Photos courtesy of the Stillwater Spa.

As a beauty writer, I’m lucky enough to test out and write about the latest products and treatments like it’s my job (which, funny enough, it is). But one of the most rewarding parts of the gig is getting to share the heap of advice bestowed on me with occasionally inquiring friends and family (because friends don’t let friends go without lip liner). But what’s even better is the chance to share experiences with loved ones, mainly the shameless promoter of all my write-ups: my dear mom.

My mom and I were invited to test out the Bestie & Me treatment at the Stillwater Spa, as part of its Mother’s Day spa packages. Always the obliging source – ask her about the countless times she agreed to be interviewed by my classmates in journalism school, – my mom packed up her bags for a relaxing night together at the luxe Park Hyatt Toronto, followed by side-by-side pedicures the next morning.

Click here to read on about the luxe side-by-side pedicure treatments Stillwater Spa!

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The vibe: Deeply rooted (we mean that truly, as you are literally tucked inside the super steamy Soufrière rainforest) one of the tiny country’s most luxurious hideaways, The Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is equal parts cortisol-lowering and visually stimulating. To strut between appointment ‘huts’, you’ll patter over wooden bridges and once settled and swaddled, there’s no need for your therapist to start the music, because the chirpings of the forest’s birds and bugs (less of the latter, we promise) provide the most organic soundtrack.

The treatment: If you’re looking to restore your stressed-out, glow-free visage, the Natura Bisse Awakening Facial (60 minutes, $185) delivers in spades. You’ll start with a mind/body exercise, as you’re prompted to inhale Natura Bisse’s Aroma Nectar Relax Oil—three times. Once you’re filled with whiffs of all things tranquil and idyllic, your therapist dotes on your face with a series of face massage techniques that begs the question, “Why don’t I do this at home right before be—oh right, I’m lazy.” And then before you have a moment for your brain to wander further, you’re quickly (and ever so gently) jilted back into serenity via the strokes of the softest paintbrush in the world across your face. Then, suddenly, a precious vial is cracked—and the contents of the brand’s Oxygen Concentrate is massaged across all the high planes of your face and into all the nooks and crannies. A single serving just for you. After that, an incredibly gentle peel is smothered across your face while your therapist massages your hands and feet. Once that party wraps, you’re topped up with eye cream (again, super delicately applied), tinted moisturizer and of course, SPF. The SPF 30 Daily Defense Oil-Free Fluid feels super light, so you can carry on with your beach business.

Read on to find out the best poolside beauty treatments at the resort.

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Photo courtesy of The Fairmont Banff Springs.

The vibe: For what is probably the most naturally regal spa in Canada – nestled alongside the Canadian Rockies with an up-close view you can’t beat – the staff and ultra-luxe spa facilities at Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs are unbelievably welcoming. After indulging in our early morning spa treatments, my best friend Rachele and I saunaed, lunched and posed in front of the mountains in our comfy robes all day. You couldn’t get us out of there. When I asked my spa therapist, Kelly, during the Diamond Radiance Facial treatment about what one can do to never leave Banff, she cheerily replied: “You must have a passion to live here!” I found mine, putting in 9-to-5 days at this spa. (Totally counts.)

The treatment: To fête 125 years at The Fairmont Banff Springs, the Willow Stream Spa is lavishing us with the Diamond Radiance Facial. This limited-time facial is 90 minutes and begins with a skin consultation with your spa therapist. Kelly gently wiped a warmed, essential oil-infused towel over my face and gave me a the kind of scalp and shoulder massage that completely takes you away, while a tingling mask penetrates and cleanses skin. With flecks of light-reflecting diamond particles infused in the treatment, my skin was left scrubbed clean and well, shining bright like a diamond for weeks. Kelly then wrote up a skin prescription of B. Kamins skin products, available at the spa, to help keep my new 24-carat glow.

Read on to find out more about the ultra-luxe Diamond Radiance facial!

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Absolute Spa in Park Royal, West Vancouver, B.C.

Story by Caley Skinner.

People have a tendency to shy away from questions of compensation – discussing money in public is often considered taboo. So while it is perfectly acceptable to ask about tipping policies when booking a spa session, we thought we’d save you the awkward conversation. The main thing to remember: always tip your service industry professionals, from servers to hair stylists to spa therapists. We asked Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Chief Executive Officer of the popular Canadian Absolute Spa chain, about the dos and don’ts when it comes to spa tipping etiquette. Read on for our Q&A session!

How much is a good tip for an enjoyable spa experience?

