Wednesday, December 18, 2013

WIN a night at the Pan Pacific Hotel

This December, book your spa appointments online and you'll automatically be entered to WIN a stay at the beautiful Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.

You'll enjoy the convenience of our our new online booking application. It's fast, easy and secure ... and you can book many of your favourite spa appointments 24/7.

Click here to book spa reservations through our Web Booking Applications or from our Facebook page.

Prize give-away includes:

One night's luxury accommodation on the Pacific Club Floor. You'll relax and enjoy exclusive use of the Guest Lounge and Concierge on the 23rd floor. Included is a complimentary 
West Coast Continental Breakfast 
and Evening hors d'oeuvres.

Luxuriate in the warmth of the renowned Pan  Pacific hospitality!

GOOD LUCK!
Winner will be randomly selected and notified before January 10, 2014.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more contests, tips and trends.


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The world according to James - Sustainable Beauty



In a world where if salt and sugar were discovered today they would be made illegal according to the Canadian FDA health standards. This got me thinking that everything I ingest, rub, brush or apply to my skin must be, in some way harmful to myself, others or the environment.  It’s frightening to think that meat washed in an ammonia substance can be called a process and not an ingredient.

As a hairstylist for over 15 years and Education Director for Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Center, it is my responsibility to know and understand the ingredients of the chemicals we use to color hair. With so many options out there, where does one begin? First step...understand our own personal morals, ethics and beliefs, then search for a company with the same.

We, at Spa Utopia, have discovered DAVINES, an Italian based, family owned company whose core value is SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY. Davines is a Zero impact company through and through. Each year they the plant trees in Brazil to erase their carbon footprint. They also encourage and support their partnering salons to be aware of their own environmental impact.

SCIENCE + NATURE = SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY  -  Simple!



Now...the big ? Drugstore Hair Color vs In-Salon Color 

(SUBTLE HINT TO EVERYONE READING THIS) - "just because it says professional on the box does not make it so."

It is hard to argue the price point of drugstore hair color products versus professional hair color. It’s not hard to argue the inferior and potentially dangerous ingredients that could be hiding in the cheaper price point. Major corporations understand that to color hair you must first understand the composition of hair, color theory and simple chemistry. They also know that the average consumer does not! So how can they make it possible for consumers, educated or not, to use drugstore color? Simplify, simplify, simplify. Increase the amount of active ingredients such as PPD’s and Ammonias.

Example:
Davines - Natural Dark Brown:   Ammonia: 1.8%
Drugstore - Natural Dark Brown Ammonia: 18% and up

This is how they simplify:
When I was researching a semi-permanent color which was suppose to wash out in 15 washes and be ammonia free, I was shocked to find out that the ammonia levels in this particular brand was over 21% , making this temporary color a permanent! When I called the help line for an explaination there was no comment on the ingredients used.

Scary stuff - right! 

The reason that professional products cost more is due to the quality of the ingredients that go into them. We pay for the morals and ethics of these companies that don’t test on animals and do not substitute ingredients with potentially carcinogenic additives.

If the drugstore products really did what they say they did, I would be asking myself why every salon doesn’t carry and use them. 

We have one life, one body, and one world. Sustainable Beauty is our only option.


James Abu-Ulba
Education Director
Spa Utopia Health & Wellness Center

Friday, October 4, 2013

FREE Gift when you book online!


*FREE GIFT*
when you book your spa reservations ONLINE.

* one per person, while quantities last. Receive your free gift when you visit us for your online reservation. *


We understand that waiting on hold to make your spa reservations is not exactly a good use of your time. The truth is, the average phone call takes 3 minutes and we handle an average of 435 calls per day during our regular business hours.

The good news is that now you can book many of your favourite spa treatments in real-time from the comfort of your own home 24/7. You can also view your upcoming reservations and view your history too! - How cool is that?!

