Victoria’s Serene Sanctuary
Serenity seems to emanate from the very walls of this urban spa located in downtown Victoria. And while Le Spa Sereine is a day spa, it has the feel of a destination resort—a relaxing sanctuary one is retreating to in the hope of emerging restored and renewed. After a hectic week I made a pilgrimage to the spa in search of a little restoration myself.
I was greeted warmly at the hotel-style reception desk as the soothing, Zen-like music wafting through the air began to magically calm my mind and relax my body. As the spa co-ordinator guided me to the women’s change room and lounge I eagerly anticipated the pampering that was to come.
Arriving at the change room I was given a locker replete with a comfy robe, slippers and samples from the Spa’s house products. Amenities in the change room include a steam room, a soaker-tub, and a grooming station well equipped with deluxe lotions and potions from Guinot. As I was already beginning to feel the hypnotic affects of my surroundings I slowly donned the robe and slippers and made my way to the lounge. The room is a delight. I found it comfortable, warm and unpretentious. A cozy fireplace and plush love seats provide the perfect pre and post-treatment environment. While relaxing in the lounge guests can partake from a selection of herbal teas, lemon-cucumber infused water, and fresh or dried fruit.
After luxuriating for a few minutes by the fireplace, I was kindly summoned by Becki, the esthetician who was to perform my facial. Sensing that stress and perimenopause were wreaking havoc with my skin I had opted for the “Extreme Lift” as my facial of choice. The Extreme Lift is a beautiful synergy combining Guinot’s famous Hydradermie and Hydradermie Lift facials. It utilizes mild galvanic and high frequency electrotherapy to deep cleanse and rehydrate the skin. The micro currents in the treatment also stimulate facial muscles, thus “toning” and “lifting” them to create a more youthful appearance.
Before proceeding Becki thoroughly examined my skin to note it’s tone and texture and questioned me about any medical issues I may have. All the products used in the treatment were selected for my individual skin type and concerns. This tailor-made treatment is one of Le Spa Sereine’s defining elements. This is clearly not a conveyor belt urban spa—here attention is paid to the individual client.
For the next 75minutes my skin was skilfully pampered with the finest plant-based products and I drifted into a deep alpha state of relaxation. Upon emerging from this cocoon of calm, my skin was glowing and my stress was extinguished.
But there was more to come! I had decided my feet needed some pampering too. Karen, another of the spa’s skilful practitioners, arrived to escort me to the 3rd floor where I removed my slippers and let her have her way with my feet. And what a way she has. Karen expertly primed my toenails till they looked their shiny best and massaged my overworked and often neglected feet and calves.
As I bid my goodbye to Le Spa Sereine and reluctantly made my way back into the busyness of the city, I knew that I had attained exactly what I had come in search of—restoration and renewal. This is one memorable experience I have certainty of repeating.
Le Spa Sereine
~ Pamela Durkin is a health journalist and Registerd Nutritional Consultant based in Victoria, BC.
