeling empty.
The compact reception area was minimalist in an Asian-inspired way, with warm colors bringing much needed life to this austere space. The receptionist seemed inexperienced and was very tentative during the check-in procedure. Spa attendants were non-existent, and we were left to find our own way to the women’s dressing area and the relaxation lounge.
The relaxation lounge was far from inviting with its hardwood floors and less than comfortable seating. I couldn’t wait to get to my treatment room. Unfortunately, it wasn’t much better….more institutional than Zen-like. The therapists were adequate in their technique, but their demeanor was slow to warm up and not very engaging. It was late in the day and we may have been their last appointments, but it still didn’t excuse the lack of interaction.
Nothing about Vida Wellness Spa was memorable, except for the bill we paid for our time spent there. Vancouver is filled with plenty of other spas eager to please and more value for the money than what was wasted here.
Category: Hotel Spa
Price Range: Massages ($115-$225) Facials ($110-$275) Body Treatments ($65-$240)
Signature Treatments: Ayurveda Sampler
Treatments Received: Thai Massage, Reflexology
Summary: The word Vida means life in Spanish, which is exactly what this hotel-based spa needs….I’m talking major CPR. There was nothing outrageously wrong with Vida Wellness Spa. There just wasn’t anything outrageously right with it either. The spa’s focus on the ancient wellness philosophy of Ayurveda is meant to inspire serenity and balance, but the lackluster experience just left you feeling empty.
The compact reception area was minimalist in an Asian-inspired way, with warm colors bringing much needed life to this austere space. The receptionist seemed inexperienced and was very tentative during the check-in procedure. Spa attendants were non-existent, and we were left to find our own way to the women’s dressing area and the relaxation lounge.
The relaxation lounge was far from inviting with its hardwood floors and less than comfortable seating. I couldn’t wait to get to my treatment room. Unfortunately, it wasn’t much better….more institutional than Zen-like. The therapists were adequate in their technique, but their demeanor was slow to warm up and not very engaging. It was late in the day and we may have been their last appointments, but it still didn’t excuse the lack of interaction.
Nothing about Vida Wellness Spa was memorable, except for the bill we paid for our time spent there. Vancouver is filled with plenty of other spas eager to please and more value for the money than what was wasted here.
Facility: 3 Services: 3 Staff: 3
Highs:
- Shuttle service is provided to and from the local resorts
- Cool compress and tea served during check-in
- Payment required in advance
- No refreshment bar