WTF, Escape To This Private Spa in Vancouver With Me!
How did a guy like WTF Hubby (*grumble grumble* being quiet at the spa is like a voluntary, long timeout *grumble grumble*) end up at Circle Wellness at all?!
It all comes down to love!
Celebrating our wedding anniversary by witnessing the struggle between Hubby’s aversion to tranquility and his mission to ensure my relaxation (as he silently plotted his escape from The Land of Serenity) was almost comical.
Too bad he booked 2 hours of spa time instead of the 1.5 hours… LOL.
I like to think that he meant to book that extra time to hang out with his super cool wife.
What is Circle Wellness?
Circle Wellness is at 1297 Johnston Street
Circle Wellness is the Kinder Surprise of adulthood.
Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of touristy Granville Island, its first impression is completely unassuming. It’s a humble shipping container on the outside, easily missed by those seeking fish and chips, avoiding aggressive seagulls, or joy-seekers bumbling along to the various artisan shops on Granville Island.
But step inside, and you’re in a spa sanctuary… Designed for a complete refresh from the noise of daily life. Forget traffic or plane tickets. You can have that mini Nordic-esque retreat right here in Vancouver! It’s an automated, self-guided circuit towards wellness, where your mind starts sounding like a serene Swedish forest as you move through different stages of heat and cold: shower, soak, Well Pod, cold, and pebbles.
Circle Wellness went through a refresh itself, upgrading its ability to host up to six separate and private parties during each time slot at this Granville Island location.
Go solo or invite one other person to join you; the price is the same. Because it’s your own private space, use it as a place for conversation, contemplation, or maybe just a solid session of “definitely not scrolling through my phone.”
Let’s go to the spa!
Honestly, my favourite words right there.
My attendance to the 5AM Club has been spotty at best, like 90’s dial-up internet, so a 6:30 a.m. time slot to Circle Wellness was out of the question. If you’re an early riser, this morning opening might just be your cup of tea.
Meanwhile, moms like me who are swimming deep in chaos and caffeine will love the 10 p.m. slot. The idea of going home right after the spa and falling asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow couldn’t have made me happier, until WTF Hubby proved me wrong by taking me out to midnight hotpot!
Here I am, beach bag in hand. Bag is Kate Spade "Skirt The Rules" with a Hula girl swinging giddily from the handle
I might not be heading to Departures, but look at that bag in my hand; I was so ready to depart from the constant onslaught of high-energy days.
Granville Island at 10 p.m. sounds like someone threw a fire blanket over the air, noise extinguished after the tourists amble to their dinner reservations.
WTF Hubby entered the code to Circle Wellness’s exterior doors, and the doors do their open sesame dance. They revealed an outdoor, urban oasis of living walls, trickling water over stones, and trees! The lighting was bright enough for you to navigate the path, but not so abrasive that it melted your eyes off.
Check-in area to the left and stairs leading to the exit on the right
We were warmly greeted in the check-in area and seated in front of an iPad for a welcome + info video. The video walked us through the circuit steps. Before entering the circuit, you’ll need to complete a short waiver online. Remember to do this beforehand, so it doesn’t cut into your session time!
Getting Ready To Unwind And Unplug
Shelving and hooks on one side , toilet and sinks on the other
Inside your private area is a space to get ready. Strip down to your swimsuit or go clothing-optional.
There’s ample space for your belongings. On the hooks and shelving side, you’ll find plush towels (one for after your shower, and one for the Wellness Pod if you choose to use it for that purpose), exfoliating cloths, moisturizer, face serum, hair dryer, and electrolytes (you’re highly encouraged to keep hydrated!).
Found a new shower favourite? Some of these items can be purchased at the Welcome Area when you leave. I loved Circle Wellness’s conditioner and wished I could’ve gotten it for our home.
The soap bottle at the sink is the same product as the body wash, I believe.
House Rules
If I obeyed 1, we wouldn't have this post...
Besides obviously failing at Rule 1, everything was peachy keen. It’s a writer’s problem; I happily and quickly snapped my pics before retiring my phone.
Rules pertaining to soap use and outside products is there to preserve the integrity of the spa’s facilities. Once you see how beautiful everything is, you’ll want to keep it that way.
Pay attention to the cues signalling the start of the Well Pod and the 20 and 10 minute countdown to the end of your session.
Experiencing The Circle Wellness Signature Circuit
“Hubs, would you ever consider having an area like this in our home?!”
WTF Hubby’s idea of relaxation is loud and unapologetic, but he did chew the question over for my amusement and answered with a “Maybe.”
I suspected he was thinking people will fly drones over our bathroom.
Anyway, isn’t this private space a quintessential West Coast beauty? I love that it’s open to the elements, changing your experience every time the weather or time of day changes. The wood elements, lush plants, stones, metals, and lighting are in harmony at Circle Wellness.
The steps to wellness: Shower, soak, Well Pod, cold water, and finish off with some hot stones.
