Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress

For Mother’s Day, I took my mom on a surprise trip to Victoria. We had reservations for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, so it was an easy decision to book massages at the Willow Stream spa directly after. I had no idea how wonderful and highly rated this spa was!
Everything about this experience was impeccable. They had a beautiful lobby and grand staircase that led down to the locker rooms, pools, and relaxation room. What a concept to have a mineral pool! It was small, but lovely with water cascading from fountains on either end. They also have a steam and sauna room, which was a nice touch. Their locker rooms are a bit small, but have three showers, makeup counters, and many amenities such as shower caps and hair dryers for you. They even had a bowl of washcloths in cold water with rose petals for when you got out of the sauna — lovely!
The relaxation room was a nice touch, though quite small as well. They had yummy hot tea, nuts and dried fruit, yogurt, and they passed around chocolate truffles for us as well. The only downfall to the experience was that they were very busy given the holiday, so while we were waiting for our massages, there wasn’t enough room for everyone to sit. But I can definitely forgive them for that for being able to fit us in!
THE MASSAGES! Ohhh, the massages. I booked us both 60-​minute relaxation massages and wished I had gotten 90. I never wanted it to end! Both my mom and I like deeper pressure, so I was a bit hesitant to book the relaxation, but boy am I glad I did! I had Montana, and she did a fantastic job. One of the best and most relaxing massages I’ve ever had! She used multiple scents and oils for relaxation. She spent time on every area of my body, which is very important to me. I hate the feeling of not having all areas addressed! And her scalp massage was AMAZING! My favorite part for sure.
You also get use of the pool and hot tub that is open for other hotel guests. My mom and I enjoyed getting some laps in. Overall, an exceptional experience. I can’t wait to go back!

My husband and I went here for our anniversary and although I was a bit disappointed in my facial and his massage was just ok, we absolutely loved the spa ritual. The steam room and sauna were just want we needed on a cold rainy day. The fluffy robes and and snacks were appreciate as well. Highly recommend!

Went for a pedicure and really enjoyed their newly renovated section. It was relaxing and they were able to accommodate us the same day! Place was clean and had special machine to sterilize their tools. Wonderful spa experience and worth the extra cost compared to a neighborhood nail bar ($ 65 vs $ 35).

Good massage, had better. The front office staff was very rude and stuck up… we were unable to book with them in person for the following day but were able to call to make an appointment which makes you wonder with the inconsistency. The mineral bath and steam room left more to be desired. Massage was the best part of the experience but the whole spa could use some changes.

After being there once, I won’t go anywhere else. The treatment was INCREDIBLE and I loved how high-​end this place was. Loved the little pool (make sure you get there at least an hour early, I recommend an hour and a half). Sip some tea, have a fabulous soak at their mini pool and just R-​E-​L-​A-​X!

Really liked all the nice little touches, like having your own scrubby sponge and razor available in all the showers, lots of tea and water available everywhere to stay hydrated, and lots of encouragement to stay and relax and use the pools and saunas. Our massages were excellent and they made my massage-​virgin boyfriend feel at ease. They almost messed up our bill, but oh well. at that point it was hard to care.

I had my first manicure ever here, so I didn’t know what to expect… but I have to say, it was pretty luxurious! It was the 60 minute Willow Stream Signature Manicure, which is normally $ 79, but I had a deal from Groupon which included a night’s stay at the Empress for two plus manicure for $ 189.
Firstly, the hostess brought me downstairs (lovely interior, relaxing spa feel, very Euro-​style), and showed me around to the lockers and changing room, which had a good selection of gel, hair spray, lotions, and soaps for guests to use. Traditionally, before any spa treatments or salon services, guests use steam room and sauna for 10 – 15 minutes and then go out to the mineral pool for another 15 minutes. I tried the steam and sauna for a short while, but they aren’t really for me… I tend to feel suffocated in those things, ugh. The mineral pool was nice though… warm and relaxing.
Then I made my way to the lounge to wait to be called, and they had complimentary yogurt, water and tea on hand.
When I was called, the friendly salon tech explained to me the techniques she was going to use and made me feel very at ease. I got to sit in this awesomely designed chair which had a little foot bath below (for pedicures though, which I didn’t get), and lovely cushioned rests. The night before, I actually broke a nail, which sucked, but she filed down my nails so they all matched a bit better in length. I was a little wary about this, since I feel the scratching in my teeth, and it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I know this was supposed to be therapeutic, but I sat through it, teeth clenched, and concentrated on the nice view of the Empress front lawn. Finally, it ended, and she went on with the rest of it. Phew!
They use their signature Willow Stream Energy product line for their manicures, and firstly, I went through a gommage hand exfoliation, then myrrh nail oil application (for healthy nails), a hand soak in mineral salts and essential oils, a paraffin treatment (they put warm wax in a bag, put it over your hand, and you sit there, hands in mittens, until it hardens!), and lastly, I had a hand and arm massage using hydrating and skin conditioning body butter. Then she applied the OPI nail polish colour of my choice (which was a dark purple-​magenta). Definitely, dark colours are best applied by someone else, haha!
A few minutes after I was done, I realized I had left my rings in the spa room, but at the moment where I was about to go back, the technician showed up, and she even carefully put them back on my fingers! Good service! Of course, 15 minutes later, I got a scratch on one of my nails when I went back to the hotel room to pack up, but that’s just clumsy me. My hands and lower arms were soooo soft though, wow. I didn’t want to wash my hands, they were so nice… but I had to eventually. :(
In the end, it was such a great experience. I don’t know if I’d do it again unless there was another special deal, but I’m glad I got to try it out at such a beautiful place.
p. s. It’s a week later, dealing with lots of coins at work, and my nails still look good!