Media Recognition
Breathe Spa Media Recognition
Our reputation for providing spa excellence has spread from Vancouver to London and New York. Please take a moment to read some of our reviews.
Awards
Breathe Spa has been recognized by the Consumers Choice Awards as the best spa in Vancouver for 2017. — December, 2016
Breathe Spa was a runner up in the Georgia Straight's annual "Best of Vancouver Awards", in the category of "Best Places to Go for a Facial in Vancouver". Thank you to everyone who voted for us! — September, 2016
Breathe Spa was awarded the Silver Medal in the Westender's annual "Best of Vancouver Awards", for spas in Downtown Vancouver. Thank you to everyone who voted for us! — March, 2015
Articles
Breathe Spa is the best place to go in Vancouver if you want a unique and totally personalized facial treatment and a bit of pampering you won't find anywhere else. — September, 2015
This beautiful spa in a Heritage building in downtown Vancouver is all marble and whiteness. Drinking my caramel rooibos tea - a flavour combination of which I was initially unsure but which turned out to be deliciously warming --I admired both my dainty white china teacup and the original carvings at the top of the high columns. Breathe is a basement spa, down a grand marble staircase, but has a light and elegant aesthetic with a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Independently owned and operated, Breathe Spa is unique to Vancouver and worth a visit for that reason alone. There are just five spacious treatment rooms, each with its own chandelier.
Breathe Spa is the spot to hit if you're after a tailored, customised, personalised, individualised -- or any other word not yet invented that means specific and unique to you -- facial treatment. That's what we booked in for, and the treatment we recommend. This is the skin on your face that we are talking about. Who are you going to trust with that? Only someone who knows what they're doing, obviously. And that's what the therapists at Breathe Spa know all about; each one of them has at least four years of skincare experience.
The spa uses products from the Swiss Methode Physiodermie range and Sacred Nature, a certified organic skincare line from Italian brand [ comfort zone ].
Breathe Spa doesn't get swamped by out-of-town visitors -- and that's because savvy Vancouverites book their next treatment as soon as they leave their previous one -- so it's not always easy to turn up as a tourist and book on the spot. So get ahead of yourself, facial devotees, and check out their booking service before you arrive (contact details below). When you do arrive, check out the original marble columns, too.
Treatments to try
People come here for the signature facial, the spa's most popular treatment, which we tried, and which you can read about in more detail here. Effective and worth it.
You can try a shortened version of the facial if you're pushed for time, or a version with warm stones. You could also book in for a Hawaiian organic body scrub, hand and foot treatments using Zoya nail colours, or add-on services such as waxing or lash tinting.
Who would like it?
Anyone who takes their skincare seriously: locals and the well-informed.
Don't miss
Getting to the spa a little early so you can sip some signature caramel tea in the marble lobby and start to feel serene already.
Expect to pay
From $80 for a relaxation massage, to $140 for the two-hour signature facial, to $360 for the "Imperial Package" with six hours' worth of treatments including that facial, massage, manicure and pedicure.
Get in touch
Call: +1 604 688 4769
Email: relax@breathespa.net
Web: Breathe Spa, Vancouver
— November, 2013
With Breathe Day Spa being located right on Granville Street, less than a block from my office, it seems the perfect pre-birthday garden party treat. A two-hour long facial with 100% organic Sacred Nature products? How could I say no? And two hours of pampering for $140 is great deal. As you wander down the stairs, the sounds of the street fade behind you. Open the doors to Breathe Spa and you are treated to the soft white glow of the chandelier that lines the counter, and the even softer feel of the all white furnishings. A perfect vacation for the senses." – July 2013
"With it's all white interior, Breathe Spa, in a tiny hideaway below ground in the city's downtown core, feels more celestial than subterranean. Just as heavenly, this little spa's Signature Facial clocks in at two full hours (for serious zoning out)..." – April issue, 2012
You don't need a Caribbean island to feel tropical this winter. Founded in 2002 by registered beauty therapists and acupuncturists Victoria and Toby Carr, Vancouver's Breathe Spa is quickly gaining accolades and a rising celebrity clientele. The all-white emporium offers many sensual delicacies such as a 60 minute Hawaiian Organic Body Scrub with Malie organic Lilikoi and Lemongrass, Plumeria Body Mist, and a Malie organic Lilikoi and Lemongrass Beauty oil finish. There's also the botanical body massage consisting of lavender, passion flower, chamomile and sage oils - all lovely gifts of nature that help alleviate tension, stress and all ailments that come with aging. The hands at Breathe Spa are on top of the trends; if you're eager reveal your true beauty under the layers of dead skin, try their Glo-Enzyme Peel ($120), ideal for first timers, this facial involves deep cleansing with a Vitamin C serum and an anti-microbial moisturizing cream. All that's missing are crystal white sands and an aqua seaside!" – Winter issue, 2010
"This airy spa is a downtown haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle of traffic. The Hawaiian Organic Body Scrub is a 60-minute staycation, while the new Glo-Enzyme Peel Facial is a multi-step treatment that includes a chemical peel, soothing gel mask and vitamin C serum application along with a hand arm and foot massage. Translation: It's perfect for dehydrated, aging or sundamaged skin, and it's a good option for chemical-peel newbies looking for a gentler alternative" – November issue, 2010
There are a few places we'll never turn down a trip to (the Caribbean and Hawaii come to mind). Alas, no such offers have come up recently, so we're heading to the spa instead.
