I was a little nervous booking a spa here because of some really poor reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor. However, I do think it's a good value, considering the services are quite a bit cheaper than comparable spas at hotels downtown, particularly for an RMT massage.
I'll breakdown my entire experience step by step.
Booking
- It was simple to view availability and book an RMT massage online.
- Oddly enough, a Spa Utopia staff called a few days later and tried to change my appointment from 4:30 pm to 5 pm, which I did not want because this would have shortened the amount of time I could use in the facilities after my treatment. The facilities closed at 6 pm that day (Sunday). They were pushy about it but I was firm on keeping my appointment time. The time should not be available online to book if it was not "optimal" enough for the RMT.
Upon arrival
- After signing a waiver, they bring you on a short tour of the facilities. The women's side has 3 showers, 2 toilets, and 4 change rooms on the bottom floor. The top floor also has an additional change room and shower.
- You are given a locker with a robe, towel, and sandals.
- I would recommend grabbing an access card to the pool right away if any are available, as they have a limited amount. I had changed into my bathing suit and everything before going to get a pass, but they were out.
Spa facilities
- Since all the pool cards were out, I decided to try the sauna. It's a dry sauna that is quite small, probably enough for 3 people max. However, it wasn't too busy, so I had the entire sauna to myself.
- There are cool eucalyptus towels outside the sauna, as well as by the steam room. These were great to pair with the hot rooms.
- Tried the eucalyptus steam room as well before the massage. I liked the scent, but I'm not really used to the intense moisture so I preferred the sauna.
Pool
- It is an additional $10 to get access to the pool and fitness centre for 3 hours. Well worth it, in my opinion.
- To get to the pool, you have to exit the spa, go down to the lobby, enter another set of elevators, and head to the 8th floor. It's kind of weird to walk around in your robe and sandals, but whatever.
- The outdoor pool is saltwater and a good size. It is not deep, I could stand comfortably throughout.
- There are lots of chairs to lounge on, but most were taken. Not many of them have shade.
- Hot tub was nice and a good size. For some reason, though, the water only went up to the chest.
- Beautiful panoramic views of Coal Harbour.
- You can order food and drink on the deck.
- I checked out the facility here, and they have a large sauna in the bathroom.
- Fitness room was well equipped, and there's a steam room in that bathroom.
Relaxation lounge
- After the pool, I showered, changed, and went to the lounge.
- Had another glass of the tea and apple juice, which you can make yourself. There's also coffee and a selection of teas to choose from.
- There are some dried fruits and nuts available. I only tried some of this, and it was okay. Personally not a fan of dried fruits and nuts.
- Selection of magazines to choose from, and plenty of comfortable couches to lounge on.
Massage
- They call your name from the relaxation lounge on the dot. Martyna was my RMT, and she actually came and got me a few minutes before, which I appreciated.
- Martyna asked for my main reasons for getting a massage. She told me the entire process and I decided on a full-body massage, with focus on the shoulders.
- The massage had a combination of hot towels, choice of massage oils, and different pressures. I mentioned that it was okay to put a little more pressure, and I was happy with the pressure Martyna gave. She checked in with me a few times, as well, to ensure it was the right amount.
- It was the full 50 minutes.
- At the end of the massage, I was offered a complimentary glass of wine (3oz) or juice.
Makeup touch-up
- At the end of your visit, you can head to the makeup counter for a complimentary makeup touch-up. It's very basic. I was offered an eyebrow filling in, concealer, eyeshadow, and liner.
- This was just okay. I felt like the makeup artist put in minimal effort in this.
Some takeaways would be to make sure you schedule your service with plenty of time to enjoy the facilities if you choose to. My 50-minute massage was at 4:30 pm, and the spa closes at 6 pm, so I had planned to arrive early to make the most of the pool and spa amenities. I did relax in the lounge until about 6:30 pm and no one rushed me out. Honestly, if the service had been any later, I wouldn't have been able to take my time in the facility. It's really ridiculous that they had tried to move my appointment later, so minus a star for that.
Overall, it was a great first spa experience for me. All the staff were very nice, and I was pretty happy with everything, other than the phone call. I'd recommend it if you have it covered by your benefits. However, I'd never pay $145 plus tax for this myself! read more