week 19 Spaaaaah

I opened my eyes to the sun peeking through my bedroom curtains and the sound of birds waking up the day. I made it my birthday goal this year to conquer Grouse Mountain and all of its 2830 steps. As it turns out today was also opening day and the first jaunt up the 853 metres for many unknowing trekkers. (Including my friends) What was I getting myself into? We started our ascent and the first 1/4 of the trip felt like the worst mentally and after I got a bit of grove on, the rest just burned my butt and quads with no emotional turmoil. The fear of looking up kept me focused on my feet and the next step in front of me. After about 1.5 hours I saw a clearing in the trees and I knew what was waiting for me… A spectacular view, victory and a great glass of wine.


But the day was not pausing, my joy continued and I had to make it back down the mountain to get to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. I walked in and the sound of the water feature, the candles against the dark teak walls and the open feeling of the reception area instantly calmed my excited body and mind. With this new sense of serenity I walked into the Aromatherapy Experience Shower. It didn’t take me long co-ordinate the 16 jets into an invigorating shower of hot and cold sensations. Surrounded by white marble, streams of water massaged my tired muscles from the back, the sides and from my knees to my shoulders while the rain from the top rinsed away any agenda I may have been keeping. My mind was focused on me and I was relaxed.

In the Ladies Lounge I admired the decor with a cool glass of citrus water before Timea guided me to my treatment room where I was to receive the Pacific Body Buffer. First Timea used B. Kamins Rice Bran Exfoliant to buff away impurities which I rinsed off with another private shower. She then applied the Bio-Maple compound with Jojoba oil. Each application was a body massage, and each application my muscles melted. As her hands glided product over my shoulders, I took deep breaths and I could feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction as my body sank deeper into the bed. I was caught in a world of indulgence, pleasure and rest. My body felt good, but my heart felt better. When my treatment was over my skin was nourished and glowing, I opened my eyes and stretched as if I had just napped in the warm sun.

I rested by the fire with a cup of tea and nestled into the couch and cushions. I pulled a warm blanket over my legs, hugged my mug and relished in my surroundings. I do get my 3 o’clock coffee every day, but this was different. I didn’t have a ‘to do’ list running through my mind, I didn’t have one ear open to hear who was making noise, and I could not see a toy on the floor anywhere. I absorbed the sense of relaxation and made my way to the steam room.

I was at the spa for much longer than my appointment, and not once did I get the feeling that I had overstayed my welcome and yet there was so much more for me to try. The 4000 square foot fitness centre is on the same floor and filled with the newest exercise machines. The spa terrace will be open this summer with views of the new convention centre green roof and the coastal mountains as a back drop. I took the elevator up to the 6th floor and I opened the doors to a Caribbean island.(with exception of the cityscape) As I looked around the pool area I noticed friends enjoying a glass of white, giggling and taking shade under one of the many cabanas. Small children were playing in their private terrace with their parents. And other guests were easing their bodies into the luxurious hot tub. This was a perfect day to take a breath, listen to the sounds and enjoy scenery.

I walked away from the hotel with a smile on my face and feeling like everyone noticed my rejuvenation. The Willow Stream Spa is themed with the 4 elements and I cannot believe how much this resonated for me today. The earth below my feet as I hiked that mountain, the wind of the fresh air once I reached the top, the fire that I have inside of me to keep going and the water that completed my spa experience. I am thankful for today and hope that all my emotions will keep me young and refreshed……until next time.