To get started you'll initially need to set up your personal online profile, including an email address, password. For Facebook booking you will also need a current current credit card number added to your profile, this must be done by our Guest Services team. At Spa Utopia we honour your privacy and you can trust that your information is safe and secure. Credit card data on your profile is stored as an encrypted token, so even members of our Guest Services team are only able to see the last four digits of your card number and the expiry date and this information is used for verification only.

Let's face it, digging through your bag for your wallet at the end of a relaxing spa treatment brings you back to reality all too quickly and can easily increase your stress level to what it was before you entered the spa. We want your spa experience to remain with you for as long as possible, that's why a growing number of our spa guests are electing to leave their credit card details on file.

Choose an option that suits you best:

ONLINE Web Booking

Security is always a concern when using a credit card online. In fact, our payment gateway is a participating organization in the PCI Security Standards Council, providing the most secure payment processing environment available. Full payment is processed at the time you make your reservations, this is 100% refundable, in the event you must cancel your reservation. You can access Spa Utopia Web Booking anytime from our our website, www.spautopia.ca or follow this link to: BOOK NOW


Book through FACEBOOK

Payments for reservations booked through Facebook are processed internally on our system using your credit card information on file. No payment is processed at the time of booking. To set up your profile you'll need to call any Spa Utopia location and ask to update your personal and credit card information on your profile...or, update your profile on your next visit to the spa. You can access our Online Booking Application anytime from our Facebook page or follow this link to:  BOOK NOW




Friday, September 20, 2013

It's a common mistake...


Many thanks to Danika Powell for  contributing to our blog this month. Danika is a Professional Makeup Artist at Spa Utopia in North Vancouver. She sees many spa guests each day, many of whom are surprised to know that SPF is necessary all year long to prevent damage from the suns harmful rays, even when days are shorter and darker. The hot summer sun may be gone but damage can still occur unexpectedly if you're not prepared. 

So, get out and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, year round... just be sure to take this advice from Danika:

It's a common mistake to forget to protect your skin as fall approaches and the temperature starts to cool off. The truth is our skin needs protection against the sun 365 days of the year!  Even on a cloudy day, about 40% of the sun’s UV radiation reaches us.  An even more alarming fact is that approximately 80% of the skin’s aging is caused by the sun. It only takes a minute or two to apply- so get yourself protected!

What type of SPF is right for me?
Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens:
Chemical sunscreens react with your skin to absorb rays and convert them into energy before they can harm your skin.  Proderm’s Facial Day Cream/Fluid SPF 20 as well as their SPF 60 creams are a perfect chemical sunscreen.  Not only do they offer you broad spectrum SPF, they also contain antioxidants, natural soothing agents, and high quality moisturizers.
Physical sunscreens include two ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Together, these ingredients sit on top of your skin and reflect the sun’s rays. Jane Iredale’s Purepressed mineral foundation works wonders as a physical sunscreen and a multi-purpose product.  A highly pigmented foundation, powder, concealer, and broad spectrum SPF 20 all in one...what more could you ask for?

People often ask me, "Will I get more protection if I layer my sunscreens on top of one another?" Unfortunately the answer is no. If you put a SPF 30 over a SPF 15, you still have SPF 30. If you put a SPF 15 over SPF 30, you still have SPF 30.

There are many options available, just be sure that the sunscreen you decide to use offers broad spectrum protection so your skin is protected against the UVA and UVB rays. 

Don't forget, just protect! 
Danika Powell / Professional Make Up Artist / Spa Utopia North Vancouver

Thank you Danika for reminding us all how important it is to be conscious of protecting our skin as we begin the fall and winter season! For more advice or helpful tips be sure to stop in and speak with Danika or any of our Make Up Professionals at any Spa Utopia location.

 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Best of the Best!


Thank you Langley for voting Spa Utopia the BEST DAY SPA in the 16th Annual Langley Advance Best Of the Best!

Click on this link to see us on page 55:

http://issuu.com/langley-advance/docs/lantue20130827  

It's been 12 years since we opened the first Spa Utopia in Langley, B.C. and we are absolutely thrilled to still be considered your #1 Day Spa. We know that there are many options available when considering a visit to a Day Spa and we're truly honored when you choose Spa Utopia to take care of your personal health, wellness and beauty needs.

