Vida Spa

If you are looking for the best neck rub of your life you have to go see Villiam at the vida spa at Yyoga.
My work is really hard on my neck and back and I often wake up completely unable to turn my head. After waking up like this, I went and had my first session with Villiam. I was finally able to have some relief, still sore but it didn’t get worse and usually it gets worse before it gets better. I went back for a recommended second treatment and wow, it feels better then before I had any pain.
He is very strong and this was by no means a relaxing massage (which I’m sure would be great as well) but a deep tissue pain treatment. If you have pain you have to go see him.
The price was really fair as well $ 130 for an hour plus $ 15 gratuity is worth every penny.

I have received nothing but horrible service from Vida spa. I had the one hour deep tissue massage and the girl was just horrible. I’ve received many massages before and this was not worth it at all. The girl was very unprofessional and unwelcoming. I also lost a very special necklace in the same room I was getting the massage that day. They were not helpful at all and it seemed like they did not care about this issue and never followed up with me.

I used to go to the vida spa at Sheraton Vancouver wall centre all the time and when they changed locations to the yyoga studio I followed, but won’t be going back. For the amount they charge; you’re not going to a spa. You’re taking your metal basket to the yoga change room, storing it in a tiny locker on the floor by the mops, then sitting in a tiny lounge to wait for your appointment. It’s expensive but was ok in the hotel when you could use the pool/​jacuzzi afterwards and they had a bigger relaxation lounge. The one at the sutton place hotel is good but I won’t be going back to this one in the yyoga studio.

This is for the YYoga location on Burrard and Smithe. Not a very good setup. You walk up some grey cement stairs with bland walls, get to the top and there is a sign saying Vida Spa reception is around the corner. The reception desk is very small compared to the size of the room. The room has many very low cushioned seats and one huge round seat? table? in the middle. You are told there is a no shoe policy so you have to remove your shoes and put on the rubber slippers right away before they will take you into the back. Your shoes are placed in a basket to be carried. You then receive another metal basket containing a robe and a towel and some bath products if you want a shower. You go into the change room and lo and behold, there are TONNES of lockers… but they are for the Yoga goers — not for the Vida Spa guests who are paying premium dollars for a service. You change and carry your metal shopping basket with all your clothes and belongings into the waiting room, which consists of 4 chairs, 2 on each side facing each other. Your person comes and gets you and you carry your metal basket with all your belongings into the room where your treatment will take place. The treatment itself is OK, (facial) but they don’t take much care to ensure your hair (bangs) are kept clean and away from all the lotions and product they use on your face despite the fact they seemed to put something over top of your hair before they begin. So if you plan to go out afterwards, just know your hair is going to look greasy and goopy. They give you a foot and arm/​hand massage while product is seeping into your face, and that is nice, but they don’t wash their hands after working on your feet. The only reason I didn’t raise anything is because they used a moist hot towel to wipe off your feet before they move on to your arms. I figure their hands are being wiped on the hot towel while they are wiping your feet. When you’re done, you put on your robe, carry your metal basket back to the changing room where it was rather full because a yoga class has just finished. You take your metal baskets (yes 2) with the slippers and robe etc back out to the reception area. For the amount of money they charge, I expected a lot better ambience, décor and attention to details such as washing hands after touching feet. A locker would have been nice too. Also, my face did look worked over, and I have been to other spas where I have come out and my skin has looked amazing and there are no residual red marks. I don’t need to go back to this place.

I have visited both the Sheraton and YYOGA VIDA Spa locations.
Both times I really enjoyed my experience. Friendly front desk staff and waiting area was clean and relaxing.
At the Sheraton location I did not feel pressure to buy products after my facial. However at the YYOGA Vida location the woman who did my facial kept trying to sell me very expensive products. She was also 15 minutes late for my appointment, even though I arrived early as asked.
When I said I didn’t want to spend more money I was asked «if I was on a budget» which was rude since I was already spending $ 150 on a facial. I decided not to buy anything. Apparently I looked like I was able to spend $ 400+ that day.
Overall, would go again, but perhaps not to the YYOGA location.

