Circle Wellness spa: a private oasis in Vancouver

I’ve never seen another spa like Circle Wellness.

Outside, it’s an industrial metal box you could easily pass right by. Inside, it’s a carefully designed wellness space where you can reserve a private pod for yourself (or you plus one) to soak, sweat and reset in a special self-guided, clothing-optional hydrotherapy circuit that feels far away from the world.

My first visit to Circle Wellness was at a different Vancouver location, which was small and had only room for one booking at a time. I’ve dreamed of returning ever since. And I’m happy to report that since relocating to a larger facility on Granville Island, they’ve kept what made it special, and levelled it up.

If you’re curious what’s beyond the big black door read on for an honest, in-depth review of Circle Wellness or just jump to the prices, hours, etc.

My friend and I were guests of Circle Wellness. They did not review or approve this post.

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First Impressions of Circle Wellness Granville Island

The spa is located on Granville Island, a former industrial manufacturing area now filled with cute independent shops (a store just for handmade brooms?), a large indoor market (try the pickles, seriously) and artisan studios. We arrived early to walk around before our morning session and I am pleased we had an excuse to come and see this part of the city.

The building looks like a contemporary art gallery. In a way, it is. Both inside and out, Circle Wellness uses a variety of media to create its environment, including sound and aroma. The vibe is somehow both futuristic and primordial at the same time.

Upon entry we walk past a waterfall to the reception area, where we watch a short video explaining the programme, then are led down a passageway filled with what looks like chic shipping crates, one of which is unlocked for us, and then are let loose into our private spa suite for 120 minutes.

The small enclosure has two parts—first a changing area with sink and toilet, then a doorway opens to reveal the actual spa facilities. There’s a living wall of moss and plants. High-quality speakers emit a murmur of ambient music, created by Vancouver DJ/composer Michael Red. A glass pot with blue herbal loose leaves is waiting for us to brew our perfect cup of tea. It’s kind of my dream backyard to be honest.

What facilities are at Circle Wellness?

Circle Wellness in Vancouver has no sauna. It has a Wellpod. (More on that below)

First though, there’s a large cedar hot bath. We can fit both our bodies in at once and it’s a lovely lounging spot. There’s a partial roof covering the tubs—they are open rain or shine or snow—but still a large opening to lay back and look up at the sky. It reminds me of a James Turrell skyspace. Frankly I don’t want to get out of here. But alas, the clock is ticking. Into the smaller cold plunge bath, which ranges from  2ºC to 15ºC, depending on the ambient temperature.

Then it’s time for the main attraction.

Instead of a typical sauna, Circle Wellness has crafted its own hot room, with a unique design combining traditional practises and modern tech. The 10×10 foot infrared “Wellpod” is an empty space covered floor to ceiling in beautiful, glowing Himalayan salt brick walls. The climate is kept at 50 degrees (versus a usual 90 degree sauna) so that you can spend much more time inside. Before entering, you press a button which starts a 45-minute programme of gentle sound and light to guide your relaxation. There are no seats. I can imagine some folks do hot yoga in here. We simply laid down to rest.

The lights dim until you are in complete darkness. I admit this freaked me out the first time. But this second time I knew what to expect and found it more relaxing. I also noticed the change in airflow, another subtle but conscious design choice to enhance your time in the pod.

The next step is officially a rest on their heated stone walkway. (Like a hot stone massage in reverse.) My friend enjoyed this while I went back instead to my beloved cedar tub, until a soft gong sound indicated our time was almost up. We used their spa products to freshen up and floated back out into the city.

Circle Wellness was the ultimate private spa experience

I can think of so many reasons to choose such a private spa. Going alone would be the ultimate me-time. Going with a friend, you don’t need to feel bad about speaking, you’re not disturbing anyone. Or you don’t have to talk at all, but still have a shared experience. And going with a romantic partner would be such an intimate date. It’s also clothing optional since nobody can see into your space.

It’s also recommended for design enthusiasts. If you prefer boutique art hotels, this is a spa for you.

What did I learn at my first visit to the new Circle Wellness location? That no matter how blissful a public bath or spa might be, it can’t compare to having your own private space. I’ve been very relaxed in other environments, but the presence of even the quietest of other patrons and staff are distracting. Here, you’re alone with the sound of the elements and your own breath and heartbeat. (OK, in all honesty, there is some construction sounds bleeding in through the open roof. But it is an urban spa.)

I also realized that I want my own ofuro soaking tub.

If you really want to unplug from the daily grind and be alone with your own thoughts as you benefit from hydrotherapy and heat, this is the place!

Know Before You Go

My last visit was June 2024. Please check for the latest information on their website, circlewellnessspas.com

Where: 1297 Johnston Street on Granville Island, Vancouver

When: Every day from 6:30am to 10:15pm, with special 10:45pm slots on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are for 90 minutes or 120 minutes.

What To Bring: Not much! Your swimsuit, if you are not going nude. They have big fluffy towels, showering gels and other beauty products and ask that you do not bring your own, as to not introduce unknown chemicals into the wooden tubs. Herbal tea is waiting for you, and there’s fresh water. I don’t usually recommend a camera at spas, but since this is your own private space if you want pictures you can!

How Much: From $219 to $279 depending on the day/time slot. The price is for use of the space and is the same whether you book for 1 or 2 people. (Max two people per booking.)