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 11^th, 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!

Spa Utopia Canada Day Body Exfoliation Special

Although the weather's been more reminiscent of early spring, summer will soon arrive in all her skin-baring glory. Will you be ready?

One of the first things we think of in summer is a tan. Since we all understand that tanning is bad for the skin, most often, we'll go-for-the-faux with a self-tanner like St. Tropez. Others will spring for a St. Tropez instant tan, professionally applied at one of our three locations.  Unfortunately, no tan will look good if your skin is rough, thickened or flaky, which is why exfoliation is so very important.

Of course, some people prefer their natural skin colour, and simply want their skin to look soft and youthful with even tone and colour.

For your skin to look its best, it is very important to exfoliate, and here's where Spa Utopia can help. In recognition of Canada Day, we are offering our Spa Utopia Body Scrub & Polish or Canadian Treasures Exfoliation (40 minutes) PLUS a litre of Spa Utopia Rosemary Mint Body Lotion with pure essential oils! (This represents a total retail value of $136.98, but in celebration of or great country, we're offering this to you for a total of $82.90 - a 40% saving.) But hurry, this special offer is only available until midnight of Thursday June 30th.

Spa Utopia Body Scrub & Polish

Relax completely as we apply a mixture of pumice, hemp oil and moor mud, enriched with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils to your skin. This invigorating treatment helps stimulate blood circulation and promotes skin regeneration by reducing the build-up of dead skin cells. Your body  will be polished velvety smooth and you'll feel energized and refreshed.


Spa Utopia Canadian Treasures Exfoliation

Utilizing Canada's incredible natural resources, this treatment helps remove dead skin cells to reveal the healthy luminous skin beneath. Glacial mineral water assists with hydration and  gel cleanser derived from glacial clay helps exfoliate the skin while eliminating impurities. Deeply hydrating multiactive Seaweed Butter derived from Canadian shores finishes this treatment, helping to restore skin's natural health and beauty. 

This relaxing treatment truly showcases Canada's natural resources for health and wellness.

After your treatment, you'll love using our Spa Utopia Rosemary Mint Body Lotion to maintain your silky smooth skin! The ultimate skincare luxury, this lotion is rich in moisturizing ingredients to leave you soft and hydrated. With a base of silky shea butter and coconut oil, our Rosemary Mint Body Lotion nourishes all skin types and is excellent for the hands and feet as well.

You can read more about Spa Utopia body exfoliation treatments here. Watch your inbox for our special celebration of Canada offer, or call any of our locations to book.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

The Beauty of Medical Esthetics at Spa Utopia

Did you know that Medi-Spa treatments are among the many popular beauty-enhancing services available from Spa Utopia?

Our Medical Esthetics Photo Therapy treatments include Photo Rejuvenation, Skin Tightening and Laser Hair Removal. All treatments are administered by our highly skilled Medical Skin Care Therapists, who have received comprehensive training from medical practitioners for these advanced technologies. In addition, each has successfully completed our extensive in-house training requirements and is committed to ensuring a successful and safe outcome for your procedure/s.

For all three therapies (which are available to men and women), you will be required to have a prior consultation with a Spa Utopia Medical Skin Care Therapist. The nominal fee for this consultation is applied to your subsequent treatment/s.

Photo Rejuvenation

Photo Rejuvenation or Broad Band Light™ Therapy (BBL) allows the Medical Skin Care Therapist to precisely treat fine wrinkles, age and sun spots, small facial veins (capillaries), and rosacea.

During your initial consultation, you will receive an indepth analysis of your skin and may also have a photograph taken with a UV camera. This highly specialized photography provides details of damage to the skin caused by the sun, and which may not be visible to the naked eye. Your treatment will be tailored to suit your skin's condition and your desired results.

BBL therapy delivers pulsed light onto the skin which gently heats it. The heat is absorbed by the targeted cells, encouraging collagen production and destroying the melanin that causes hyperpigmentation and age spots. Small capillaries are gently, but effectively eliminated. The flushing associated with rosacea is also effectively reduced through BBL treatment. These targeted treatments are achieved through the use of different filters.

You can read more about Photo Rejuvenation here.

BBL treatment is available at our Langley and North Vancouver locations.

Skin Tightening

Now you can have visibly smoother, tauter skin, without the discomfort or downtime of surgery. Skin-Tyte™ is an advanced, light-based system that specifically targets the cells of the dermis, and recaptures the firmness associated with youthful skin.

Fast and gentle, Skin Tyte™ delivers light energy (heat) to the dermis through a specific filter while keeping the surface of the skin cool. The energy absorbed by the targeted area stimulates your skin to increase collagen production. The collagen fibers continue to strengthen after your treatment and you will see improved results over the months ahead.

You can read more about Skin Tightening here.

Skin Tightening is available at both our Langley and North Vancouver locations.

