Spa robes were luxurious, I felt welcomed and relaxed arriving early. Able to sit with tea in the…read morelounge before service. I got a massage with facial Bliss package. Service was great, however, I felt pushed to buy products after which was a big turn off. I was told about it on the table during facial, then again when walking to the change room, then again as I was changing the woman came back and told me more about it and they would be on the counter. I was interested at first, but after feeling really like I had no option, I was out of the sale. I don't like that. I absolutely have an option. I loved the products and the woman was kind, knowledgeable definitely, we chatted a lot during services, but I do not like feeling like I am without option to go without if I choose. It felt like I was obligated or something. I told the front desk it's more than I wanted to pay and I will pass now.

Awful place - they took a reservation then claimed they couldn't find it and then told me they were…read morecharging me because I didn't cancel in time. Unorganized. Totally unprofessional. DO NOT GO.

This was by far the best spa experience ever. I had a pedicure with Michelle, who is outstanding…read more Everyone was friendly and did everything they could to make the experience perfect. I even got a mini neck and back massage as an added bonus.

Not a good experience…read more I don't write a lot of reviews. I tend to write them when an experience is either really amazing and I want people to know, or it's really not good and I don't want people to have that experience. For context, I've had a lot of facials in my life-- too many to count. I'm new to Victoria and can't get to my longtime facialist on the mainland for at least a few months, so I decided to try to find someone good in Victoria. I thought to try Emerald Day Spa because of all the good reviews and awards. I specifically booked an extraction facial. When I was asked by Parisa, the facialist, if I had any concerns or things I wanted her to know, I said I was there for extractions, most importantly. I asked if she could turn on the light so I could show her specifically what I wanted her to pay attention to. She said no, that she would look at my face when I was on the treatment table. This struck me as odd, because I can't look at my own face when I'm on the table, and how can I be sure that she's seeing what I need her to see?? Next, after I'd changed, she took forever to come back in. I started calling out, "Hello! I'm ready!" but she did not return for at least five minutes. It was bizarre and stressful. Then she asked if I was comfortable. The towel I was lying on was really old and rough, and I asked if she could remove it. But instead of just taking it off, she left again for another five minutes! Once again, I called out, "Hello! Hello!!" She finally came back in and I said, "Wow, that was a long time just to take away a towel." Then, she didn't remove the towel and instead put down a sheet. This was okay, but to lose ten minutes of my hour and fifteen minutes while I was lying there, cold, was weird and unpleasant, to say the least. When she got to the extractions, I again said that I wanted to show her what really needed extracting, but since I had no mirror and I was now lying down, I couldn't be sure that I was pointing to the right things. She told me she saw what I was talking about: white heads on my nose, an enlarged pore that gets really clogged, and most importantly, a very large white head by my ear that needed to be punctured, drained, and extracted. I repeatedly pointed it out to her. She started the extractions with a small machine, and then said she was missing something and left again! This time leaving the door open!! OMG. Any relaxation I'd achieved was torpedoed as I heard the people in the hall walking by, talking, and I worried that someone else would come in. Back to the facial... Like I said, I've had countless facials, and I know what extractions feel like. She was NOT doing extractions. She continued moving the little machine around my face. I'm sure it was doing something, but it was not getting out whiteheads, blackheads, etc. Then she got to the area with the very large blemish. She futzed around a bit with the machine, and then said, "It's all cleaned out." Well, let me tell you, the big blemish is still there, as are the white heads on my nose and the clogged pore. It's like she did NO EXTRACTIONS AT ALL. No joke. Now I need to find another facialist who can actually do the extractions, or make the trek to the mainland. And I'm out $183 for something that did not do what it said it would. Perhaps there are other treatments that are good. I'm guessing that with all the rave reviews, other folks have had good experiences. But let me tell you, an extraction facial with Parisa is not why this place is winning awards.

