The fashion-forward boutiques and quaint eateries of Gastown aren’t much of a secret these days, but nestled between the neighbourhood’s heritage buildings and brick sidewalks hides one more: Daybreak Spa.
This quaint, loft-style spa has all the offerings of those located in downtown hotels, but is decidedly – and comfortably – more intimate. Outfitted in green plants, neutral colors, and sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, spa proprietress Paula Boulanger shares her calming space with other local practitioners. Want to feel new again? Boulanger performs pore-gutting deep cleansing facials ($100) with Dermalogica products, while Theresa Fernandez uses reflexology (from $60) to knead out knots with her magical hands. Too many recent late nights and questionable diet choices made us perfect candidates for a detox in the compact, thermal heat Infrared Sauna (from $50), brought from Toronto by Dr. Giselle Lily Lefebvre of Choice Naturopathic Service during her move to the west coast.
A muscle-melting massage from Fernandez, followed by twenty minutes of sauna (during which Lefebvre provided Alka-Seltzer water to replenish electrolytes) left us nearly toxin-free -- and eager to schedule another appointment for aromatherapy and acupuncture.
So as good as we are at keeping certain things mum, this is one secret we just couldn’t keep.
Daybreak Spa
413 - 55 Water St. (Buzzer 413)
604-764-8431
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