Laser Hair Removal

Imagine never having to shave, wax, tweeze, or apply messy creams again! If you want a smooth, sleek, hair-free body, all of the time, then laser hair removal may be the perfect option for you.

Our LightSheer™ diode laser system is the recognized gold standard in laser hair removal. This exciting technology offers a long-lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, back, legs, bikini line or any other body area. The LightSheer™ is non-invasive, gentle on sensitive areas like the lip and underarms, and effectively treats unwanted hair on all skin types, including ethnic and dark complexions.

The LightSheer™ works by sending pulses of light to the hair follicles, where natural pigments absorb the light. This destroys the existing hair and inhibits regrowth. At the same time, the surface of your skin is kept cool and comfortable. Most people achieve permanent hair reduction and clinical studies show that if some hairs do return, they are typically lighter and less dense than prior to laser treatment. LightSheer™ treatments are tolerated very well, and you can generally return to work and resume all regular activities immediately.

You can read more about Laser Hair Removal here.

Laser Hair Removal is available at our Langley and North Vancouver location.

A word about photo aging...

A Photo Rejuvenation or Skin Tightening treatment at Spa Utopia will help restore your skin to a more youthful appearance, and encourage fresh collagen production. However, the best way to "treat" skin aging is to prevent it in the first place! A good sun protection program, strictly adhered to, will prevent sun damage (photo aging) such as wrinkling and age spots—and, if you have had a photo therapy treatment, will ensure the results last as long as possible).

Spa Utopia carries some of the most advanced sun protection products available—and every one of them is a pleasure to use, unlike many sun-protection creams and lotions. If you are going on a sunny vacation, or spend a lot of time outdoors, you may wish to invest in Pro-Derm™ sunscreen with an SPF of 60. This highly specialized formulation is moisturizing, non-greasy, and contains no unpleasant chemicals. (Many savvy women use this formula daily on their hands, to prevent tell-tale signs of aging such as brown spots.)

Shop online for Pro-Derm™ products here.

For daily prevention of sun damage, you may also want to use Jane Iredale mineral makeup with an SPF of 20—a popular choice among women who want to protect their skin against sun damage while avoiding the chemicals often present in sunscreens.

For more information on Medical Esthetic treatments at Spa Utopia, please contact our Langley location at  604-539-8772 or North Vancouver location at 604-980-3977 for information and booking for any of the three treatments. Please remember that prior to any treatment, you will be asked to book a consultation with a Medical Skin Care Therapist.

Will you be a bride this summer?

Will you be taking that magical walk down the aisle this summer? If so, you're probably as busy as can be with organizing all that has to be done for your very special day. 

Unfortunately, many brides-to-be become so caught up with all the selecting, ordering and other activities that take place before the wedding date that they forget to take a little time off to ensure they are both beautiful and relaxed-looking on the day they say "I do."  As a result, the feet that slip into those oh-so-pretty pumps are often less soft than desirable, and facial skin might be reflecting the stress they are experiencing.

So for all those soon-to-be brides, here's a list of services/treatments you might want to book before your

wedding.

A Spa Utopia pedicure. 

If your feet are still suffering from a long spring spent in boots, they will likely benefit from a pedicure now and every three weeks or so until just before your wedding day. If the wet weather persists, be sure to wear thin socks to keep them from rubbing on the inside of boots and developing calluses or corns.

Choose from our Utopia™ Signature pedicure, Classic Express pedicure or Exclusive Utopia™ pedicure with paraffin infusion mask.

Utopia™ Signature Pedicure:

Our Signature Pedicure is designed with precise toenail, cuticle and sole grooming care. A mineral salt exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and remineralize the skin, promoting hydration. A slow comforting foot and leg massage will assist with dissolving bridal stress and tension. Toenails are either polished or buffed to finish.

Exclusive Utopia Pedicure:

A blend of alphahydroxy acids work to exfoliate and soften the skin and a hand massage helps you relax fully. You will enjoy precise toenail, cuticle and sole grooming care as well as a leg treatment to increase circulation and give you a light and fresh sensation. This is followed by a tension-relieving massage from the foot to the knee. Afterwards, you will further benefit from a PerfectSense paraffin infusion mask and your toenails will be polished or buffed for a flawless finish.

Classic Express Pedicure:
Our classic pedicure allows you to benefit from foot grooming essentials. Your toenails, cuticles and soles
are cared for with detailed grooming that promotes good health. You will enjoy a light application of  foot mousse for exceptional hydration. Your pedicure will end with a refined polish or buff.

You can read more about our pedicures here.


A Spa Utopia facial

When you are stressed, your skin can become extra sensitive to breakouts. (It's why we always seem to develop the world's worst blemish before a hot date.) A facial can help calm your skin, and encourage a beautiful radiance on your wedding day.

Designed for U Facial:
Choose between our 50 minute Classic Facial and 75 minute
Exclusive Facial.

Designed For U Classic facial therapies target skin health. Soft essences provide sensorial escapes. A personalized skin care therapy plan is designed for continued care.

Designed for U Exclusive facial therapies rebalance your skin, promoting wellness with detailed attention. Massage for the face, neck and décolleté, and calming scalp/foot massage techniques induce a feeling of tranquility. We complement this facial with a skin care therapy plan specifically designed for continued care.

Utopia™ Signature Facial with PerfectSense paraffin infusion hand mask
Our signature 75-minute facial uses heated gem stones and Japanese facial therapy techniques to increase blood circulation. This increases the health of your skin and releases muscle tension to help you fully relax. As a result, your skin will better absorb and utilize the many skin-perfecting ingredients in the high quality products used during this highly beneficial facial. As a bonus, your hands will be treated to a PerfectSense paraffin infusion.

Designed for U Anti-Aging Facial
This 75-minute facial begins with an analysis of the skin to determine how best to tailor a combination of products to provide your skin with the biggest anti-aging impact possible. Our careful choice of highly effective products will help provide deeper exfoliation, lessening of wrinkle depth, firmer skin tissue, clarity of complexion, and reduced discolouration of the skin.

You can read more about our facials here.


A specialized Spa Utopia back treatment

Does your wedding dress have a low back? If so, you'll want the skin of your back to look perfect. (In fact, you'll want it to look perfect even if your dress isn't low...)

A Spa Utopia Back Zone Care treatment will provide you with 50 minutes of  relaxation as your back—an area that is difficult to reach and care for—receives a gentle exfoliation that helps remove the build-up of dead skin cells. Ocean nutrients and minerals help eliminate toxins and soothe any irritation while promoting beautiful skin clarity.

You can read more about this treatment here.


A relaxing Spa Utopia massage

Admit it. Although you're loving planning and preparing for your big day, you're also stressed—and stress just isn't good for you.

To alleviate pre-wedding stressors, Spa Utopia offers a number of relaxing massage treatments that will reduce anxiety and foster peace of mind.

Our massage/body treatments include:

Utopia™ Royal Massage
A 100-minute "royal" treatment, this Swedish massage includes warm towel wipes that increase circulation to the skin, warm stones placed on the back that provide deep penetrating heat to back muscles, steam to the face and scalp to calm common tension areas and a relaxation massage that pays extra attention to the face, scalp and feet in order to ease achy muscles, reduce anxiety and give you a calm peace of mind.

Utopia™ Siesta Massage
This 75-minute full body Swedish massage session uses our signature Siesta Massage oil blend, and prepares you for a restful and restorative sleep. Gentle soothing techniques, hypnotic fragrances, and a relaxing face and scalp massage quieten the mind.

Utopia™ Signature Massage
During this popular 75-minute massage, hot stones warm the tissues, warm towels stimulate circulation and a unique foot massage helps relax tired, achy muscles. You'll relax deeply as essential aroma-oil blends and your therapist's gently soothing hands will leave you feeling renewed and ready to face the day.

You can read about these, and other Spa Utopia massages including our super-relaxing Aromatherapy massages here.


The Universal Contour Wrap

If shaping up fast is in your plans, you'll be thrilled with the long-lasting results of the Universal Contour Wrap.

A unique and effective blend of mineral rich clay and specific body wrapping techniques help cleanse and detoxify your body while actively compressing soft fatty tissues to create instant and lasting inch loss. While wrapped, you'll relax with a cleanse, exfoliation and massage for the face plus a soothing scalp massage.

Eliminating toxins is a great way to kick start a dietary change or maintain a healthy body. Plan ahead and prepare your body for your wedding day.

This wrap is scientifically proven for instant inch loss. We guarantee you will lose at least 6" from your first treatment or have nothing to pay and providing you do not put on weight we guarantee you will sustain at least a 6" loss for a minimum of 30 days or receive a free treatment. (Double guarantee only applies to your first full body wrap. After wrap instructions must be followed in full for guarantee to be valid.)




Although Spa Utopia cannot personally handle all those little details associated with the planning and preparation for your wedding, we can help you handle them, by providing treatments to increase relaxation and calm. Closer to that magical day, we can help you and your family and friends prepare by sharing time together during a Spa Utopia The Picture Perfect Bridal Party package or you alone during our The Beautiful Bride package.


You can read more about our Special Occasion packages here.

For more information, or to book any of these treatments, please contact your local Spa Utopia, or book conveniently online.

Mother's Day ideas from Spa Utopia

Is there anyone who deserves to be more recognized for all she does than a mother? Whether she be your own mother, a family member who is also a mom, a mom-to-be, a mom-in-law or simply someone who "has always been a mom" to you, that special lady will likely spend much of her time in "giving mode." This Mother's Day, it's time to show her how very much she is appreciated by giving something very special to her!

Most moms agree that feeling pampered for a few hours is even better than the customary Mother's Day gifts of flowers or chocolates. After all, pampering is something most mothers don't have time to experience during their busy schedules. 
Moms-to-be need that special time for themselves too. Pregnancy is both a joyful time and a tiring time as moving around with ease becomes more difficult. (Moms-to-be in their last trimester love a pedicure because reaching those toes is no longer an easy task with a baby bump in the way!)

To help you find the perfect gift for the mother/s in your life, Spa Utopia offers a number of treatments specifically for moms-to-be and new moms, as well as for "established" mothers and grandmothers. Also popular for Mother's Day is the Spa Utopia gift certificate, beautifully enclosed in a signature red envelope. (Pick up at any Spa Utopia location or buy online and request delivery) or the Spa Utopia Gift Card, with personalized photo. Just upload your photo here, choose a value, and we'll create the card for you.)

Here are our suggestions for Mother's Day:

Spa Utopia Classic Escape package

Our most popular package (approximately 2½ hours) includes:

• 50-minute Classic Swedish Full Body Massage
• 50-minute Designed for U Facial
• 50-minute Classic Express Pedicure

Read more about it here.


Spa Utopia Pregnancy Massage

For that special mom-to-be.

A massage designed for specific stages of pregnancy, with specific exercises and techniques to promote the health and stability of her body as it adjusts to all those wonderful changes!

You can read more about it here.


Spa Utopia Spa 2-gether

Enjoy special time together as you are treated to side-by-side treatments for two. This package includes:

• Two 50-minute Classic Swedish Massages
• Two 50-minute Classic Express Pedicures

You can read more about this popular package here.

Spa Utopia Indulgence

The ultimate luxury package for Mom lasts approximately 7 hours, during which she will enjoy:

•75-minute Aromatherapy Designed for U Massage
•75-minute Utopia™ Signature Facial
•75-minute Exclusive Pedicure with Paraffin Treatment
•Shampoo, Expressions Treatment & Instructional Style
•Spa Lunch

You can read more about this very special package here.

Spa Utopia Spa Royale

Approximately 7 hours of  pure bliss, including:

• 100-minute Utopia™ Royal Hydrotherapy Session
• 75-minute Exclusive Facial
• 75-minute Exclusive Pedicure with Paraffin Treatment
• Shampoo, Deep Treatment and Instructional Style
• Professional Makeup Application
• Spa Lunch

During her visit to Spa Utopia, the very special mom in your life will change into a snuggly white robe, sip a complimentary beverage of her choice— perhaps our signature Rooibos Cocktail— and put her feet up before enjoying the relaxing Spa Utopia treatment or package you have given her. She'll be pampered and cared for in that unique Spa Utopia way that says, "Thank you for being such a wonderful presence in my life."

Comment on this post this week for your chance to win a Spa Utopia Classic Escape package for the special mother in your life!

Oops! Find yourself with too little time to arrange a Mother's Day gift? Why not purchase a Spa Utopia Instant Gift Certificate? Simply choose from a selection of templates and include a special message, then email or print instantly. 

To book any of these packages, or to purchase a gift card or certificate, please visit one of our three spa locations, or visit the Spa Utopia website.

Spa Utopia salon director stylist, James Riyad, takes Allilon course

Spa Utopia and Salon stylist, James Riyad, has just returned from a 10-day training course at the prestigious Allilon centre in London, England.

Founded in 2008, Allilon (the name  is ancient Greek for one another) specializes in producing educational hair shows and seminars exploring shape and form in haircutting techniques. The company is now recognized as the premier venue in Europe for those wishing to finely hone their skills in cutting edge hair design.

Photographs courtesy of James Riyad

For James, who is already a talented hair designer, and director of Spa Utopia salon, the 10-day intensive course provided enhanced understanding of the role each single hair has to play in the finished cut and style. "It all breaks down to math, geometry and  precision," he explains. "We are creating a shape that must look natural on a rounded object—the head—and this requires both understanding the principles of geometry and using one's innate creative flair. The result is a cut and style that not only looks spectacular, but functions as a whole because each individual hair has its job to do in the creation of shape and form."

The training course  featured one-on-one training with Allilon's famed designers, an experience James found both challenging and enjoyable.



Photograph courtesy of James Riyad




















James is excited at the prospect of using his newly acquired knowledge to create stunning precision cuts for his clients. You may book an appointment with James at the Spa Utopia and Salon North Vancouver or Langley locations by calling directly: 604 539-8772 (Langley) or 604 980-3922 (North Vancouver).

Vancouver: Spa Utopia introduces the Universal Contour Wrap for men and women!

If someone told you you could lose 20 to 30 inches in only 30 days, we're guessing you'd be hard pressed to believe them, yet this remarkable loss is now possible through the Universal™ Contour Wrap, available at Spa Utopia.