A good gratuity ranges from 18% upwards.

When using a gift certificate, what is the best way to tip?

When using a gift card it is appreciated by the therapists if a gratuity is based upon the value of the services redeemed. For example, if you have a $100 gift card and use it for a $100 massage, an 18% gratuity is appreciated.

At restaurants, tips are par for the course (unless the service was horrific!) – do spas have the same views on tipping?

In our view, gratuities should be based upon the experience. We remind our team members of our philosophy, which in turn reminds them of our 5-star experience philosophy.

In the case of a bad spa experience, is it best to express displeasure through a lack of tip or to say something?

Without question, if you have encountered a challenge during your spa experience, you should definitely bring it to the attention of the Manager on Duty.

Any other advice on spa etiquette?

Spa teams really appreciate when guests communicate their needs. Our Absolute Spa team members really try to ensure every guest receives the best spa experience. When the guest communicates what is working well or not so much, we can ensure a great visit. Also, for you and your fellow spa goer’s experience, try to leave your mobile device in the locker, even though I find this impossible to follow myself!

Photo of Auberge Saint-Antoine. Image courtesy of Siren Communications.

There’s something innately indulgent about heading down to the spa at the Auberge Saint-Antoine in plush slippers and a robe, sailing past the decked-out gym (ha!) and pouring a hot cup of tea to sip on before getting a massage. You won’t regret it, and it’s certainly called for after spending the day exploring the idyllic winter wonderland scene that’s Quebec City this time of year.

The massage treatments offered at this charming, rustic spa are provided by L’Attitude Massothérapie massage therapy centre and are a holistic healing escape from the bustle of Quebec’s quaint capital. We rounded up our top three picks for relaxing massage treatments to try the next time you’re in town.

Click here to read on for the top massage treatments to try at the Auberge Saint-Antoine spa!

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Photo of the Four Seasons Toronto Spa by Christian Horan.

In a heated, tangential convo amongst the beauty team during a recent story meeting, we discovered that a lot of questions come to mind during a spa appointment that have nothing to do with the treatment itself. (Read: those awkward can-I-ask-my-esthetician-that debate going on in our heads while getting a back massage.) To put our racing minds at ease, we consulted Todd Hewitt, senior spa director at the Four Seasons Toronto Spa.

What questions should we address with a massage therapist before beginning a treatment?

“Don’t be afraid to talk to your therapist. They are going to have their hands all over your body, after all! Address any issues you have about the type of oil used, whether it contains perfumes, etc. Speak up when the pressure is too much or too little. Same goes for volume of music and brightness of lights. The therapist actually prefers that people know exactly what they would like.”

What requests can we make to tailor a treatment to our liking?

“Most spas will have protocols and standards that they are to perform. It is always up to the guest as to whether these get changed or not. So in a massage for example, if there are areas you would like the therapist to concentrate on, don’t be afraid to ask them. And even go as far as being specific, such as asking for them to concentrate on your neck and back for 30 minutes. For facials, the same applies. If you prefer a scalp massage, instead of forearm massages, then ask the esthetician if they would take the time to massage your scalp instead of touching your arms.”

Read on for more of your spa questions answered!

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All images courtesy of the Adlon Hotel.

The vibe: Everything about the Adlon Hotel in Berlin is cool and luxurious – as is spa. It’s where the rich and famous who stay at the hotel go to get pampered (we’re talking Angelina, Brad and their gang of kids), so it’s incredibly private and quiet with change rooms in your own spa suite.

The treatment: As much as I love trying new skin care products, there’s something comforting in using a tried, tested and true brand that I know won’t leave me red in the face. Dermalogica has always been my go-to skin care brand when I’m in need of an extra shot of moisture, a quick exfoliation to rid myself of dry skin, or a gentle cleansing solution for irritated skin. So, I was excited to learn that my facial at the Adlon Hotel would be performed with Dermalogica products. I didn’t need to stress or emphasize how sensitive my skin is because I knew that the products wouldn’t irritate my skin.

After a cleanse with the cleansing solution, my facialist used the Daily Microfoliant very gently to lift away dry, dead skin cells without scruffing up my skin. It was followed up with a soothing and cooling mask that plumped my skin and gave it the moisture shock it desperately needed after a few days of travelling. Throw in a facial massage, along with a head, hand, foot and arm massage and it proves that everything is better in a spa (even products you use all the time).