Spa Utopia Langley will always be a special place, it's where our roots are...it's where it all began! Each and everyday spa guests slip into cozy white robes and sandals, sweat it out in our eucalyptus steam bath, relax in the calmness of the spa lounge while sipping a glass of our hot signature tea while waiting to experience their next unforgettable spa treatment. For many, it's an escape from everyday pressures and routines....for some, it's a well deserved and much needed gift....and for others it's regular maintenance and preventative care for a healthy body, mind and spirit. 

Whether you're a long time loyal guest or you're visiting us for the first time, you can be sure that our treatments are designed with you in mind. Spa Utopia is a beautiful place but the pulse of the spa is the amazing team of technicians and support staff, led by General Manager Amy Atchinson, that continue to deliver our promise of excellence, Congratulations Team !





Thursday, July 25, 2013

Best of the North Shore!

The results for the Outlooks 6th Annual Best of the North Shore are in! THANK YOU to all of our valued spa guests who voted Spa Utopia North Vancouver as the Best on the North Shore in two categories!


#1 BEST SPA

and 

#1 BEST MANICURE / PEDICURE




The North Shore is a fabulous community with a great vibe and unique culture. We're proud to be a part of this community and so grateful for the continued support from the people who live, work and visit us here. 

2013 marked our 10th year in North Vancouver. Many of our staff at this location have been with us from the start, including General Manager, Diane Yarnold. Diane has poured her heart and soul into every aspect of the spa, including creating a 'dream team' to deliver the best spa experience possible to each and every guest.

To be recognised as one of the Best on the North Shore is truly an honour. 

Congratulations to the amazing team of dedicated and passionate service providers at Spa Utopia North Vancouver! 



Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Introducing G Body Art


Talented and knowledgeable, Cheryl Sawyer, is a Makeup Artist at Spa Utopia in Langley. Cheryl is super excited to introduce a brand new body art service now available at all Spa Utopia locations! Our Makeup Artists have been trained and are now ready when you are to add a little fun to your personal style!

Here's what Cheryl has to say about this exciting new service:

Temporary glitter tattoos by G Body Art can look edgy or elegant – depending on the occasion.  With hundreds of stylish stencils to choose from, small, medium, and large designs can be custom tailored to fit anywhere on your body.  They only take minutes to apply and they actually last!  I’ve personally tested it out through workouts, showers, and even self-tanner applications and mine lasted for a week!

It’s a simple process: the stencil is placed directly on clean skin while a latex-free, hypoallergenic glue is brushed overtop.  The stencil is then removed and after about 30 seconds, the glitter is ready to be applied.  Triple-milled, beautiful, cosmetic grade glitter in every color of the rainbow gives you infinite design possibilities.  Once adhered, it shines with a diamond-like brilliance and has a surprisingly soft, cashmere feel on the skin, AND it’s waterproof! 

Watch the bride in this video as she gets a sparkling, wearable design for her wedding day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6rZWC-8PDY

We have the ability to create freehand and custom designs for our spa guests and I can tell you that this is going to be a cool, unique service to add on whether it’s just for fun or to add some dazzle and embellishment for a special event.  And, unlike real tattoos, this glitter body art requires no real commitment; it can easily be removed with a little baby oil or alcohol. We've been having fun experimenting with G Body Art on fellow co-workers, here's a look at some of our creations!


Summer is a great time to try this out when most of us bare
 a little more skin....so fun and pretty!



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Skin Tightening


Advanced trained Medical Skin Care Therapist, Darlene Markin, is passionate about Skin Tightening...and that's an understatement!

Darlene's spa guests have experienced amazing results from this non-surgical, safe and painless treatment....and that makes Darlene very, very happy! 

