We’re a pretty satisfied bunch, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t covetous. Sometimes we see things out there that we just must have. Cool Things We Want is an archive of those earthly desires.

If you’re like me, you feel uneasy getting fawned over in extravagant settings. Maybe it’s being the centre of attention, the guilt of self-indulgence, or the intimidatingly immaculate surroundings — it’s just that the general ‘relaxation factor’ of a spa setting is usually totally lost on me. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Sunja Link Body Shoppe‘s spa treatment room – an understated space with a humble vibe where you can still have a luxurious experience.

I recently spent an hour laid out in the hidden spa room for their Classic Facial treatment ($110). Over the course of 60 minutes my face was steamed, rolled and gently slathered with an assortment of natural products; the accumulated tension in my neck, shoulders and arms was massaged into submission (the spa staff have some well developed techniques going on, which isn’t surprising given that my esthetician Jen Sterling also works out of the prestigious Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, and Vanessa Pozney has been in the industry for over a decade). In summation: I left feeling blissed out and – though the sky was still grey – I felt lifted out of my own weather-induced foggy state.

What’s also cool about the treatment is that the majority of products used during my facial (products vary slightly depending on individual needs) were Canadian or local brands, including a Rose Geranium and Hibiscus Flowers toner and Geranium Botanical Facial Serum, both by Penny Frances Apothecary. Besides facials, the Body Shoppe’s services include tints, waxes, massages and other package deals.

The next time I’m in need of some truly hands-on therapy, I think I’ll go in for an eyebrow shaping session ($25 for 20 minutes) – a fulfilling but not-too extravagant remedy to the perpetual state of seasonal tiredness. The hand and arm massage add-on ($15 for 15 minutes) is an obvious conclusion, since there’s nothing like a relaxing rub to chase the pleasantly painful sensation of beautification…plus, the physical indulgence is an easily justifiable piece of self-maintenance, considering the demands of my line of work (mostly typing away at my laptop).

I don’t need to remind you about the daunting days of dreariness that lay ahead for us and how easy it is to fall into a pattern that mirrors the weather’s monotony. It turns out that putting aside a small chunk of time to employ some self-care is a great way to snap out of it. So if you’re going to start a new fall ritual of pre-emptive self care, I highly recommend this place. Check out the full list of services and make your appointment here.

Sunja Link Body Shoppe & Spa

Neighbourhood: Main Street

3638 Main St.

604-336-9913

WEBSITE