Have you ever noticed that the sales staff at Gucci or Prada are very knowledgeable and friendly? What about how much less scummy the salesmen at Audi or Porsche are compared to Big John's Used Car Emporium? Or how the wait staff at Black + Blue make the toddler serving you at McDonald's seem oafish and coarse? This is the main reason you head to the Chi Spa, in the beautiful Shangri-La Tower, instead of buying a Groupon for Big John's Massage Emporium; service, expertise and professionalism!
The lobby has a sleek, modern aesthetic and the receptionists are eager, genuinely eager, to provide you with refreshments and make you comfortable. Once whisked into the adjoining waiting room, with its deep, cushy seating, your experience begins. Snacks, teas and lovely flavoured waters are on hand buffet style and serene music fills the air. It would be easy to fall asleep during the few minutes while the staff put the finishing touches on your private massage room.
From there you enter a private suite that rivals, and easily eclipses, the size of most Vancouver condos. A private sitting room, rest room, large hot tub sit beside the gorgeous couples massage area. The masseuses took the time to ask us about our trouble areas and reasons to coming instead of diving right in and rubbing willy nilly. After 5 minutes I was as loose and relaxed as one can be and, after 10 minutes, fast asleep! It was the first time I had ever fallen asleep during a massage, but judging by the way my body felt when I woke up they spent the other hour and a half working intently on my lower back and right elbow as I had requested because they felt better than they had in years.
Couples Massage room with Sauna
Elegance, luxury and practical pricing make the Chi Spa an excellent value for dollar! Access to the Shangri-La pool for the day, with its simple yet delicious café bar, and the state-of-the-art fitness facilities are the icing on the cake. Come for an exceptional massage and then revel in the sun poolside in one of the most central locations of Downtown Vancouver; come on I dare you!
Words: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan