Vancouver Spa: Footworks Relaxology

Since having my first child last year, the concept of “me time” has taken on new importance. Whether you have one kid or four, sometimes you just need to escape for an hour and do something that’s all for you. During a stroll down West Broadway late last year, I spied Footworks Relaxology. Peering through the window, I saw both men and women, relaxing in lounge chairs receiving what looked like the foot massage of all foot massages. I was intrigued. Being a self-proclaimed Vancouver spa junkie, I was excited at the prospect of discovering something new. I finally made an appointment a few weeks ago, and skipped out during nap time to get some requisite “me time”.

A Massage to Remember

I’m a big believer in the health benefits of massage, but most reflexology places freak me out with their large foot diagrams and somewhat clinical atmosphere. Having never had reflexology before, I expected that my feet would be subjected to a somewhat painful and targeted poking and prodding. Footworks was a total contradiction to my expectations, to say the least. First, the interior of the Vancouver spa is a very relaxing and zen-like atmosphere. A row of large comfortable recliners line one wall, with curtains that can separate each station into its own mini spa. The Vancouver spa features dark tones, natural wood accents, and soft music playing.

I opted for the 50 minute foot massage and I was not disappointed. The treatment starts with a warm salted foot bath, where river stones massage and soften your tired soles. For ten minutes you soak and receive a shoulder and upper back massage. Next your feet are dried off and wrapped up to stay warm. You settle in to one of the overstuffed recliners and enjoy the foot and leg massage of a life time. The pressure was a good mix of firmness when I needed it, and softness when I began to squirm. Just perfect. I didn’t want it to end, but when it did I left the Vancouver spa feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and wanting to tell all my friends to check it out.

Relaxing Vancouver Spa

My only complaint has to be that I would like a bit more privacy during the massage. While a curtain was pulled between me and the client on my left, I could still see everyone walking by on the street and hear the sounds of buses, cars, and people walking by. Still, it’s a nice, relatively inexpensive (by massage standards) way to get out and relax. There’s none of that oily hair mess or grogginess you feel after having a full body massage, and it really is easy to slip in and out in an hour, with maximum benefit. This is the kind of place that you could take your significant other to for a pre-date night massage. It doesn’t have that vibe that men often find intimidating about spas (all those robes, hushed voices, and ill-fitting flip flops). I’ll definitely be going back for more.