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Willow Stream Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
721 Government StVictoria, BC V8W 1W5
(250) 995-4650
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
About This Business:
We are the leading permanent hair removal specialists! Electrolysis has been around since 1869 and with 'The Desloges Method' of proper training and… read more »
2 reviews for Willow Stream Spa
2 reviews in English
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Review from Yvonne F.
Vancouver, BC
8/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I had my first manicure ever here, so I didn't know what to expect...but I have to say, it was pretty luxurious! It was the 60 minute Willow Stream Signature Manicure, which is normally $79, but I had a deal from Groupon which included a night's stay at the Empress for two plus manicure for $189.
Firstly, the hostess brought me downstairs (lovely interior, relaxing spa feel, very Euro-style), and showed me around to the lockers and changing room, which had a good selection of gel, hair spray, lotions, and soaps for guests to use. Traditionally, before any spa treatments or salon services, guests use steam room and sauna for 10-15 minutes and then go out to the mineral pool for another 15 minutes. I tried the steam and sauna for a short while, but they aren't really for me...I tend to feel suffocated in those things, ugh. The mineral pool was nice though...warm and relaxing.
Then I made my way to the lounge to wait to be called, and they had complimentary yogurt, water and tea on hand.
When I was called, the friendly salon tech explained to me the techniques she was going to use and made me feel very at ease. I got to sit in this awesomely designed chair which had a little foot bath below (for pedicures though, which I didn't get), and lovely cushioned rests. The night before, I actually broke a nail, which sucked, but she filed down my nails so they all matched a bit better in length. I was a little wary about this, since I feel the scratching in my teeth, and it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I know this was supposed to be therapeutic, but I sat through it, teeth clenched, and concentrated on the nice view of the Empress front lawn. Finally, it ended, and she went on with the rest of it. Phew!
They use their signature Willow Stream Energy product line for their manicures, and firstly, I went through a gommage hand exfoliation, then myrrh nail oil application (for healthy nails), a hand soak in mineral salts and essential oils, a paraffin treatment (they put warm wax in a bag, put it over your hand, and you sit there, hands in mittens, until it hardens!), and lastly, I had a hand and arm massage using hydrating and skin conditioning body butter. Then she applied the OPI nail polish colour of my choice (which was a dark purple-magenta). Definitely, dark colours are best applied by someone else, haha!
A few minutes after I was done, I realized I had left my rings in the spa room, but at the moment where I was about to go back, the technician showed up, and she even carefully put them back on my fingers! Good service! Of course, 15 minutes later, I got a scratch on one of my nails when I went back to the hotel room to pack up, but that's just clumsy me. My hands and lower arms were soooo soft though, wow. I didn't want to wash my hands, they were so nice...but I had to eventually. :(
In the end, it was such a great experience. I don't know if I'd do it again unless there was another special deal, but I'm glad I got to try it out at such a beautiful place.
p.s. It's a week later, dealing with lots of coins at work, and my nails still look good! -
Review from Marlena M.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2011
Really liked all the nice little touches, like having your own scrubby sponge and razor available in all the showers, lots of tea and water available everywhere to stay hydrated, and lots of encouragement to stay and relax and use the pools and saunas. Our massages were excellent and they made my massage-virgin boyfriend feel at ease. They almost messed up our bill, but oh well. at that point it was hard to care.