I couldn’t find ur whistler branch page that’s why I comment on this page.
I was trying to use your spa in fairmont hotel which is in whistler on 16. Oct. 2014.
I reserved that hotel coz they got u! vida spa.
As soon as I arrived at hotel, I got a phone call for a reservation, but one of ur staff who was answering the phone was really rude n make me angry. I got a brochure from the lobby, and there was several types of massage. My husband n I choose one each tried to reserve, but she sighed every single times when she talked. Also they don’t have like that massage. I was really displeased, so I just canceled our reservation.
It doesn’t matter whether you have that massage or not. I’m just angry about her way to treat the customer. She seems like «I don’t care u guys.»
It’s hard to explain her attitude with just writing. Do u guys want to take a massage from who doesn’t care about u even a phone call.
There is not many reasons going hotel except the spa which is famous for ski resort during off-​season. Me neither! U ruined my holiday n made bad reputation of fairmont hotel which has fascinating staffs.
I don’t want to give u even one star!

I have received nothing but horrible service from this facility, avoid at all costs.
I got to my hotel room at the Sutton Place Hotel where Vida Spa is quite heavily advertised. Since I have a prescription for massages and insurance covering 100% of the costs, I decided I should go for a day at the spa. I told my partner I’d kick him out for the day, and wanted an entire day alone of pampering. I decided I should splurge on a little more than a massage, and that is why I decided to go for a 90min Body Wrap + Exfoliation, including a 45min massage, as advertised in their brochure.
I called to make a reservation. The clerk on the phone was nice, but perhaps too laid back. I remember commenting on her overly casual approach to my partner when I hung up. That in and of itself is not a major issue, but will be later in the story.
The day finally arrives. My partner is away for the day, I am alone in a strange city about to get some alone time at the spa. I am greeted by the receptionist who directs me to the change room where I disrobe and put on a bathrobe and slippers. I am then asked to sign a few forms in the waiting area, and this is when things start to go awry.
The first form I must sign states that «I understand that all services performed today will not be done by a Registered Therapist, and I would not be receiving a receipt for insurance». No one has ever mentioned that ahead of time, not even the person over the phone. Where I am from, there are two kinds of masseurs: The registered kind, and the happy ending kind. I did not know that it was even possible for a spa to have people massage you without a license. This should have been mentioned clearly and I should be notified of this fact when I booked my treatment, not when I’m half naked waiting for a massage with the day booked off. I told the man servicing me that I was surprised by this fact, he said it was in the brochure. I doubted myself, thinking I might have misread the brochure out of excitement, so it might have been my fault. I was then captive of the situation: either I had to agree to these terms and continue, or ruin the entire day that was an important part of my trip and spend a day alone in a strange city with nothing to do. Given that I was on vacation and didn’t want to waste the day I was looking forward to so much, and that it was perhaps my fault, I signed the form and went on with the treatment.
The man who serviced me was curteous albeit somewhat nervous. He seemed rushed for time, because he had to exfoliate AND wrap AND massage me for 45 minutes, all within 90 minutes time. Apparently, the spa treatment time in the brochure ALSO includes the time you shower between treatments (which you have to do twice), so this is an almost impossible feat to accomplish. The man handled my body well when it came to massages and wraps, but was literally running around slamming drawers and doors along the way, pacing loudly and rapidly around the room all the time. This was quite disruptive to the relaxing experience that this was supposed to be. I understand that he was trying to do the most he could during the limited time frame given, but he should not have to run around to make it in time. Worst of all, I looked at the clock the minute I laid down before the massage and it was 2:30 pm. When it was over: 3pm sharp. I only received 30 minutes massage and not 45 as advertised. I have a prescription for massages and the brochure does not state that it is an approximate time, but promises 45 minutes. I NEED that because of my back problems, it’s not just a matter of relaxation. I chose this treatment because of that 45 minute massage.
I exit the room not feeling relaxed, but only exfoliated and soft. I go change out of my robe and immediately go over to the front desk. I complained about the 30 minutes instead of 45. The clerk agrees to discount the service by 40 $. I pick up a brochure to verify my mistake of not finding the disclaimer about the fact non-​RMTs were dispensing the services. I couldn’t find this information on the Body Wrap page. I ask the clerk at the front desk about that, she turned a few pages back to the front of the brochure where it is mentioned in small print beneath the «Massage» section. This is not acceptable because they cannot expect me to read the entire menu when I read a specific page! This information should be on EVERY page where it is relevant. I asked to speak with a Manager because 40 $ was not enough in my opinion, none was available, I was promised a call back in 2 days. I told her I was going back to Toronto the next day, she said not to worry.
I have been chasing after a manager for an entire month, literally, and still haven’t received a call. She emailed something along the lines of «You enjoyed a service here and are making things up, I will not help you» and never spoke with me to get my side of the story. This was manager Allison H’s way of handling my complaint. It’s horrible service!