Here's what Darlene has to say about Skin Tightening:

As a Medical Skin Care Therapist, the single most asked question I hear is “How can I look younger?”  I have two words for you: “Skin Tightening”!   Skin Tightening is the ultimate and most effective treatment to restore your skin back to its youthful appearance, with little or no side effects for both women and men.  We are able to go to the depth of the skin’s collagen and elastin to denaturalize the targeted area. As the area heals, it stimulates even more collagen and elastin growth, giving your skin a tighter and fuller appearance. Treatable areas include; Face, Eye Zone, Neck, Jawline, Arms, Abdomen, Thighs and Buttocks. 

BEFORE
AFTER
You can expect to feel a warm sensation during the treatment and it can be quite relaxing.   Half way through, you will already begin to see and feel immediate results. You will love the way your skin looks immediately after, and over the next 2 to 3 weeks your skin will look better and better as it seems to be ‘turning back the clock’. In fact, after the treatment, you can expect to see progressive improvements for up to 6 months as the treatment continues to work.  Once your collagen and elastin has been restored, you’ll enjoy the effects of this treatment until natural aging occurs.  In fact, I have guests who no longer get Botox injections!  For prolonged benefits, your certified Medical Skin Care Therapist will educate you on how to care for your skin on a daily basis. 

At Spa Utopia we always aim to exceed your expectations. We are here to support your decision to look and feel better. Our team of certified Medical Skin Care Therapist’s will educate and encourage you to take care of your skin for prolonged benefits.

Darlene Markin is a certified Medical Skin Care Therapist at our Langley location. Book your complimentary consultation today at any Spa Utopia location to see if you are a safe candidate and if Skin Tightening can help you overcome troubled areas. 

For more information, FAQ's and pricing click here.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Happy 10th Anniversary Spa Utopia North Vancouver!

Wow, it's been 10 years since we opened the doors at our beautiful North Vancouver location!



Congratulations to the amazing and dedicated team of talented individuals who make up the Spa Utopia FAMILY at our stunning harbourside location.... many who have been with Spa Utopia since we opened on the North Shore.

We certainly wouldn't be here today without the support of our loyal spa guests. We know that there are many choices when it comes to booking your spa and salon treatments. We are absolutely grateful and honored that you choose to visit us when it comes to your health and well being.



 Happy 10th Anniversary Spa Utopia North Vancouver!




Thursday, May 9, 2013

Mom's the word

I came across these wonderful words many years ago, written by Shelagh Stanley. Each year, at this time, I bring it out and read it again... this year I thought I'd share it with you... I hope you enjoy it.

Remember how perfect your Mother was when you were little? She could do anything - tie your shoelaces, brush your hair without pulling it, show you how to print your name, even track down your lost mittens.

Full of hugs, kisses and patience, she answered all your questions, laughed at your antics, tucked you in just right, and let you eat lots of ice-cream when you were sick. She made the bogeyman go away, cried happy tears over your home-made Mother's Day card and topped your birthday cake with double-fudge frosting. She even made you believe you were pretty with your front teeth missing.

But by the time you became a teenager, Mom's halo had slipped a little. She used heavy words like "responsibility" and your lack of it. She was interested in what you were up to, but she more than occasionally fretted over your school work, your friends and your dates. Bouts of insomnia seemed to hit her every time you stayed out late at a party. You still had friendly chats, but bringing up Mom was getting to be a bit of a chore. How could you possibly relate to a person who wasn't into loud music and pizza? You still loved her but why was she the only Mom in the world who wouldn't let her 15-year-old go on an unchaperoned trip?

Then something amazing happened - Mom grew up. You probably didn't notice exactly when , you were too busy going to college, falling in love, starting a career and furnishing your first apartment. But one day you realized that you and your Mom suddenly had lots of things to discuss - job strategies, social issues, changing relationships and child-rearing. Not that the two of you have stopped disagreeing, but now your occasional spats aren't nearly so threatening. Yep, Mom's matured a whole bunch. 