Already available in over 1000 UK spas and beloved of celebrities including Paula Abdul and Miss Canada (2009), Shannon Smadella, the Universal™ Contour Wrap is the inch loss treatment that guarantees you will  lose at least 6 inches in just two hours. (Most people lose between 10 and 14 inches.) This makes it perfect when you have to shape up for that special occasion! Best of all, the wrap does not rely on water loss to achieve its amazing results. The inches are guaranteed to stay off for at least 30 days* so that you can be confident that your fabulous new shape will remain long after you leave our spa.

The Universal™ Contour Wrap delivers more than sensational inch loss: the unique clay formula and special wrapping techniques also tone and tighten your body while exfoliating and cleansing the skin so that you'll both look and feel fabulous after just one treatment.

Special occasions or just to stay in shape

If you have a special occasion coming up, a Universal™ Contour Wrap treatment will quickly provide the results you're looking for. Many men and women have the treatment to kick start a weight management plan, and others to target a few stubborn inches.

How does it work?

The Universal™ Contour Wrap was developed  by Dr. Richard Strem, following extensive research into beneficial minerals used in spa treatments. After your measurements are taken, you will be wrapped in 30 or so elasticated bandages that have been soaked in a warm, mineral-rich clay solution. Your Spa Utopia technician will focus on the areas that most need tightening and toning, such as the thighs and buttocks for women and stomach and love handles for men.

The combination of clay and bandages help detoxify and tighten loose tissue, while compacting the areas where fat is stored. (As the bandages sculpt and tone your body, the minerals are absorbed into your skin and the clay draws out toxins.) The wrap also revitalizes the body's elastin leaving your body more toned and with measurable inch loss not attributable to loss of water. (In fact you are encouraged to drink water afterwards to lose even more inches following your treatment.)

How long does it take?

Application of the Universal™ Contour Wrap takes less than 45 minutes, after which you can relax for an hour or so while the treatment takes effect. During this relaxation time, your technician will ask you to choose a Spa Utopia Aromasoul essence to enhance your sensory experience, then cleanse and exfoliate your face and provide an enjoyable face and scalp massage. Following removal of the wraps, you will be given a fluffy robe, and spend 15 minutes in our lounge area while your skin naturally dries. (There is no need to shower following the treatment as the clay leaves the skin cleansed and feeling pleasantly smooth.) Next, you will return to the treatment room to be remeasured—and your dramatic inch loss revealed!

Who is the ideal candidate?

You are an ideal candidate for The Universal™ Contour Wrap if:

- you want immediate results for a special occasion or vacation

- you have loose skin following pregnancy or weight loss

- you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks

- you have a problem area that needs a little help

- you're wanting to kick-start a weight management program

- you've "fallen off the exercise wagon" and want incentive to get back on track.


We at Spa Utopia are excited to be able to offer this exceptional treatment to our spa guests and look forward as much as you will to seeing your results. Although significant loss of inches is achieved (and guaranteed*) during your first treatment, many people feel that the most dramatic changes become apparent after the third treatment. To book your Universal™ Contour Wrap treatment, please contact your local Spa Utopia. You may read more about the treatment here.

* The Universal™ Contour Wrap is scientifically proven for instant inch loss. We guarantee you will lose at least 6" from your first treatment or have nothing to pay and, providing you do not put on weight, we guarantee you will sustain at least a 6” loss for a minimum of 30 days or receive a free treatment.**

** Double guarantee only applies to your first full body wrap.  After wrap instructions provided by your technician must be followed in full for guarantee to be valid. 

Coming soon to a Spa Utopia near you: The Universal Contour Wrap

Yes, the rumours are indeed true! Spa Utopia is about to introduce the Universal™ Contour Wrap to all three spa locations.

As soon as we posted this on our website under "new services" the phone started ringing! And no wonder. This sought-after wrap guarantees a loss of a minimum 6" after your first treatment.* What's more, that isn't water loss, and you are encouraged to drink more water afterwards to help keep your body free of toxins.

The Universal™ Contour Wrap really is the "best kept secret" of the stars, and now it can be your secret too. So just keep watching our website, blog, Facebook and Twitter announcements as to when the treatment will be available.

p.s. Rumour also has it that we'll be launching the Universal™ Contour Wrap with a special introductory offer, so please keep your eyes and ears peeled. With those phones already ringing, we're anticipating a lot of interest...

** The Universal™ Contour Wrap is scientifically proven for instant inch loss. We guarantee you will lose at least 6" from your first treatment or have nothing to pay and, providing you do not put on weight, we guarantee you will sustain at least a 6” loss for a minimum of 30 days or receive a free treatment.**


** Double guarantee only applies to your first full body wrap. After wrap instructions provided by your technician must be followed in full for guarantee to be valid.

It's almost Spring and time for a pedicure at Spa Utopia!

The clocks have been put forward, winter boots are on sale, and all the pretty sandals will soon be flooding stores in the Lower Mainland. Will your feet be ready?

