Sense, A Rosewood Spa

Ssense Spa is a located inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. When you enter the spa, everything is very white and beautiful. Today I had booked a 50 minute RMT massage to enjoy. The receptionist greeted us promptly and showed us around the facilities.
The change room was a bit on the smaller side, but still very nice, comfortable, and well equipped nonetheless. There were 2 showers (I didn’t take a shower but took a peek — it was really nice inside), and 2 changing rooms. The vanity is a bit small, but had pretty much everything you would need to get ready to go out afterwards — lotions, hair spray, styling tools, etc.
After changing into my bathrobe and slippers, I made my way down to the lounge area. Again, another beautiful room with 4 comfy chairs and blankets to lay down on and one long bench. There is a nice assortment of tea, fresh fruits, water, and magazines to enjoy.
When it was time for the massage, my RMT came to get me and led me into the massage room. She asked me the typical questions about areas I wanted to focus on and did a quick assessment on me. In the room there are a couple music channels that you can listen to. You can also ask for the bed to be heated up, and you get to pick from 4 different massage oils.
The massage itself was heavenly and I only wished it was a bit longer. After the massage I relaxed in the lounge room area for a bit and felt like jello. This was definitely a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I had the best massage I’ve had in my life today by Trish. I’ve had many massages to date and this was by far the most relaxing and enjoyable experience I’ve had. The spa is beautiful, the staff are friendly and my therapist was thoughtful and passionate about her work. I’m 6 months pregnant and I’ve found it especially hard to get comfortable and relax during pregnancy massages, but today was an exception. I look forward to going back a few more times before my baby comes! If you are local, don’t overlook this Spa located at Hotel Georgia.

Best spa experience ! Spa is absolutely stunning. Great place to unwind and relax. My new favorite for sure. I am very happy with my facial. Go see Cory!
She is AMAZING!!!

One of my favorite spas in vancouver! Staff are absolutely lovely and the quality of spa programs are all very good. Marisa especially is amazing.
The only down point is that the change room is not private and the slippers are little small. But the quality of service definitely covers the minority.
My favorite two spas in vanc are sense from rosewood and chi from shangri la, and therapy and service-​wise sense is much better but utility (private change room)-wise chi is much better.

This (extensive) review is for the Rosewood Sense Spa Maternity massage. Back in November, my husband and I took a babymoon to Vancouver and stayed at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Prior to going I reserved an 80 min prenatal massage at their spa and was totally blown away by their attentive service. Please note that I am not used to going to five star hotel spas and this was the first of this type of experience for me. Back home in LA, I’m more used to going to Korean spas in downtown which are a little more DIY-​ish and I have been to a Burke Williams Spa once before. I would have to say for sure compared to Burke Williams, which in my opinion is pretty mediocre for their prices, this experience at Sense spa was amazing.
The Sense Spa is a little bit more boutique-​y feeling spa but the facilities are all clean, modern, and cozy. They use aromatherapy essential oils that you can smell right when you walk up to the front desk that immediately gets you into a relaxed mood.
After I checked in for my appointment, they showed me to their locker/​shower room to change and where the lounge area is to wait for my masseuse. The locker and shower room is small with no steam or dry sauna but I did not really mind that since I was just there to get the massage. They provided a comfy robe and slippers to change into and I saw that there were many other amenities there provided if you did want to take a shower (e.g. razors, shaving cream, brushes, etc.)
After changing I headed to the lounge area which again is small (seats about 4) but super comfortable and cozy. They provide tea, water, and other little snacks (e.g. nuts) for the spa guests. I was greeted promptly by one of their staff to fill out a brief sheet/​survey for my masseuse letting her know what areas to focus on for the day and where I might need some more attention on my body. They also greeted me with a little warming tea and a warmed hand towel to get situated.
My masseuse (Maria) came to get me pretty promptly after I submitted my filled out sheet and she took me to the massage room where she spent 5 – 10 minutes asking me thoughtful questions about how I’m feeling in my pregnancy, how much pressure I might want, what oil she will be using, etc. I was really impressed with her thoughtful questions.
After brief question time was over, she left the room for me to situate myself. She showed me a cool panel where you can pick whatever sound/​music I wanted (e.g. Air, Water, Fire) and she showed me how to position myself on the maternity cushion they had so I can lie face down. The whole massage experience was amazing and Maria would occasionally ask me if the pressure was okay during the massage and allowed me to completely relax.
After the massage, Maria greeted me outside with a cup of cucumber water and my hair tie. She escorted me to the lounge area where she also placed a heated neck and shoulder herbal pad on me to relax me. I spent another 20 – 30 min there just unwinding and reading before I changed to leave. When I checked out, the receptionist showed me some recommended items from my masseuse that I could purchase. I ended up picking up a herbal neck/​shoulder pad as a souvenir and something useful for my pregnancy as well as some yoga balm to rub on my neck when I get headaches.
The whole experience was so amazing that I booked another 50 minute session several days later since we were staying in Vancouver for a whole week. This was definitely the most expensive massage I have ever paid for but now I’m a believer in the 5-​star hotel spa experience and why people might pay the big bucks to treat themselves every now and then. If you are currently pregnant I highly recommend checking this spa out for a prenatal massage!

