Vancouver Magazine
BREAKING: Team Behind Savio Volpe Opening New Restaurant in Cambie Village This Winter
Burdock and Co Is Celebrating a Decade in Business with a 10-Course Tasting Menu
The Frozen Pizza Chronicles Vol. 3: Big Grocery Gets in on the Game
Recipe: This Blackberry Bourbon Sour From Nightshade Is Made With Chickpea Water
The Author of the Greatest Wine Book of the Last Decade Is Coming to Town
Wine Collab of the Week: A Cool-Kid Fizz on Main Street
10 Black or African Films to Catch at the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival
8 Indigenous-Owned Businesses to Support in Vancouver
5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (September 25- October 1)
Dark Skies in Utah: Chasing Cosmic Connection on the Road
Fall Wedges and Water in Kamloops
Glamping Utah: Adventure Has Never Felt So Good
Attention Designers: 5 Reasons to Enter the WL Design 25
On the Rise: Meet Vancouver Jewellery Designer Jamie Carlson
At Home With Photographer Evaan Kheraj and Fashion Stylist Luisa Rino
I know this time of year, most people are on the hunt for Valentine’s gifts, but for someone like me, whose besties all happen to have birthdays this time of year (I’m not into astrology, but clearly I’ve got a thing for Aquarians), I’m wracking my brain for non-romantic presents to bestow, too.The good news is, I’ve discovered an option that can work for any and all of my February gift-giving needs. For beloved buds and paramours alike, a spa day never fails—especially at my fave treat-yo’self spot, Chi at Shangri-La.I’ll be honest: I’ll probably never get a chance to actually stay in a Shangri-La hotel room, but a spa afternoon (Spafternoon? We’ll workshop it) is a glimpse into the good life for a fraction of the price. And, ohhhh, what a good life it is. Last weekend, I treated my dearest friend to the Chi Aroma Vitality signature treatment and since I happened to be there anyways, I tossed on a robe myself and claimed a treatment room of my own.A footbath and tea service by the crackling fire kicked off a morning that seemed to bend time—after a private eucalyptus steam and a make-you-melt essential oil massage I was convinced we had been in our treatment rooms for hours or possibly even days. But no: when the birthday girl and I were reunited, so relaxed we were having trouble walking, it turned out we were still right on schedule for a quick glass of champagne in the lounge (still in our robes, of course, because we’re classy ladies) before heading off to lunch.My only regret is that we didn’t pack swimsuits to take full advantage of the terrace pools (which looked enticing even on a blustery Sunday), but with plenty of other loved ones who need pampering this month—whether for birthdays, holidays or because I’m procrastinating on a deadline and I’m looking for an excuse to leave the house—I’m sure I’ll be back in no time. I’m a generous, totally selfless friend to the end.Chi Aroma Vitality treatment, from $195, Shangri-La Vancouver, shangri-la.com