Nothing says "Spring!" like the first pedicure of the year and, after a season of being stuck inside socks and heavy footwear, your feet will be more than grateful.

Although our genes are primarily responsible for the size and shape of our feet, taking good care of them contributes greatly to their overall appearance and appeal. A less-than-perfectly shaped foot can look more aesthetically pleasing when well cared for, than one that is dainty but dry-looking, rough and calloused.

To help your feet look fabulous for their springtime debut, Spa Utopia offers three pedicures: the Classic Express, Signature, and Exclusive.

The Classic Express 50-minute pedicure concentrates on foot essentials, including detailed grooming of the toenails, cuticles and soles, to promote good health. A light application of foot mousse to hydrate winter-dry feet is followed with CHI ceramic nail lacquer (see below) or a buffing.

Our very popular 60-minute Signature pedicure provides detailed grooming, with a mineral salt exfoliation to reveal fresher skin and promote hydration. This is followed by a relaxing foot and leg massage, and the application of CHI ceramic nail lacquer, or buffing.

Spa guest Adrianna enjoys a pedicure with Mila

The 75-minute Exclusive pedicure provides the same detailed grooming, in addition to the application of alphahydroxy acids to dissolve and remove the dead skin that tends to build up around the sides and on the soles of the feet. Following a special leg treatment and foot-to-knee tension-relieving massage, your feet further benefit from a PerfectSense paraffin infusion mask, before your toenails are treated to CHI ceramic nail lacquer, or buffed.

A PerfectSense paraffin infusion mask may be added to the Classic Express and Signature pedicures (and is included in the Exclusive pedicure). The mask comprises medical grade paraffin, with multiple minerals and 11 vitamins, and invigorating essences of eucalyptus, mandarin, orange, spearmint and peppermint. The mask increases hydration and helps ease tired and achy joints, and is a much-loved part of Spa Utopia pedicures and manicures.

Why CHI ceramic nail lacquer?
Spa Utopia believes that, not only must a nail polish look good on your toes, it must also maintain them in the best of health. Our entire pedicure procedure is governed by the strictest attention to hygiene and sanitation, and this includes the very last detail: nail polish!  CHI is available in a wide array of colours and finishes, and is free from harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene and DPB. It is durable and long lasting, due to the inclusion of Ceramic 44, and contains silk for brilliant shine. Nano silver has been added to the formula to protect against bacteria and fungi. (Best of all, it will look stunning on your toes...)

Stop Press! Spa Utopia now has CHI Spring Collection, Secret Fantasy. Colours shown are - Sunny Romance of Saint Tropez, Salsalita Y Margarita, My Secret Fetish, Passionate Kiss, Picnic in Central Park, Double Fisted Fucshia, In Between the Sheets, and Midnight Rendezvous.

Of course, you can purchase CHI nail polish and treatments from the retail store at Spa Utopia and through our Online Store.

A full complement of foot care products
We at Spa Utopia pride ourselves on bringing to you some of the best foot care treatments available today. These include moisturizers and specialized treatments by FootLogix (the brand we use during our pedicure services). So whether you have dry feet with cracked heels, need an anti-fungal treatment for under and around the nails, or simply want a targeted treatment to keep your feet well moisturized, we have you covered!  FootLogix products are available in our retail stores and Online Store. (A 10% discount will apply to any FootLogix product purchased through our online shopping cart up until March 31. Please use promo code FOOT10.)

To book a spring pedicure, please contact your local Spa Utopia, or alternatively book online using our convenient booking service.

Behind the Scenes at Spa Utopia #1: Our Linens Department is a busy place!

Spa Utopia linen delivery vans are kept busy


With close to 10,000 spa guests a month, in addition to guests of our two Utopia Academy locations, Spa Utopia requires a lot of freshly laundered linens. Our Linens Department is therefore a very busy place! Laundering an average 195,000 pounds of towels, robes, wraps and other linens from three spa locations and two Utopia Academy campuses every month means the staff of 12—including Linens Manager Anne—are kept busy sorting, laundering and folding all the linens that help keep our spa guests warm, dry and comfortable.


Linens Manager Anne with Spa Utopia Body Wraps

The day begins at 7 a.m., when four staff members are met with close to 165 bags of used linens from all five locations. Then begins the busy task of sorting the linens for one location at a time, using colour coding to ensure that the linens are not mixed up. (This is important because spa robes often contain personal items that a guest has inadvertently left in a pocket and we want to make sure we return these safely to the correct location.) The laundry is in full operation seven days a week.