This is one of my fav spas in van! It is a very small intimate spa, but it’s pretty with personalized service. I love the pretty treatment rooms and washrooms, and the lounge with those yummy nuts!
I have tried almost everything on the menu, and my favorites are the oxygen facials, 110min massages, and body wraps with Vichy shower! :)

I was treated to an afternoon of pampering from my two lovely bridesmaids on a Friday afternoon. This was my first ever spa experience, and after this I’m unfortunately spoiled because Sense was amazing. As the previous reviewer mentioned, the Hotel Georgia is a beautiful heritage hotel with a wonderful and elegant ambience, and the spa upstairs is no exception. We were led to a change room with two showers and some private toilet stalls to get changed and store our belongings. The change room, while a bit small, is prettier than any washroom I’ll ever have! Gorgeous tiling and nice amenities. The slippers given to me were a size or two too small though, and my XL robe were much too big. My bridesmaids booked themselves for a pedicure while they treated me to a much-​needed one hour private massage. Best massage of my life! The therapist was exceptionally professional and was so relaxing that I dozed off during my massage. The room is beautifully furnished and luxurious. I got to pick my massage oil scent and opted for the fresh scent (the other one had a more woody, musky fragrance). You got to pick your background music with a switch panel by the door.
After the massage, we all reconvened in the relaxation/​resting lounge for about 20 minutes and it was so comfortable and peaceful we didn’t want to leave! Every staff member we encountered was polite and welcoming. I left the spa feeling rejuvenated and well pampered. It’s definitely pricey, but you pay for the experience. I probably won’t get to enjoy such a luxurious spa experience for a long time after this, but my experience at Sense was so good I may have to start treating myself more often.

Walking into the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is an experience in and of itself. Once you enter the long, tiled corridor leading to the spa, you enter yet another dimension at this beautiful heritage hotel.
The spa is serene and elegantly appointed. Other reviewers complain that the spa’s locker room and four-​seat relaxation lounge are small. While this may be, you feel as though you have entered an elite private club rather a busy spa. Appointments are well-​timed so that even at its busiest, the spa does not feel crowded. Spa patrons are given access to the adjoining pool and gym; regrettably, I did not have time to go for a swim during my visit, but will do so next time.
I went for the 110-​minute Cocoon treatment: a scrub, mud wrap, scalp massage and full-​body shea butter massage in the spa’s wet treatment room. Upon arriving, I was greeted by name and shown to the sparklingly clean locker room. As prior reviews have noted, the locker room is small and lacks a proper changing area, however, this was not a problem as there was only ever one other person in the room the same time as me. There are six electronic lockers, each containing a pair of spa slippers and a robe. The locker room is also stocked with lots of extra towels, robes, and amenities (including hair brushes and razors). There are two private showers (the larger of the two is barrier-​free) and two private water closets.
After emerging from the ladies’ locker room, I was greeted by a spa employee who was carrying a beautiful tray with a small glass of minted vanilla rooiboos tea, a warm hand towel scented in the hotel’s intoxicating signature fragrance (notes of rosewood, basil and mint) and an intake form. I was quietly whisked to the swank relaxation lounge to fill out the paper work and was advised that my therapist would be in to see me shortly. A small, thoughtfully-​stocked refreshment bar is situated outside of the lounge.
My treatment was with Marie, who greeted me by taking my hand in both of hers, which I thought was unusual only because it seemed all the more thoughtful and welcoming. Marie guided me to the wet treatment room and we sat down to discuss the treatment itself (she showed me the scrub, mud and butter she would be using, offered me a shower cap and disposable underwear, and also showed me the Vichy shower) and my preferences (Light, medium or firm massage pressure? How warm did I want the shower to be?). Every aspect of the treatment was carefully explained to me, and Marie even showed me two keypads near the door where I could control the ambient music and lighting in the room.
The treatment itself was spectacular. Marie takes her job seriously and took every possible step to ensure that I was happy and comfortable throughout the treatment. She breathed ujjayi-​style for the entirety of the treatment, which seemed a bit strange at first but soon faded into the background along with the relaxing spa soundtrack. Over the course of the entire treatment, I was always covered by a towel, typically pulled straight from the warming machine. This was especially nice after being drenched in warm water by the Vichy shower. My towels were changed frequently, so I never had a soggy wet towel draped over my body; by the end of it, there was a hamper overflowing with used towels, which made me feel a little guilty. When I was lying face up, Marie ensured that my chest was never exposed, even when she was switching towels, which I appreciated. When I had to sit up or turn over, Marie had a theatrical way of averting her eyes so as not to make me feel uncomfortable; despite her theatrics, I liked that she went to such lengths to protect my modesty. The entire 110 minutes flew by, and by the end of it all, I was quite unhappy that it was time to return to the real world.
Overall, my experience was very, very positive, although there is a little room for improvement. As mentioned, there is no proper changing area in the ladies’ locker area, so I changed in the barrier-​free shower and the small WC. The showers and water closets could each use more hooks to hang clothing while patrons are changing. The well-​outfitted vanity in the ladies locker room would benefit from brighter lighting for make-​up application. The cotton waffle-​knit robes are likely too large for most women and could have been made in a softer, more luxurious fabric. There is a very soft sell at the end of the treatment to load you up with «home care recommendations», which I did not particularly care for. Most significantly, the soundproofing in the wet treatment room was non-​existent; there were many instances during my treatment when I heard doors closing loudly, people talking somewhat less loudly, and screaming kids running to the swimming pool. The noise distracted from the great efforts that Marie was taking to ensure I had a relaxing treatment.
Despite these shortcomings, Sense was nonetheless excellent and I will return. 4.5 stars.

