Vida Spa Seattle

Based on the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, the Vida Wellness Spa in downtown Seattle offers 7,000 square feet of bliss. Discover a personal and restorative experience through a wide range of treatments. From body therapies, wraps, exfoliations and facials to manicures and pedicures (also offered on a massage bed). And they are now offering a Nidra Sleep Treatment that is specifically designed to relax the mind and help induce a deep sleep using aromatherapy massage of the head, scalp, temples, neck and shoulders.

Walking into the Vida Spa offers a far away, intimate, cave-like atmosphere. You are greeted with a friendly smile the second you enter. A nice woman by the name of Jennifer checks you in and explains in detail what your next step will be. She shows you to the changing area where there is a sauna (go early and hang out in the sauna before your treatment or use it after your treatment) and showers (with a plethora of products for use) as well as lockers for your belongings. You are provided with a key for your locker, a robe to change into and flip flops. Then she points out where the waiting room is and mentions that you will be filling out paperwork to decide your dosha for the Ayurvedic massage.

After changing into the robe and slipping into your flip-flops you can nestle next to a flaming fire with a cup of tea or lemon or cucumber water in hand while you fill out your Dosha paperwork. The questionnaire you fill out will help your massage therapist customize the oils used for your Ayurvedic massage. The three doshas are known as: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Find out what your dosha is.

You can opt for a single Ayurvedic massage or a couple's Ayurvedic massage for 60 or 90 minutes. When it's time for your treatment you are greeted by your massage practitioner. Two of the licensed massage practitioners you could meet are Jillian and Brianne.

You are lead down a Feng-Shui style labyrinth to your room. The room is softly lit with an electronic bed and warm sheets on top. After instructions from your practitioner you can settle into a bed of warmth.

The dosha oil combinations that you selected in the answers to your questionnaire in the waiting area are prepared by your massage practitioner.

During the massage one body part at a time is carefully uncovered. Then you feel a splash of liquid oil, immediate heat, and as your practitioner spreads the oil over your body part it becomes super slick in sensation. The massage is similar to a Swedish massage but with lots and lots of oil. Long sweeping strokes are made with a firm hand as the oil glides across your skin.

Be prepared to have oil over your limbs, neck, upper chest, back, and even your scalp. It is recommeneded that you leave the oil in your hair after the treatment to treat your scalp. When it comes time to wash the oil out of your hair the handy tip was given to put shampoo in your hair before getting it wet.

• Vida Spa, The Pan Pacific Hotel

900 Lenora St., Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98121; 206-264-8432

• Vida Spa, The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 2R9; 604-682-8410

• Vida Spa, The Sutton Place Hotel

845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 2K6; 604-682-8410

• Vida Spa, Fairmont Chateau Whistler

4599 Chateau Blvd., Whistler, B.C., V0N 1B4; 604-938-2086

• Vida Spa at Westin Bayshore

Coming in November 2009 (for the 2010 Winter Olympics)

Vida Spa Seattle will validate parking for up to 90 minutes in the underground parking garage for the Pan Pacific Hotel (it is also the parking garage for the Whole Foods grocery store and other shops in the complex).

Vida Spa in downtown Seattle is open seven days a week and they will travel to you for pampering too. Call for hours and to make appointments.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accomodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.