Five washers have a combined capacity of 375 pounds

Next, the linens are pre-treated with special solutions that remove all the soil gathered in the course of a spa day, such as essential oils, mud, seaweed, tea or coffee stains, and shea butter. After this, they're placed in one of five industrial washers with capacities as great as 100 pounds. The detergents and bleach/other treatments are dispensed via tubing, and customized to each load. (We wouldn't want the luxurious black towels used by our Utopia hair salons to be bleached like our face cloths!) After washing and drying, the linens are inspected, folded and counted before being sealed in bio-degradable plastic bags and placed in bins for their return journey. Washing so much linen requires a lot of cleaning solutions/detergents—approximately 480 litres a month. The daily lint accumulation from so much laundry is enough to stuff several cushions.

Folding and bagging clean linens

And just what are those objects spa guests most commonly leave in the pockets of their microfleece robes?  Linens Manager Anne has a smile when she answers. Lacy underthings are common, as are cellphones and Blackberries, jewellery (including engagement rings and diamond necklaces), hair elastics, tea bags and a variety of nuts and dried fruits. "We have to make sure that every pocket of every robe is turned inside out and carefully inspected," she explains. "Not only do we find items that could stain linens in the wash, but also tiny stud earrings and other jewellery pieces that can easily get caught in seams. We can't be too careful."
 

Clean and cozy, Spa Utopia robes are ready for their homeward journey


Retweet this: I want to win a microfibre robe from @spautopia so I can snuggle up and relax at home in style! or leave your comment below for a chance to WIN a super cozy microfibre Spa Utopia robe.

...OR, you can order yours today from our on-line shopping cart and SAVE 25% ( online offer only, while supplies last).

Making a difference: Sarah donates her hair

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child." * Forest E. Witcraft (1894 - 1967)

Making a difference in the life of a child is of utmost importance to Camosun College student, Sarah, pictured here with Mot, hair designer at Spa Utopia and Salon's Pan Pacific location. Sarah is passionate about helping people and making a difference—especially to the lives of children. She believes in miracles, and that we can create them for ourselves and for others. Sarah's desire to make a difference came into play recently when she decided to donate her long, shiny hair to make one or more wigs for children who have lost their hair as a result of medical treatment.

The haircutting event took place early February at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, where four REALTORS® with RE/MAX—John Dick - Okatoks, Margaret O’Connor - Okatoks, Christine Chorney - Edmonton and Sharon Black - Kelowna—held an event prior to the RE/MAX of Western Canada Convention, to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital, in association with the Children's Miracle Network.

First, Mot divided Sarah's hair into ponytails to make sure the donated hair was at least the minimum length of 10". Then with a few careful snips, and a lot of supportive cheers, Sarah's donation was complete.

  

Not so for her hairstyle, however! The following day, Sarah was invited to Spa Utopia and Salon, where Mot cut and designed Sarah's hair into a stylish textured shag, which she'll be showing off at her upcoming wedding.

Spa Utopia would like to congratulate all who took part in this worthwhile event, and especially to Sarah, whose generosity of spirit will surely take her very far and bring many positive changes in the lives of others.

* Original quote, "...because I was important in the life of a boy," has been changed over time to include both sexes. Forest E. Witcraft was a respected Boy Scout leader, who wrote the essay Within My Power, in which this quote first appeared.

    

Spa Utopia and Salon welcomes new and talented hair designers

Spa Utopia and Salon is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for those "in the know." Due to the growing demand for our cutting, styling and colour services, we have recently welcomed new stylists to our North Vancouver and Langley salons. As regular salon guests already know, all our stylists are licensed professionals with advanced training and many have won awards for their excellence in all aspects of hair design. Our dedicated designers have also successfully completed  Spa Utopia’s in-house training, to ensure the exceptional service and care you can expect when visiting one of our salon locations. Each designer is committed to advanced education in colouring, cutting and chemical applications to ensure our guests enjoy the most current and fashion forward hair trends.

We warmly welcome to our Langley location: Master Designers Jay and Charlene, Senior Designer Bernadine, and Designers Jaclyn and Claudia.

...and to our North Vancouver location:  Master Designers Andrew (Salon Department Head), Nancy and Chris, and Senior Designers Stephanie and Jessica.

Our new stylists are looking forward to attending to your specific hair-care and styling needs. We are therefore offering a 30% discount on bookings with specific stylists for a limited time, to allow you to meet and experience our very talented hair experts.

At Spa Utopia and Salon we pride ourselves on providing an unmatched cut/styling/colour experience, along with all the little extras that make your visit memorable. Our guests are provided with complimentary beverages, and enjoy a scalp massage and makeup touch-up, if desired, as part of their service. Spa Utopia and Salon locations are open seven days a week and some evenings (please check with your local salon or our website for hours of operation).

For more information on the many specialized services offered at our salon locations, please visit the Spa Utopia website.

Utopia Academy offers new part time Medical Esthetics Laser Hair Removal program

Keeping up with all the advances in beauty treatments can be daunting! Magazines, TV news spots, and Internet forums all provide the education and desire in beauty-conscious women—and men—to look their very best, using the very latest techniques and technology.