Shower
The shower area is right by the door
Wash away the day’s sweat and stress in an open-air shower, as you step out of the “prep room”. The choice to sit or stand during showering is yours.
This isn’t a Pokemon battle, so you don’t have to endure blasting water pressure like you’re up against Blastoise. Soft, cascading rain showers are a spa must-have in my books!
Circle Wellness also provides shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for your use. They’re scented with essential oils of pink pepper, yuzu, Hinoki, Western red cedar, and vetiver - creating gender-neutral blends that are sure to help with your relaxation.
Skincare ingredients at Circle Wellness are handcrafted in the Pacific Northwest, ethically-sourced, naturally-sourced where possible, and non-toxic and cruelty free, so you can feel good about what you put on your body.
By the time our session was finishing up and I went back to shower, it was a bit difficult to read the labels. Maybe a tiny light near the products would be helpful for next time.
2. Soak
After the shower, you’ll see the cedar soaking tub and a cold water tub. The hot stones are covered by a protective mat for when you’re ready to use them; they’re located between the two tubs. I almost forgot they were there!
Soaking in the cedar tub and looking up at the night sky
Soak in this multi-sensory experience.
Allow your eyes to drift and wander to the beautiful wood panelling and living wall, complete with lighting on the underside and topside of the unit. To complete the experience, a diffuser softly runs in the background.
When I looked up at the night sky from the soaking tub, I could see stars and the occasional airplane flying over us.
The faint cedar scent and warmth of the water in contrast with the coolness of a summer’s night was a winning combination. It makes you wonder how your experience changes if you had your session while it rained or even on a snowy day.
Because you’re indulging in a private experience, the water in the cedar tub is non-chlorinated. Instead, the tub is drained, cleaned, and filled between sessions.
Remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
I’m living a life of dehydration, sipping on coffee like it’s meant to be water. Don’t be like me.
There’s a built-in tap for cold and hot water inside your wellness space. Are you in the mood for a special blend of decaf tea, hot water, or iced water?
A pack of HydraLyte is also provided for you after the session, so drink up!
You can also shop the stoneware cups if you fancy them.
3. Well Pod
What exactly is Circle Wellness’s Well Pod?
It’s a hybrid of thoughtful design - open concept, floor to ceiling Himalayan salt walls to purify the air, a heated sauna of 50°C to flush out toxins, changing lighting, and binaural beats to help guide your breathing and relaxation.
Basically, the Pod is a reinvention of the sauna.
You can take a towel in there to lie down and escape into the beach zone in your mind, or move and rest your body in whatever postural concoction you can dream of in this spacious Pod.
We got a cue indicating the Well Pod was ready to be activated around the 45 minute mark. When this happens, a button on the wall glows orange, awaiting your touch. Once activated, you won’t be able to undo it; the Well Pod will continue its course whether you want it or not!
There’s an option to turn off the sound if that’s your preference. You’ll know the Well Pod session has ended when you’re in a state of complete darkness. The lights won’t turn back on, but the sauna will remain on if you decide to stay there.
4. Cold Water
You know the transition from the Well Pod to cold water? I don’t think my body can forget. Time to quiver/ indulge in this temperature difference! However you decide to word it, this cold bath will wake and refresh your brain.
The more often I immersed myself in the cold water, the longer I could stay there. I’m sure the difference was only in seconds, but it’s a start.
5. Stones - open air reflexology
P.O.V. - Your view when you’re lounging on the hot stones
It’s a nicer view than just looking at the floor… so these are the pictures I’ve chosen to grace your eyes with.
Can you see the stars?
By the time I laid down on the heated, river stones, I had reached a deep level of relaxation and was focused on my breathing.
Thoughts came. Thoughts went.
Here’s a question: can you get addicted to wellness?!
In my case, that’s an easy yes.
Overall Experience
I would, a thousand times over, come back to Circle Wellness.
As I floated into a blissful zen, WTF Hubby pretended the soothing ambiance wasn’t driving him to the brink of insanity… hahaha. The things you do for love.
Spending time doing new things with my husband is always a treat. Our time together is both scarce and sacred now that we have a toddler, so I appreciate the lack of awkward eavesdropping or competing conversations at Circle Wellness. The time we booked was solely ours.
This private thermal spa is compact but has everything you’ll need for a relaxing time. It combines ancient practices with modern technology for a memorable healing experience. Even now, I’m carving out bits and pieces of time throughout my day to recreate that experience.
Relaxation vibes are calling—will you answer?
WTF Bride was last here: August 2024
Price: $219 + GST (Weekday 90 minute session, starts before 5pm)
$239 + GST (90 minute session, starts after 5pm/ weekends/holidays)
$249 + GST (Weekday 120 minute session, starts before 5pm)
$279 + GST (120 minute session, starts after 5pm/ weekends/holidays)
Hours: 6:30 A.M. to 12 A.M.
Address: 1297 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
Reservations: Through website
Shop and bring the experience home: Body cleanser, body lotion, face serum, exfoliating cloth, stoneware cup
