Booking date: June 2025
Location: Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, Canada
How to get there: Victoria Island can be reached via ferry from Port Angeles, WA (which I took), by plane, or the ferry from Vancouver, CA
The spa has its own entrance on the West side of the building at the ground level, or you can enter through the hotel lobby and it is in the back and through the glass doors on the left.
Reason for going: This was a treat for myself and a part of my regular self care routine.
Booking process: I looked over the website and then called to book because I wanted to make sure to book a session with a registered massage therapist. RMTs have to take an 18 month to 3 year accredited course, supervised clinical work, pass licensing exams, follow strict codes of conduct, and keep their continuing education up to date. It is similar to the the NCBTMB certification I earned here in the states but much more intensive.
Session booked: 60 minute Therapeutic Massage with a Registered Massage Therapist
Communication prior to booking: Excellent. I had the email confirmation when I booked and also a reminder call 24 hours prior to my appointment.
Reception/ checking in: I wish all reception and checking in processes were this seamless and professional. I received a cordial welcome when I arrived. Since I had my suitcase and backpack with me I asked if I could store those while I was in the spa and at tea after. They gladly took my luggage to a secure office and kept it for me while I was on the premises. I was given a guided tour of the facilities and given a robe and slippers in my side. That is a small detail for me that makes a big impact. It’s so nice to not be roaming around in sloppy slippers that are too big. I was also told about what to expect and policies like where a swim suit was required in the co-ed whirlpool etc. It was very thorough check in process and the attendant even waited to make sure I knew how to operate the lockers properly.
Wait time: I didn’t have to wait at all.
Atmosphere: It was a relaxing, calm environment that was extremely clean. It wasn’t too busy except for the hotel pool that spa guests have access to. There were a few kids playing and having fun that made it more rowdy than I was in the mood for. The spa premises were calm and quiet. It is an adult only spa which I do appreciate. An hour felt like adequate time to enjoy the facilities and relax before my treatment.
Facilities: All treatment rooms are on the ground level, on the same floor as reception. The waiting area, changing rooms, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool were all in the basement. The building seemed a little older and was showing some paint wear in small areas but was very clean and well-kept. There were attendants cleaning up right away which kept it looking spotless and uncluttered.
Intake process: There was a standard intake form that came as a link with my confirmed appointment email. It took about 15 minutes to fill out. It included a humanoid to mark what areas you wanted to focus on/ pain points. The emails did always go to my spam mailbox for some reason which was odd but easily solved with adding them to my contacts.
Therapist: Cadence was fabulous. I would love to work with her again. She was professional, detail-oriented, listened well, and focused on areas I asked to be prioritized like the front of my neck, jaw, feet, and hands. I found her very personable and knowledgeable. I asked about recommendations she had for my self care between sessions and was given things I hadn’t known like tucking my chin when I do neck stretches and wall angels to strengthen upper back muscles. Her work was a blend; therapeutic yet relaxing. She was attentive about checking in on pressure, comfort, and temperature.
Session: Cadence knocked before she entered the room and washed her hands before start of the service. She also washed her hands after working on my feet, and again and the conclusion. I’ve noticed that it is common to have sinks in the treatment rooms outside of the US. While it isn’t an issue, it’s a personal preference I like to wash my hands before I enter the room and after I conclude the service and leave the treatment area. I use hand wipes and sanitizer after working on feet. Washing hands in the treatment room seems to take up valuable hands on time but may just seem that way.
She started with compression and skin rolling to warm up my tissue/ fascia. I don’t encounter it often but when done well it can be very effective to prep an area for deeper work without being too aggressive. I liked the little details like the shoulder pillows when I was face down, a hot towel under my neck when face up. The use of hot stones was seamless and helpful to prep and relax muscles in my neck and back. They were the right temperature and a nice addition. I was also given the choice of two aromatherapy infused oils prior to hands on work, which I appreciate having a say in. I also liked the music that was an acoustic guitar. It was relaxing and blended into the background rather than the overplayed spa-like music that can get annoying. The ceiling did creak and pop quite often during my session which did take away from the relaxing experience slightly. An oversized duvet was also used on the table. It was comfortable but a bit balky to me. I would have preferred a heated table, or table cover, and a smaller blanket.
I could have used another half hour or more. I was bummed when it was over. An hour always feels a bit rushed/ too short.
Checking out: This was also a seamless process. I was asked if I had a Fairmont Hotel membership and even though I signed up after the fact, I was given the 10% off discount. I added gratuity for my therapist. They were happy to hold my bags until I was done next with tea. I felt valued and really appreciated how accommodating they were.
Cost: $215 Canadian
What was done well: Everything! I really enjoyed my whole experience with this spa from the website, booking process, customer service, environment, and treatment. It was a win all around.
Needs improvement: Paint around the door push panels could be refreshed since was showing some wear. Music playing in the dressing area would be a nice touch as well with some aromatherapy to add to the relaxation element.
Would I rebook or go back: Absolutely!
Rating: 95/100
Megan's Massage 
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