Laser Hair Removal is growing in popularity as more and more women desire petal-soft skin free from stubble or having to let their hairs grow 1/4" or so before waxing. As a result, skilled estheticians who can perform Laser Hair Removal are more in demand than ever and enjoy increased earnings potential.

If you are a licensed esthetician or nurse interested in learning the technique of Laser Hair Removal, you may be interested to know of  Utopia Academy's new part-time Medical Esthetics Laser Hair Removal program.

The program will provide you with comprehensive information the practical skills to perform safe and effective permanent hair reduction treatments on the face and body.

The 32-hour Laser Hair Removal training course is hands on and provides learning in a structured yet fun environment. Utopia Academy's esthetics programs are fully accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Association (PCTIA). Start dates for the program are April, May, October and November.

For more details on how you can become fully proficient in laser hair removal and benefit from the growing demand and increased earning potential for estheticians/nurses with this skill, please check out the Utopia Academy website.

Your Future Awaits: Make 2011 the year you start a rewarding career through Utopia Academy

Utopia Academy would like to ask a very important question at the start of this new year. Are you passionate about what you do for a living?  Many men and women know exactly what they want to do, and are already on the right path to achieving their career goals. An equal number (if not more) are unsure of what they want, or feel "stuck" in a position that fails to inspire them.

If you are one of these people, and you know you want to interact with others as you help them achieve their health, wellness and beauty goals, Utopia Academy is the gateway to your future...

Choose from a career as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), an esthetician or hair stylist and begin your journey to a rewarding future at Utopia Academy.

Faculty of Massage Therapy

The Registered Massage Therapy program at our Vancouver Campus is fully accredited by both the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. and the Private Career Training Institutions Agency.

Massage therapists are in great demand. With a 93% pass rate and 95% student employment, Utopia Academy is established as the leader in massage therapy training.

With smaller class sizes, a convenient Vancouver location, and experienced instructors, Utopia Academy is the perfect choice to start your career in Massage Therapy.

You can read  more about Utopia Academy's Faculty of Massage Therapy here. Government funding may be available for qualifying students.

Faculty of Esthetics

Utopia Academy's Faculty of Esthetics in Abbotsford, BC, is the training ground for an exciting career as an esthetician. As a student, you will learn in a small group under guided supervision to gain hands-on experience that both inspires confidence and ensures professionalism.

Esthetics is a rapidly growing sector of the health and beauty industry, and qualified estheticians are always in demand to help people look and feel their very best.

Start on the path to success by enrolling in Utopia Academy’s Esthetics Program today, and in six months you can be well on your way to a bright future. Our Advanced Esthetic Program gives students a solid foundation with the necessary studies of regular esthetics and 50% more of advanced theory and practical applications. This will prepare you for a solid start in the cosmetology industry. The full-time Esthetics Program consists of 900 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks, or approximately 6 months.

You can read more about Utopia Academy's Faculty of Esthetics here. Government funding may be available for qualifying students.

Faculty of Hair Design

For many men and women, a career as a top-notch hair stylist is the ultimate dream. Now you can learn hair design at one of the most prestigious schools in Western Canada.

Utopia Academy's Faculty of Hair Design in Abbotsford graduates students with a solid basis in the fundamentals of hair art, science and design. Our program exceeds industry standards for hair stylists, and teaches essential business, technical and academic skills to ensure your success. Well respected by top salon owners and hair stylists, our faculty of experienced and friendly professionals can start you on the path to a rewarding and lucrative career that you'll truly love.

You can read more about Utopia Academy's Faculty of Hair Design here.

Utopia Academy opened its doors in 1996 in Abbotsford, B.C. The Academy’s excellent reputation in the health and beauty industry accounts for a 93%+ employment rate. The ongoing growth and success of our partner, Spa Utopia™, assures that Utopia Academy students can be confident that they are joining a school that understands the importance of a solid education, and what it takes to succeed in today’s health and beauty industry. Utopia Academy is registered and accredited with PCTIA (Private Career Training Institutes Agency (of B.C.)


It's time to make a decision about your future! Call us today to inquire about our Esthetics program or Hair Design program at 604.859.3777 (toll free: 877.859.3777).
To inquire about our Massage Therapy program call us at 604-681-4450 (toll free: 1-888-681-4450).


Massage, Esthetics and Hair Design services at reduced cost

Did you know that supervised Utopia Academy students can provide you with massage, esthetic and salon services at reduced costs as part of their hands-on training?  This is an excellent opportunity for you to benefit from the service of your choice at a fraction of the cost, and for students to interact with their future clients in a fully professional setting.  During your service or treatment, the student will be supervised by knowledgeable and experienced instructors. (Our instructors are all registered professionals with the Cosmetology Industry Association of BC or are Registered Massage Therapists who meet or exceed the requirements for instruction as determined by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia.)