I have visited Vida Spa at the Sheraton a few times at my own expense. In 2014 I got benefits that included massages and I happily called to make an appointment again. I got asked if it was for insurance purposes and answered «yes». The Spa can’t file for you but I answered that that would not be a problem and that I would file myself. I show up for the massage, wonderful as usual.
The problems start now when I am trying to file my claim. Apparently they did not book me with an RMT even though I told them that it was for insurance purposes. When I call back and try to understand what happened, they told me that I have filled out a form that says that I understand that I won’t be treated by an RMT — this form I filled out once, a year ago when I first visited. After that, I have never filled out a form again. My main problem with th is the treatment that I get when I call them to understand the situation — arrogance! Will not return, I think that they are trying to screw ppl by letting non RMT’s treat clients — I guess they can pay those people less. I paid $ 185 for 90 minutes with a non RMT — my insurance company called this «outrageous».

This review is for the Bayshore Hotel location. The RMTs I have had have all been excellent so 5 stars for them. My issue is that the Vida Spa lacks attention to detail. The small things do matter. Things that could use improvement: decent selection of magazines in the lounge, real glasses to drink water from not plastic tiny ones, a longer bench in the women’s change room so more than one person has a place to put their stuff, hair dryers that work, aren’t cheap and aren’t filled with lint (i had to leave in –10 weather with wet hair), proper hairbrushes that are clean not cheap and don’t have other people’s hair in them, body lotion and face moisturizer (the only products in the change room are cheap Garnier ones — only hairspray and deodorant which i find odd as upon exit they try to sell you their super expensive products), and a towel hook positioned correctly on the outside of the shower stall so you don’t have to freeze exiting the stall and nakedly reaching for a towel. It boggles my mind that a corporation would spend so much $$$ on interior design and facilities only to cheap out on the small stuff especially when their rates are over-​priced. It’s just not classy and it shows. I’ve been loyal to the facility this past year, but this is starting to bug me so I don’t think i’ll be going back.

I love facial with Angela. Th e massage was okay but the music was loud and they are sold out in most of their supplies. Also not much options for snack in the lounge.

Facials are amazing, esp. for rosacea, and the Nicole (Esthetics Manager) is very talented and accomodating. I have rosacea that is getting worse as I age, one visit with Nicole and my skin was noticably less red. I’ve continued going there, and I am always impressed with the results and customer service Nicole provides. She went above & beyond to «fix» my skin during a stress induced rosacea flare-​up right before my wedding. I’d DEFINTELY recommend Vida Spa, and Nicole as a practicioner, if you have rosacea or red skin. A note that only the Valmont products work for me (not Dermologica which they also use, although I’m sure they work for some others). I’ve tried facials at a couple of other places (trying to find a cheaper solution), and never gotten the results I get at Vida. The cost is a little steep, but you can’t argue with results.