If you're considering the Kapha season retreat but are not sure if it's worth the money, let me…read moretell you it most definitely was worth every penny! That was the most incredible thing I've done for myself. You must request Anu! I live in California otherwise I would be going to see Anu weekly! I could feel her considerate care and warm energy every step of the way. I requested hard pressure and Anu really delivered. She was able to release so much tension from my body while also keeping the massage relaxing and peaceful. This was a two hour experience and I really felt Anu gave her all for the entire duration. Even at the end she was so kind and compassionate, noting areas of my body she noticed were carrying stress and congestion and gave me special aftercare and maintenance instructions. I teared up at the end in this moment of my body feeling so good and feeling so loved and cared for for two full hours- what a beautiful thing I really think everyone should experience.

Ok I see they don't have any new yelp reviews. I must say I've been to Sapphire 3 times in the last…read moremonth. I have had great service all 3 times. From the front Desk reception to my last facial with Sheila. I did the Ayurvedic hot oil treatment on my for head that was so calming and quite interesting. I feel asleep in 20 min . Then I got a relaxing massage and my masseuse was very kind and through, she was good. Now Sheila did my facial for 90 min and that was the best facial I've ever experienced any where hands down. Her calming sense and hands are just magical. She actually has a wonderful system / procedure she does and her massage is everything.... she has a gift for taking care of her clients. She is lovely... I am truly grateful for her I've booked my next facial in 6 weeks again. This is not cheap but it is so worth it if u want to relax and have the best experience. My face was glowing. Thank you Sapphire spa.

This place was a good value. But I wouldn't return…read more On our visit the spa was way overbooked, noisy, and not as clean as I would have preferred. There were several large groups chatting away and moving in unison, which made it really tough to find a spot in the sauna or cold plunge. The front desk also didn't adequately explain spa courtesy so people were not showering and rinsing prior to participating. I think it would also help to have attendants cleaning more frequently to prevent hair and other flatsom from building up in the shower, the floors, the cold plunge, etc.

First time coming here while visiting!…read more The Nordic circuit was a new concept for me but the front desk staff did a great job explaining it while also recommending which package to get. I did a 1 hour circuit + a 45 minute massage. 1 hour circuit: unique experience! Basically you go from hot (sauna or steam room) to cold (cold plunge pool or shaved ice - I rubbed shaved ice on me) to resting (outdoor patio or indoor salt room) & repeat the process until your time is up! The circuit facility is very small. Each area/room fits maybe 6ish people comfortably. I came solo but other people were in groups talking about all types of things in their personal lives -it definitely made my experience not so relaxing hearing of other peoples' drama in tight corridors. I wish they had a quiet/no talking policy like other spas do. Glad I did a 1 hour circuit instead of 2 hours - 2 hours would be overkill and a bit boring which I almost did! Swedish massage: so so good! The massage made up for my not so relaxing experience during the circuit. Calm music was playing and my massage therapist was super skilled in targeting my problem areas with the perfect amount of pressure. I thought 45 minutes would feel too short but it was perfect! TLDR: I would return for a massage for sure. I would *maybe* do the circuit again outside of peak hours to try to avoid loud/talkative groups.

This was one of the best things I have ever had done to me. I had Tip give me a Thai massage and my…read morebody had never felt better. Easy scheduling via text and easy to find! Very relaxing environment

Fantastic couples massage! My husband and I, both seniors, had a bit of a hard time with the steep…read morestairs upon entering but the madsage was definiteky worth it. We got the best massage of our lives yesterday and today we both feel better than we have in a decade!! These ladies,are fantastic!!

I wouldn't recommend - even with a deal / coupon / Groupon. I went in for a facial and was…read moredisappointed. The room was cold, the esthetician loudly chewed gum the entire time, the lights stayed on - all of which limited the relaxing potential of the treatment. In terms of the skills of the esthetician, she didn't tell me what products were going on my face, started physical extractions (with a Kleenex and fingernails)before asking if I was ok with them, and was consistently sloppy with applying creams and masks. It got in my nose multiple times, on my eyelids, in my eye and on my lips. When I got home, there was still mask on my face that hatdnt been fully removed (photo attached of what my washcloth looked like after I wiped off the mask).

Awful manicure. Uneven nails, uneven length and blotchy polish. By the end of the day polish was…read morepeeling because the girl put on 5 coats - base, three color coats and top coat. All this for 50 bucks. Go elsewhere. Only upside was they were friendly but not worth the money AT ALL.

