Do you have wedding planxiety?

Listen. I’ve been there, done that, and know how all the moving parts in wedding planning can make you want to rip out your own hair. Add in the ever-changing COVID updates, and that’s enough to make any bride-to-be’s world spin.

Repeat after me: It’s okay not to feel okay.

Willow Stream Spa Locker Selfi — Me before getting into my cozy robe + slippers

Normalize Your Mental Health

Hi, high functioning anxious person here.

Most people don’t know I struggle with anxiety. Because on my good days, the anxiety actually propels me to get things done! Like planning a wedding… Working. Taking classes. Running my blog and social media. Scheduling in social events. The list goes on!

Other days, I’m a crippled, shapeless puddle on the floor.

So before this puddling effect can overwhelm me, I try to be proactive. Like go to the spa!

(You really don’t have to justify your need for rest)

In this post, I’m going to take you with me to the Willow Stream Spa to unwind and relax.

The Willow Stream Spa + Fairmont Pacific Rim

I Ubered to the luxurious Fairmont Pacific Rim, where a doorman opened the car door and greeted me upon arrival.

It was a weekday morning, so it felt extra indulgent to be making my way past the Lobby Lounge to the Spa!

The elevator pinged open, and I was whisked away to the 5th floor. Courtesy of CoVid, there was now plexiglass around the desk and everyone was masked. It’s my first time back to Willow Stream since the pandemic kicked off, so I was curious as to what else has changed over the last two years.

Spa Health + Safety

Before stepping into the spa, remember to complete your intake forms online! This adds to your experience, because your time at the spa is now dedicated to pure relaxation and tranquility.

You don’t want to be scrambling, so get there early! To help Willow Stream maintain a safe capacity, there’s now a 2 hour limit to using the spa’s facilities so make the most out of your time there! Proof of two vaccine doses and photo ID is required before you can check into this urban oasis.

I asked about masking rules in the eucalyptus steam room and was told that there should only be one person in there at a time. This delights me.

Medical masks will be your best friend. They’re more breathable than their cotton counterparts, and you’ll be required to keep them on during your treatments.

For a germaphobe’s version of Find Waldo, there is a good amount of hand sanitizer dispersed throughout the spa. It was a welcomed addition, especially near the snack stations.

Keep Calm + Spa On

You know what made this spa day just a little bit extra?

For the majority of the time, I was the only person there! No waiting. No sharing. It would’ve been psycho to even think of canceling this appointment.

Which I did that morning… because I was exhausted from my Covid booster. How did I become the kind of person who would entertain the thought of canceling a pampering session because I was too tired?!

I’m glad I pulled it together.

Willow Stream Spa Locker Robe — We should all get robes like this one!

After a quick tour of the changing room, showers, lounge areas and treatment rooms, I slipped into my fluffy robe and flip-flops and headed to my favourite room - the eucalyptus steam room.

Take in that view of Canada Place, why don’t you?

The eucalyptus smelled divine. I hope I’m remembering this correctly; steaming before a massage is detoxifying and helps get you into full relaxation mode.

Don’t forget to drink water! There is an ample selection of different flavours available.

You know what else is my favourite? These face cloths!

Willow Stream Spa Cold Lavender Towelettes — Lavender Chilled Face Clothes

After the steam room, I read a book in the lounge while I waited for my massage to start. This room is the epitome of warmth and coziness.

And for the first time in weeks, it wasn’t snowing or raining in Vancouver.

The Treatment

I was escorted to a treatment room that housed a heated treatment bed, alongside spa products that I had selected. The chalkboard name plate was a cute touch.

My treatment began with a short aromatherapy session. My anxieties melted away with each inhale and exhale.

Does anyone else realize they hold their breath sometimes and this is clearly not helping their stress?! Brides, you need to breathe. My massage therapist expertly worked on the tensions and knots that once invaded my body until I felt like a brand new person.

She brought me coconut water as I slipped back into my robe, and showed me some home-care stretches for my strained neck and back.

After the treatment, I rehydrated my body in a different lounge before stepping outside to enjoy the mineral bath and pool.

Willow Stream Mineral Bath + Pool

I know it’s January, but don’t let that stop you from going outside in your swimsuit to enjoy the outdoor health and wellness spaces!

The views were stunning.

I slipped into a state of bliss and my racing mind raced no more. Instead it meandered around the steady drone of downtown life and the hustle of people in suits down in the streets below.

Spa music poured out of the speakers as I people watched. My eyes flitted between people below and clouds above - dropping so low, they blanketed the mountains.

I couldn’t believe I was the only one out here on a sunny day!

Usually I’d order sushi from the Spa Menu (they bring it up to you from the Lobby Lounge!), but sushi was no longer on the menu.

Instead, I sampled some of the refreshments before visiting the hot and cold hydrotherapy shower - the swan song to my visit.

There were plenty of showers at Willow Stream, but the Experience Shower was where it’s at! I helped myself to a fresh, plush towel and felt a little sad getting out of my robe!

I wasn’t sad for too long, because Café Kitsuné awaits!

Willow Stream is the only spa I come back to. As a busy bride, make sure your self-care happens at regular, preventative frequencies before burn out!

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