Thank you, Allison. I actually wanted to update and give better review as I feel I have been fairly compensated for my frustrations. It took a while before the inquiry reached the right people but they were very courteous and apologetic. And I really appreciate the assurance given to me for quick response for any issues in the future. I will continue to visit Vida.

I was in Vancouver a few weeks ago. My first trip and WOW I loved it. This spa is beacutiful and staff seems friendly. The massage was good. I do like a lot of engagment, but the therapist should also understand to work slowly into the tissue is a it easier to receive, as well as more effective work with the body (both therapist and client) The price was average as far as spas go (which is often on the high side). Had I realized all of the other options in the area, I may have looked around. That being said the convience was ideal, and had I a chance to do over, I still would visit this spa. 3.5stars

ok, so i actually give this spa 3.5 stars… i really like the spa and the services… I enjoyed the full couples package that comes with a body scrub, back massage and a rejuvenation soak. the service was good, i loved the atmosphere… nothing much to complain about that. the soak especially was delightful…
my complaint is about how the spa is connected to the gym and the pool. i really hated that. it just… totally takes it away from that luxurious feeling… a spa facility should be meant only for the spa guests… i really really hated the fact anyone using the pool and the gym can go in and out as they please. even worse, the steam room was on the pool/​gym side so i didnt even bother going. I mean, i like sitting in the steam room wearing nothing but a towel and i did not feel comfortable passing by the pool area wher ther are old men and kids. even the showes and the lockerroom are shared with pool/​gym users… what were they thinking??? totally not luxurious at all.
so in conclusion. service/​atmosphere good, structure, horrible.

Update: I’ve been to Spa Utopia at Canada Place many times since this review and its service and facilities are impeccable!
Surresponse to Vida Rep, Allison H.:
Thank you for your response. With respect, your use of the word «spotless» implies that my complaint was that your spa was not spotless when, in fact, it was unhygienic by reasonable industry standards. While I appreciate that «things happen» during the regular course of business, your apology seems tempered on several accounts to which I wish to respond. First, I would have noticed if the massage practitioner had washed her hands because it is highly unusual practice for massage practitioners to begin with one’s feet, despite you describing it as occurring «often». It is for this reason that qualified practitioners handle a client’s feet last. Second, I have few problems (or ability) spending money on quality service. I do have an issue spending money on substandard service as does I expect everybody including yourself.
At any rate, I thank you for the apology and am glad to hear that your Westin location has focused on providing higher standards of hygiene.
_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​
On a friend’s recommendation, I booked a massage at Vida and showed up early to use the steam facilities as suggested. The change room actually shares with the gym members and when I walked in, the place was disgusting: used towels thrown everywhere and the floor soaking wet. I put on my robe, advised the staff of the change room «conditions», and went to relax in the steam room. The steam room happens to be the same one that is used by the pool users. So kids were running around screaming and since the steam room was co-​ed, and I being in a robe, I hastily retreated to the waiting room for my massage. By this time, I was not relaxed at all and was hoping for a good massage. The massage was decent enough, except for one thing — the masseuse worked on my feet and then moved up to my arms and face! This is an automatic failure in any credible registered massage therapy (RMT) program for obvious hygienic reasons. I understand that the masseuse was not an RMT, but you’d think that a hotel-​based spa such as Vida would insist upon the highest standards of hygiene as a policy.
So I left Vida feeling aggravated that I had just spent $ 200 on a miserable experience and then the coup de grace: I realized afterwards that there was an ongoing deal where clients get 90 minutes for the price of 60. Nobody at Vida mentioned this. I called up the manager and eventually received the credit but found the whole process borderline deceitful. It wasn’t until I asked the manager how she would feel about a similar experience that she conceded the credit.
I have been to Century Spa and will never go back to Vida. Century has an independent change room, independent steam room, and the entire experience is not only far more relaxing, it’s far cheaper!