Funny how the face of mother-child love changes. On Mother's Day we all feel like children again. No matter what our priorities and patterns are as adults, on Mother's Day we fondly remember found mittens, sleep lost and a mother's love that linked the two.

It's a good day to acknowledge that Mom will always walk the fine line between hanging on and letting go. So will we "kids".

Mother's Day at Spa Utopia is always special. We understand that your Mom means the world to you and we're honored that you've trusted us to take good care of her. Whether you're sending your mom to the spa, having tea with your Grandma or taking time to pick up the phone and call the special 'moms' in your life...remember, she's the glue...the super glue, the one that keeps it all together.

Happy Mother's Day.


Friday, March 8, 2013

...and the votes are in!

Spa Utopia was recently voted the Best Spa Facility on the North Shore in the 2013  Readers Choice Awards. We're honored to be chosen by the readers of the North Shore News - thank you to all who voted!  North Vancouver is an amazing community, with so much to offer and we're so proud to be a part of it.

Congratulations to the entire Spa Utopia North Vancouver team, this award belongs to each one of you for we all know that Spa Utopia is a beautiful, tranquil place but it's really the people who are the heart and soul of Spa Utopia.

Diane Yarnold, General Manager (left) Tom Mulligan, RMT/ Department Head (centre) Shirley Lim, Skin Care Therapist/Department Head (right)


And as if that news wasn't exciting enough, Spa Utopia at the Pan Pacific just received 1st place for BEST SPA in WE's Best of the City 16th Annual Reader's Choice Awards! This year more voters voted in this category than ever before, so this is truly an honor. A huge thank you to all who voted and congratulations to all winners in all categories.

Behind the stunning decor and the fresh, clean linens... beyond the healthy snacks and signature tea ... and over and above the top notch amenities including steam bath and relaxation lounges, there's an amazing team of caring, passionate individuals who make Spa Utopia the Best of the City. Congratulations to our Spa Utopia Pan Pacific team, this award belongs to you!



 
 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Family Day




At Spa Utopia we often hear the word FAMILY being used to describe the feelings we have toward our team members. We spend a lot of time together. We’re a diverse group of people who offer one another all the things that a FAMILY should;
 strength, support, advice, nourishment, friendship, love…

Your FAMILY may be near or far, large or small, boring,
 loud or crazy. You may be a single parent with teenagers
 or you may have a dog and a cat whom you consider your FAMILY
Perhaps you have a new born baby or an aging grandparent
 that you've been aching to spend precious time with.

FAMILIES are great…they’re the glue, the ‘super’ glue that
 keeps us all connected, through thick and thin. 

All Spa Utopia locations will be closed on Monday February 11th, 2013 to celebrate BC's first official Family Day Holiday

Whatever your FAMILY looks like, we hope you take time to enjoy 
your day and the people in your life!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Happy New Year DREAM TEAM!



WOW…what a way to kick start a new year!

The energy in the spas this week is incredible! Our Managers, Skin Care Therapists, Make Up Artists and Hair Designers  have just completed an intensive and all-inspiring, knock your socks off CHAMP CAMP with the awesome, dedicated coaches from Inspiring Champions.( Lauren, Lance, Heather, Rachaun and Paul..."we love you guys" - welcome to our family!)

It was an amazing 3 days, with over 100 Spa Utopia super stars! We poured our hearts out, dug deep inside our souls, found meaning and inspiration, shared stories, struggles and frustrations…..we teamed up, offered support and gained strength and confidence from each other. We cried and we laughed, we stumbled and we DANCED… and we barely slept, if at all!
  
I sensed a common, burning desire from everyone who attended the camp - and that is to deliver an unforgettable spa experience to each and every guest…to lead and live a balanced and happy life, to be present and enjoy the moment, to be accountable, passionate and committed.

Each team member at Spa Utopia has a story and a dream. They’ve earned their wings and now it’s time to fly!

We’re so excited for our Massage Therapy teams to go through Champ Camp this week, followed by our Guest Services Representatives at the end of February!

Happy New Year DREAM TEAM!