The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in Vancouver, British Columbia
Julie Register experienced this hotel spa in Canada April 2006

* Wedgewood Hotel & Spa Entrance

* Wedgewood Hotel & Spa Lobby

As I entered the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in the heart of downtown Vancouver, I could tell it was not your typical hotel. I was greeted by a group of hotel guests who were standing in the lobby. I thought this was quite nice - a little unusual - but nice. Not so unusual it turned out...it happened almost every time I entered or exited the hotel. I guess people staying at the Wedgewood feel like they are one big happy family. And maybe they are. The lobby was more like a favorite aunt's elegant sitting room in scale and decor than a hotel. Deep, soft chairs invite you to come and sit by the fireplace. Guest were often gathered there.

The 14-story, 83-room boutique hotel is the work of its owner, Greek-born Eleni Skalbania, who purchased an existing property and turned it into the Wedgewood in 1984. After personally supervising all construction, Eleni handled the interior decorating, adding her personal antiques and works of art to accent the Wedgewood's public areas and guestrooms.

I was staying in a One Bedroom Suite which offered a separate living room and bedroom and recently updated bathroom. The bed was comfortable and amenities included thick terrycloth bathrobes, 2-line speaker phones with dataports, stocked mini bar, in-room safe and iron/ironing board. However, I think I will remember it most for the delicious cookies left during the turndown service.

The hotel is all about personal service and does its best to accommodate special requests. They will open the fitness center or business center at off hours - just ask.

One Bedroom Suite at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa	One Bedroom Suite at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
One Bedroom Suite at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa	* Turndown service is complete with homemade cookies and bottled water at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel is located on the second floor of the hotel (along with conference rooms and the business center). The spa entrance is just in front of the elevator. I checked in at the reception desk and was given a quick tour of the facilities. There is a small waiting area near the reception desk and, around the corner to the left, two treatment rooms.

The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel Asuncion at the Reception Desk	The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel Reception Desk and Waiting Area
*The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel Hallway to Treatment Rooms	The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel Treatment Room

Back to the reception desk and around the other corner is the eucalyptus steam room which can be enjoyed before or after treatments. You can bring a bathing suit or use one of the spa's terry covers.

Water and Iced washcloths for Eucalyptus Steam Room at the Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Eucalyptus Steam Room at the Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Just past the steam room is the Fitness Center equipped with Life Fitness and Star Trac stationary Cycles, Life Fitness Treadmill, and Cross-Trainer, Stair climber as well as Stairmaster, Rowing Machine, Cable Weight Equipment and Free Weights. Personal Training sessions are available by appointment. Lockers are available. Proper fitness attire and running shoes are required. Beyond the Fitness Center, with entrance also from the treatment room is the outdoor terrace where a spa meal could be served.

The receptionist said the spa opened in June 2003 and has won a “Best Day Spa in Vancouver” award. By the time we returned to the waiting area, my esthetician, Asuncion, was ready for me. And I was ready for The Ultimate Cinnamon Enzyme Facial. I had been looking forward to this for weeks. I've had facial treatments with just about every kind of foodstuff imaginable - mango, papaya, avocado, cucumber, yogurt - but never cinnamon. Actually, this is the first spa I've seen with a cinnamon treatment. You may have guessed by now...I love cinnamon! However, just because I like something doesn't mean it's right for my skin. As I relaxed on the very comfy treatment table, Asuncion examined my skin. She determined that The Ultimate Cinnamon Enzyme Facial was not the right facial for me. It would be a little too stimulating for my sensitive skin. I was a little disappointed, but I was also happy that I had a knowledgeable esthetician who was going to provide the best care to my skin. Asuncion proceeded to give me a Wedgewood Classic Facial. Like the cinnamon facial, the classic facial uses the Epicuren Skin Care line that actively promotes total skin health with all natural ingredients. The Wedgewood Classic Facial is an introduction to the Epicuren Six Step Enzyme System. It includes deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation and a custom designed mask for my sensitive skin. According to Asuncion, the serums used in the facial promote cell regeneration and repair. I found it all very relaxing. Asuncion gave me a hand massage while a mask was working - a nice touch!. The final result was skin that felt moist and smooth.

Other treatments offered at the Spa at the Wedgewood include:

The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is offering a number of packages including the Rejuvenation Retreat, available through April 17, 2007, with one night's accommodation in an elegant guestroom or suite, continental buffet breakfast for two in the award-winning Bacchus Restaurant the next morning, and a credit of $320.00 in the luxurious Spa at the Wedgewood, for your choice of treatments or products. Prices vary from $428 US to $768 US depending on the room type and date.

Other features of the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa include:

• Bacchus, an award-winning restaurant and bar offering a truly epicurean experience and Vancouver's most exciting and well-attended cocktail hour. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Bacchus offers a sumptuous Weekend Brunch and Traditional Afternoon High Tea on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Bacchus Bar
• Piano Lounge
  
• Elegantly appointed hotel banquet facilities the can accommodate meetings and special events of up to 100 persons.
• Business Center offering High-Speed Internet Access on a Pentium III, color printer and scanner.