This was not a gifted experience. All opinions are my own.

While the stress of the holidays has begun, I had the pleasure of visiting Miraj Hammam Spa located at 1495 West 6th Avenue in Vancouver. There is plenty of nearby paid street parking, so you don’t have to walk too far to get to the spa. It was my first time at a Hammam spa, so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but that was half the fun. As soon as you walk in, you are transported to another land. It felt regal, opulent and oh so special. I was sold. I knew that I was in for a real treat. You are first asked to fill out a form regarding health issues and areas of concern. You are then asked to remove your shoes and to put on slippers. After that, you are escorted to the change room where you are given a sarong to put on. You have the option of wearing paper underwear or going completely nude. I chose to wear the paper underwear but quickly realized that I should have just gone completely nude because you end up completely wet anyway and there is no point of really wearing underwear. I think I was a little nervous because it was my first time there, but if I were to go again, I would go without underwear. There are also lockers to put your belongings in the changeroom. There are also personal hygiene products, hair ties and a blow dryer if needed. I should mention that they don’t have an online booking system, which surprised me because most spas have that option. I had to call in to book my appointment. I booked the 60-minute massage for $200, which includes hammam and gommage. As stated on their website, “Steam and body exfoliation is part of the authentic traditions of the Middle East. De-stress between a private high intensity & low mist steam chamber the Hammam cleanses your body while stimulating your senses and imagination. Lay relaxed on Jerusalem gold marble as you experience an invigorating full body gommage (exfoliation) using eucalyptus infused black Moroccan soap. This experience is considered to be the ultimate detoxification treatment. At the end of the service, you retreat to the Sultana Lounge for tea and sweet cakes”. I was taken to the steam room and was told that if the steam shut off, I could just press the button. I was also the only person in there and loved it. I got to enjoy the whole space in solitude and quiet. I typically don’t enjoy steam rooms for too long because I get overly hot, but I stayed in there for the allotted time because I didn’t re-start the steam when it shut off. I was happy enough to use the existing heat in the room. After that, it was time for exfoliation. I was asked if I was ok with the pressure, and I said that I was. I felt that my skin was going to thank me later after this full body exfoliation. Once the exfoliation was over, I was cleansed off by the spa attendant. Initially it felt odd to have someone else bathe me, but once I got over that, it was very relaxing. Once I was squeaky clean, it was time for a massage. The massage was the perfect way to decompress. I felt so taken care of by my massage therapist. She was attentive and very friendly. Lastly, I went to the lounge area and had some tea to finish off the experience. The lounge is absolutely beautiful and incredibly comfortable. I could have sat in there forever. If you are looking for a unique spa experience, I highly recommend visiting Miraj Hammam Spa, as it is the epitome of luxury and pampering. You will leave the spa feeling relaxed and refreshed. They also offer couple’s massages, facials, and body mud masks, if you want to enhance your experience even more.

They do offer gift cards and have several packages that would make a great gift for someone special or yourself this winter!