Need a little extra bit of relaxation? Book a special yoga session with on-hand yoga master Vijay who will help ease away any tension. FYI, he’s also a master masseuse and if you book yourself a body treatment, you might be lucky enough to have Vijay for your massage. Or just chill out by the spa’s gorgeous pool.

Price: 100 euros for the classic Dermalogica facial

Bliss factor: 4 out of 5 aromatherapy drops – if only we could have this kind of treatment every time we whipped out our everyday skin care products.

By Caley Skinner

Prepping for a waxing session can be nerve-wracking – how do you get ready for this (often painful) beauty ritual? We asked Ici Paris Spa Director Gordana Tirnanic the tough questions – check out our Q&A for a mini-master class in waxing etiquette!

What are some signs of a well-run spa that can be relied on for good waxing results?

A well-run and reputable spa should participate in regular inspections done by Health Canada; these guarantee that hygiene standards are met. Spas should promote the use of disposable applicators and cartridges as well as an overall clean environment. Plus – no double dipping!

Is there an ideal time to book a waxing appointment?

We always advise not to come in right before or after your periods because the body is more sensitive at that time. Read the rest of this entry

Photo courtesy of the Windsor Arms Hotel Spa.

To scrub or not to scrub? These are the kinds of questions that come creeping up in the days leading up to a facial appointment. To help us decipher what’s appropriate pre-facial spa etiquette, we enlisted the help of Heather Hill, manager of spa operations at the Windsor Arms Hotel Spa in Toronto.

What factors should you consider before booking a facial treatment?
“It’s important to be clear how your skin reacts to certain products. What are the overall goals you’d like to achieve: facials rejuvenate aging skin, repair damaged skin and balance your skin to your needs.”

Best time of day to schedule a facial?
“The best time to book a facial is late afternoon, early evening if you work full-time, since this will allow the products to absorb into the skin and achieve the great benefits that a facial provides. It’s great to have a facial before a big event, especially if you’re having a collagen mask or glycolic peel, as long as the client has previously had these types of facials in the past to ensure that they do not react. Facials remove dry patches and hydrate the skin leaving it soft and smooth, allowing your make-up to blend into the skin rather than just sitting on the skin. Highly recommended to have a facial before a big event as long as your therapist does not do extractions. If you’re looking for extractions then we recommend having this type of facial two weeks before the big event to avoid risk of redness or breakouts.”

The night before – anything to avoid?
“Excess alcohol, since this can cause more visible signs of rosacea and broken capillaries in the skin. As well as caffeine, since this causes the skin to become dehydrated.”

Can you arrive at the spa with a full face of makeup?
“Yes, we do a full cleansing and exfoliation of the skin with all facials.”

How long should you wait before booking your next appointment?
“We recommend having a facial every four to six weeks, along with a home-care regimen. Although if you have not looked after your skin or are experiencing problems, then you may benefit from a weekly or by-weekly treatment until the skin improves. Regular facials reduce the signs of premature aging. Many facials include steaming and massaging the skin, this will increase blood circulation while removing all toxins. A good mask will also help detoxify and lift off dead skin cells.”

Can you book any other appointments the same day as a facial?
“Woman should avoid having laser facial treatments prior to having a facial the same day, as well as waxing since this can cause the skin to become irritated and reactive.”

What happens if you’re running late for your appointment?
“We suggest that you arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to your treatment to ensure that you have plenty of time to enjoy the full spa experience. Being late can often result in losing treatment time and optimal relaxation of the overall experience for the client.”

Any recommendations for facials the Windsor Arms Hotel Spa?
“The Organic Oxygen Infusion Facial – it’s like a face lift without surgery. This highly effective treatment is considered a favorite among Hollywood elite and top beauty editors. Pure oxygen is infused into the skin with complementing serums and gels resulting in firmer, positively radiant skin.”

Images courtesy of the Hazelton Hotel

The vibe: We all know that the Hazelton Hotel is know to be luxe (it’s a TIFF fave for celebrities), and the spa has that same luxurious, A-list feeling. It’s a quiet escape from the streets of Yorkville and the treatments are pretty swanky, too. Especially if you book yourself in for an ultra-rich Valmont treatment to boost your anti aging defenses.

The treatment: Two weeks before I got married, I tested out the Hazelton’s exclusive Valmont Exlir des Glaciers treatment. For those who don’t know, Valmont is the uber-rich Swiss line that carries a hefty wallet punch (think in the hundreds for a container of this incredibly rejuvenating cream), but if you can’t swing the skin care line, a Valmont spa treatment now and then can also give your skin that extra boost it might need. Read the rest of this entry