Dermal spa in Nanaimo literally scarred me with there laser therapy! I am shocked at the after…read moreeffects and the damage that was done

Dr. Hollis was fantastic-- professional, not overzealous, and clearly knowledgeable…read more Has he retired? I have only been able to see Lianne over the past 3 years, and is terrible! She has absolutely no understood of a natural look and always hit me with a hard sell to get more procedures and spend $100s more than I wanted or needed. She screwed up one procedure and tried to get me to sign on for another, which would have cost $700.00! No thank you! Go somewhere else, there's plenty of competition in town.

Wow!!!' Mind blown! Not only is this stellar addition to beautiful Victoria a great offering to…read moreclients like me, it's a wonderful experience. Sit back, gentle reader, and let me explain: --friendly, engaging staff --beautiful design throughput --thoughtful attention to detail (salt scrub!!!!) --lots of choices for soaking, relaxing or sauna-ing --complimentary tea that was delicious --lush towels and robes --beautiful, minimal gardens--the hummingbirds liked it in early June --lots of staff care-taking the facilities --pretty library / lounge / cafe on the main level I'm glad I had an 8 am appointment--it was quiet and peaceful. An hour into my appointment, the noise level picked up, even in the "soft voices" areas. The silent sauna remained silent, which I appreciated. I get why groups of people want to talk so they can all hear and engage in the conversation, but the staff didn't remind them of low noise levels (at least not that I could discern). I wonder if the staff know how to compassionately hold that boundary. If not, such boundaries don't work (and they didn't hold as more people joined the space). It was fairly easy finding quiet pockets on the deck but even the "shelter" zone couldn't mute the "f-me!" Shout from the man who submerged himself into the cold tub. Pity. I'll go back and strive for an early time again--that first hour was amazing when it was quiet and subdued. More of that, please.

This place dials up the relaxation to the max! This was a…read moredefinite highlight of a visit to Victoria. This repurposed 1940s barge is permanently moored in the inner harbor so you get amazing views of the seaplanes taking off and landing as you relax on the top deck. All the sauna, hot pools and cold plunge are on the top deck which also has a park like feel with some trees and shrubbery. The bottom deck is has the relaxation lounge where you can relax on big comfy couches, drink some tea or snack and take in the views from the huge harbor facing window. Two of the dry saunas are designated to be completely silent which I prefer. It is coed so bring your swim wear and some flip flops or slides. No phones are allowed on the top deck so no cool photos of the actual relaxation top deck area! Each session runs 3 hours which is just enough time to get in a couple of good sauna and cold plunge contrast therapy runs. Great place to de-stress!

After three terrible haircut experiences in Victoria since moving here a year ago, I was…read moreapprehensive about trying yet another salon only to be left disappointed and dashing to my old Vancouver salon. My hair was becoming embarrassingly ragged and I couldn't put off a haircut any longer, so I decided to give a salon in my new neighbourhood a try and booked an appointment at Sparrow. I went there this morning, and my experience from beginning to end was fantastic. The person sitting at the front desk was friendly, I was offered a beverage as soon as I sat down and my appointment actually started on time. The salon was clean and professional, but there wasn't a hint of pretension or snobbery. I used to look more like the people working there during my punk rock/early 20s days, but as a person who now wears business suits during the week, I didn't feel self-conscious or out of place at all. My haircut is best cut I have had in years. I was trying to grow out a bad bob haircut, but still wanted some shape and movement, and Shannon delivered.I have a fresh, modern haircut that's work appropriate without being boring. Unfortunately Shannon is moving on to a new salon and I'm torn whether to follow her or stay at Sparrow, but that should tell you how much I liked Sparrow as a salon, because normally it would be a no-brainer to follow a stylist. I am certain the other stylists there are just as good. I also appreciated that there was no pressure to purchase hair treatments I didn't need or products I would never use, unlike at another Victoria salon that will remain nameless. If you want to get a haircut at a trendy but friendly salon by people who know what they're doing and clearly care about their business, then I strongly urge you to give Sparrow a try.

Crista is excellent. Its a shame she doesn't work here anymore. I have been to every salon in…read moreVictoria and she did the best job for a reasonable price, also she has a great personality.