I know good thing must come to an end. Sense Spa has been my favorite spa until today. I was so looking forward to my third visit this year– scrub with Vichy shower, massage and facial. My favorite esthetician is gone, and this time I had two estheticians for my treatments. My scrub and Vichy shower was fine. The strange part was that my massage was in the shower room. Although the massage pressure was fine, too much oil was used on my body. The sequence of my massage was strange as well– started on my leg not on my back, unlike the usual type of relaxation massage. I had never had a massage in a Vichy shower room. My last treatment at this spa, my massage and facial was in a different room after the scrub. I just came back from Thailand and had same spa treatments a few times, but my massage was never in a shower room. The room was, of course very humid and stuffy because it’s a shower room. I had some trouble breathing, and I was covered by a towel, not a nice soft blanket. I also had to ask for a cloth to cover my hair. My body, and part of my hair, was quite oily after the massage.
Then the worst part was the facial. The facial massage was supposed to be the best part of the facial, but it was minimal, even shorter than the mini facial from the tapas menu. The products used on my face were minimal, and I couldn’t believe my face was actually dry, not soft and supple after the facial! On the other hand, my hair was even more greasier after the facial, as the esthetician never washes her hand after massaging my feet, and after removing the oil-​foot-​soak bootie. She then touched my hair right away. I usually don’t wash my hair in a spa after treatments because it’s too much trouble, but this is the first time I have to wash my hair in a spa.
I guess bad thing comes in three– when I paid the bill, the receptionist didn’t give me the 15% off, as they advertised, for local BC residents. Last time in August, I got the discount. She said she couldn’t do anything because there is no manager on site and the bill was printed, so she said she would give me 30% off for the next treatment. My reply was, for this type of service (at a five star hotel), I would not want to go back. I am very disappointed.

One of my favorite spas in the city. Love the indoor pool with color therapy. Ladies locker room is small but bright and clean with showers and simple amenities. Too bad there is no steam or sauna room. 1 couple’s suite and 1 vichy shower room. Therapist Jaclyn is amazing!

Total Bliss. Those are are the words that come to mind when I think back to my massage & facial at Sense Spa today.
From check-​in to check-​out the staff were perfectly courteous and helpful, the spa itself exuded quiet & serenity, and I felt completely taken care of each step of the way. I was promptly offered a complimentary and delicious vanilla rooibos tea before my massage, and a refreshing glass of cucumber water afterwards.
The girl that did my massage & facial was the consummate professional, sweet as pie, and brilliant at what she does. She had such lovely calm aura about her that I secretly wondered if she moonlights a yoga instructor on the side.
So if it was so perfect why not 5-​stars? Well, I must say the change rooms were surprisingly small for a luxury spa. In fact, when I went in to get changed I had to do a double take to make sure I hadn’t missed the entrance to a second room with the change rooms (there aren’t any — just washroom & shower stalls). However, the bathroom was nicely stocked with shampoo/​conditioner, combs, razors, hairspray, moisturizers, etc which is great for someone that’s always running to her next appointment. The prices here are on par with the other luxury spas which offer much more «extra amenities,» so because of that it’s hard for me to give them that last star.
Still the question is, would I go back? In a heart beat.

New hotel spa just opened about 3 months ago. I decided that since I needed a pedi, why not check it out.
Booked an 80 min Canadian Maple Pedicure, comes with champagne and chocolates! now what girl would not like that?! I got there a little early since I was downtown already.
Spa is located on the 4^th floor beside the salt water pool and fitness centre. The spa lobby is long and narrow. The change room is kinda small and includes 2 showers (one handicap), 2 washroom stalls, a single vanity area and 6 lockers. It’s very clean.
They have tea, mixture of nuts/​dried fruits, fresh fruits and citrus water. Lounge is very small also, only has 4 armchairs facing each other diagonally.
They do dry pedicure, that means they don’t put your feet in water at all, they use hot wet towels to pat everything off. Pedicure wtih Chitoe was excellent! Almost fell asleep! Had a warm neck wrap, she also used a honey and maple mixture for the mask. I also got a hot shea butter hand mask!
I give them 3.5 stars, service was great! Spa itself is clean. the only 2 problems I have with the spa are:
1) no steam room or sauna/​wet amenties: spas like these should have them. look at willow stream spa or spa utopia.
2): change room and lounge too small: now don’t get me wrong, they’re nicely kept, just a little small.
So technically it’s 3.5 stars (too bad Unilocal won’t let us give half stars)
Maybe they’ll upgrade in the future?