I assumed the Vida Spa would be beautiful at the Shearton Wall Centre but I was not impressed.
The lounge area was nothing to rave about. It defintely wasn’t comfortable with men in robes laying on chaise lounge chairs. Most spas have co-​ed which i’m fine with but the way the lounge is set up is not very comfortable where everyone is set up to look at each other.
I went for a massage with a RMT and felt very uncomfortable with the male RMT. I usually have male RMT’s but he made me feel very uncomfortable and was not able to relax.
This may be a good lounge for men to go to as they dont over-​feminize the décor but I doubt I will ever be back again.

I had the most delightful experience at Vida Wellness Spa in the Sutton Place Hotel. A friend of mine had given me a gift certificate for a massage and she couldn’t of chosen a better present. I simply love to be pampered and this is one of the best places to do it.
The Vida Wellness Salon is a gorgeous spa with a calming and organically inspired interior. The staff are friendly and serene and the lighting is dim. This is simply the perfect place to relax in.
At the Vida Wellness Spa they focus on your Ayurvedic body type. From this they determine what products they should use during your treatment. I had a massage and to this day it was the best massage I’ve ever had.
I’d highly recommend this salon for any treatment on the menu.

After more than a few months of long-​terms stays at the Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Vancouver, my lovely boyfriend had racked up enough points to send me and my nagging back problems to the Vida Wellness Spa, located in the hotel. This was my first visit, but not my last and certainly not the most memorable of the two… in the best way possible of course.
I arrived the recommended 15 minutes early and was escorted by a pleasant staff member to the soft-​lit, spacious change rooms. Vida spa users are also allowed use of the pool, gym and steam rooms, all located on the same level. Delicious smelling amenities, hair care, lotions and the like were all provided, as well as luxurious white robes and slippers to throw on with abandon before heading to your treatment.
While filling out the obligatory health form, I sipped on complimentary Ayurvedic tea and contemplated gaining more knowledge in the 5000 year old holistic health tradition of India, known as Ayurveda, the foundation behind Vida’s techniques and treatments.
Now I won’t get into the details of the treatment this time around, as mentioned, this was my first visit. I had a 1 hour massage that was truly heavenly and without much squirming as my back was in better shape than usual. I vowed to return to the spa with my boyfriend who had never received a massage by a professional.
The second time around was our 1^st year anniversary and cause for celebration and relaxation, a perfect opportunity for a couples massage at Vida.
The service was again, impeccable, warm and welcoming. My boyfriend and I were situated in the same large room, massage tables apart just enough that we couldn’t disturb each other’s experience. I was going to be massaged by a male and my boyfriend, a female; this can be adjusted to your comfort level by calling ahead.
The room was dim and smelt wonderful, of flowers and herbs and total bliss! This feeling lasted until the massage began, at the base of my neck which was apparently, the origin of the pain in my back. My masseuse asked me quietly if I had ever experienced migraines, I was shocked as I had, just recently been victim to these strange and debilitating headaches for the first time in my life. His perceptiveness continued as he worked his way down, the pain becoming so severe in my lower back that he decided to stay in that area for the duration of the massage.
I glanced over to see my boyfriend catatonic and lazily unaware of what was happening on the other side of the room. By this time I am being contorted and massaged to the point where my eyes are watering and the agony is so apparent that I almost begin to laugh at how absurdly hilarious this is. I am hoping that my masseuse will tell me that «I am not the only one… etc etc». Instead, he tells me that he is incredibly surprised that someone so young could have such back problems and not even know it. Great.
Although it may have sounded like a torture chamber in there, my masseuse and his vast knowledge proved to be miraculous for my encumbered back. He provided a page of stretches and exercises that I could do to improve my mobility and strength, and ideas on how to become more aware of my body so as to avoid having to endure another minute of pain. It was a blessing in disguise and one I will not soon forget. The kindness and thought paid to me was more than I had experienced at other spas and this attention to detail (never mind the beautiful spa in itself) will keep me coming back again and again. Oh and my boyfriend did actually fall asleep while having his massage done, if that isn’t testament enough to Vida’s genius.