Talk about serendipity, though. Downtown's Breathe Spa just added a Hawaiian Organic Body Scrub ($80) to its spa menu, which is the perfect second-best thing to a real vacation. Created by spa owner Victoria Carr, the treatment starts with a Malie Organic lilikoi (that's passionfruit in Hawaii-speak) and lemongrass body scrub, followed by a delicious-smelling plumeria body mist and a luxurious application of lilikoi and lemongrass beauty oil.
No plane rides in sight? No problem - this is paradise found. – June 2010
Breathe Spa has been a long time best-kept-secret for Vancouver's fashionable downtown business set. Up until a couple years ago, the spa had been getting it's business through the word-of-mouth of dewy skinned clients. But with celebrity clients like Justin Timberlake and L.L. Cool J and recent write ups in magazines like Vogue and Fashion, the secret's come out of the bag. – May 2010
Of course, the ultimate prize at the finish line is a bit of spa pampering: our choice is the decidedly hush-hush Victorian-esque Breathe Spa (the chandelier and sweeping staircase are reminiscent of Blair Waldorf's foyer.) The two-hour facial and massage are the perfect treatments apres ski, as is the all-organic, lemongrass body scrub. – February 2010
We all know how hard it can be to find great beauty and skincare products. You not only want the products, you want the advice and guidance that goes along with finding a great product. Nothing beats having qualified assistance when buying for your skin! So as promised, we will continue to share with you some of our favourite skincare/beauty spots. Next up, Vancouver!
Breathe Spa offers its clients an exclusive, private and intimate spa experience with spacious treatment rooms in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. They have a roster of experienced beauty therapists who use only the finest skin-care products from around the world, in an elegant and luxurious setting. Breathe Spa also carries an impressive line of skincare products from renowned brands like Physiodermie, Jane Iredale and Gehwoland Zoya.
When visiting Vancouver, Breathe Spa is a favourite beauty stop. I have indulged in their pedicure package and with my sensitive skin being an issue; I purchased Jane Iredale products from them. I found their service to be warm and pleasant and their knowledge of the skincare business a real comfort. They understood my needs and were very attentive when it came to tailoring products and services for my sensitive skin.
I highly recommend Breathe Spa. Be sure to book a signature facial or hot stone massage and let your worries slip away! – May 2009
There's nothing better than sneaking out of the office for a midday visit to the spa, and many a downtown working lady has been known to frequent breathe spa (464 Granville Street; 604-688-4769, breathespa.net).
Until now, owner Victoria Carr has maintained a mostly word-of-mouth business, but since she's moved into a gorgeous heritage building just a stone's throw away, I can't keep this spa a secret any longer.
Descend the marble staircase into the grand space (I love the columns and cream shag carpet - so luxe), and indulge in a signature facial ($140) - it's one of the most divine skin treatments I've ever experienced. Sure, the trip might take two hours - but I won't tell your boss. – March Edition, 2009
We were first through the door yesterday at Breathe Spa's beautiful new buzz-in location in the historic Roger's Building. Here's 5 things we loved. – December 16, 2008
"This tranquil spa is Vancouver's best-kept secret. By moving from a quiet block to a prime downtown location, owner Victoria Carr has amped up the luxury. A sweeping staircase, ivory-marble columns and sparkling chandeliers greet you in the entrance, while treatment rooms are elegant, yet warm and cozy. Services are equally luxurious and supremely effective. Book a Hot Stone Massage, the ultimate in stress relief, or let Victoria work her magic with the Bio-Ultimate Age Defying Facial." – November issue, 2008
"Relaxed. Intimate. Quality."
Breathe Spa is an exclusive boutique spa in the heart of downtown Vancouver, offering only the highest quality skin and body care services and products, within a beautiful and relaxed setting. Breathe Spa has been recognized as one of the top spas in Vancouver for it's excellent quality service and attention to detail. – November 2008
"One of the best ways to give your skin a boost is with a facial, but how do you know it's being done correctly? We sent our Tami Gabay in to get under the skin..." – Winter 2008
Ace of Face
Two hours may seem a long time for a facial. But when you're getting foot and hand massages, time has no meaning. Located in the heart of Vancouver's downtown rat race, Breathe Spa offers a sanctuary for busy nine-to-fivers looking for a little skin refresher. – March 25th, 2008
Sorry Howe Street socialites: your skin secret is out.
We were recently introduced to society facialist Victoria Carr whose Breathe Spa in a downtown office building has been turning out some of the finest faces on the social circuit. – Winter 2008
"This sanctuary is tucked away in the fifth floor of the Pacific Coast Building in the heart of the city. Indulge in the ?Out of This World? package ($215 CDN) that includes a two-hour Breathe Facial followed by a two-hour Hot Stone Therapy Massage." – Recommended Summer 2007, TripSavvy, formerly About.com
"For All you ladies out there who want to experience the most luxurious spa in the city, it's time to introduce Vancouver's biggest secret. With treatments that will transport you to the ultimate in relaxation and skin-care and make-up that will make you look a million dollars. If you know spas then you'll want to get to know Breathe Spa" – Recommended Summer 2007
Rated #18 in "Top 50 Things to do this Summer" – June 2004
