Vancouver, Canada, boasts two sides to its “personality” -- cosmopolitan and outdoorsy city. Pacific Ocean beaches and coastal mountains, scenic Stanley Park and it’s mile-long seawall contrast with up-to-date Robson Street’s restaurants, shops, and coffee shops. Close to mountains, ocean and rivers it has an energetic, hip feel visitors sense walking its hilly city streets. But whether shopping, skiing, hiking, biking or museum-going entice, a break from a hectic schedule for a spa treatment restores tired tootsies and body. One of my favorite Vancouver spas, the Absolute Spa, is in the landmark downtown The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Whether staying at this lovely hotel or not, men and women can book appointments at the well-appointed Absolute Spa. The extensive spa menu can puzzle anyone so the last time I visited, I took a friend’s advice and discussed treatments with the spa staff. Whew! What a relief that was, and I recommend that to everyone before choosing a specific service because even massage offerings can confuse – hot? Stone? Shiatsu? Aromatherapy? Swedish? European? Californian? So don’t be afraid to ask for help before picking.

Before I chose my service, I had a chance to talk to the skin care specialist who recommended a specific facial treatment I chose -- called, coincidentally, Absolutely Personalized, priced at $125. I also added the DNA Enriched/Vitamin C, at $135, to complement my choice.

Before the treatments, I was led to a locker room and given a plush white terry-cloth robe, slippers, and a private locker. The changing area included showers and amenities including hair spray, dryers, deodorant and towels.
After showering and changing, I was led into the serene, low-lit relaxation room where I lounged on a comfy chair, put my feet up, hydrated with mineral water and waited for my appointments. This was the area I returned to after treatments to enjoy more relaxation.

After enjoying a half-day at the spa, including time in the relaxation room sipping tea, my body, mind and spirit was revived. So I was ready for another frantic day sightseeing and shopping from Gastown to Chinatown.

The Absolute Spa at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is open Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Located at 900 W. Georgia Street, (604) 648-2909, and www.absolutespa.com.