I did not realize that bath and body line Lush had a spa. Their only location in Canada is on Robson Street, which is also and the largest branch in North America, the only other one being in New York City. Majority of these spas are located in the UK, where the brand originated and its family of owners still live.
This location opened last January, and this weekend they were hosting a slew of spa treatments for attendees of the upcoming Juno Awards, myself included.
It is hard to image that this long standing store has a hidden spa with several specialty rooms, behind locked doors. They offer face and body treatments, bathing experiences, head and foot services, plus luxury sessions they call “immersive” where your specific needs are catered to.
I was scheduled for the “Book a Bath”. A 30 minute bathing experience meant to usher relaxation and ideal for those who don’t have a soaking tub, or the energy to clean theirs and set the following up.
My experience was guided by their “bath expert”, who set the tone for the tranquil experience to come. We began in the lounge where I was given a run down of what to expect and the ability to customize it with my perferences on skin care. Many of the products used her are only available in the spa.
I had the option of addressing all my skin concerns and decided to focus on glowing skin that would be Juno ready: bright and dewy. My regiment included a turmeric scrub and mask followed by a heavily moisturing face cream.
This is a self-led treatment and I was directed to a small room with a tub half full of water at 38 degrees. The setting was magical with faux greenery, wooden stumps as end tables, and dancing LED lights simulating moonlight reflecting off the surface of a serene lake. This was intended as a time and space to connect with nature and yourself.
Everything I needed to self administer was set on a bath tray set above the tub. A copper jug of lemon and mint water, a freshly steeped pot of fruity tea, the above mentioned face treatments, “the lakes” bath bomb, and shower gel.
A little spa magic and smoke started the experience with a crackle and gurgling bubble. I was left to disrobed and prepare at my leisure. Sincere music played overhead. This was a curated mix of instrumentals and vocals recorded from Lush’s own record company, for the purpose of serving their chain of spas.
I began by dropping the bath balm into the tub of water and letting it fizz as it let out a woodsy scent that included Siberian fir. The ball melted and the colours diluted to mimick Monet’s water Lily painting, before you. This particular bath balm is near and dear to the Lush brand, created to commemorate their creating the first and original bath balm.
As I slid down into the deep of the tub, I lost myself into the murky waters. I unwinded and felt the tension release from my shoulders and the freedom of my limbs as I bobbed.
I started with the tumeric scrub, adding water to give it a more pliable texture. It didn’t adhere but exfoliated like play doh-sandpaper. There was plenty to use on my chest and arms, on top of face and neck. It was quickly washed away by the bath water.
You are given a makeup brush to apply the mask evenly. Chunky with bits, it was harder to remove than apply. A basin of hot water and a face cloth near by remedies some of this.
For the body I used their cloud bar, shaped like a rainy day grey cloud and soft like clay. It applied easily in a thicker layer, which left my skin matted.
The last step was to apply eye masks. Gelatin cucumber eye masks that you place over your eyes for the full spa treatment.
All of me was feeling luscious, minus the hair, so I dunked my head in the green bath balm water to complete the package.
When time, a voice comes over head, inviting you to wrap up. From here you can take your time drying off and composing yourself at their in-suite vanity. A mirror, hair accessories, body lotion, and fragrances from their Lush body collection.
My bath expert met me at the spa’s lounge and invited me to share my experience. It was nice to debrief and be able to close out the session on a high and reflective note.
The bath definitely did as promised and I was more relaxed, happier, and cleaner than when I came in. I would leave with products to be able to replicate this experience at home, myself. A mini spa treatment the day of the Junos. I will definitely have to return to try the other experiences.
Lush Spa Robson Street
1020 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7
(604) 687-5874
lush.com
