The three stars are for the amazing milk bath and deep tissue massage I received from Vladimira. She is great at her craft and melted away the tension in my upper back, better preparing me for long down dog holds at the Wanderlust yoga fest this weekend! She checked in on pressure a few times but not too often and really has a healing touch. Yay Vladimira, she saves this place from getting just 1 lonely sad star. This isn't really a full service spa; it doesn't have it's own ladies lounge, whirlpools, swimming pool or anything for that matter. No delightful smelling toiletries or place to even change into a service robe (this is done in the treatment room, tre spa ghetto people!) Bare bones with treatment rooms and a lobby. Front desk staff is friendly and didn't flinch when I adjusted Vladimira's tip up and the aesthetician tip for facial down. Front desk was also happy to assist me on deciphering what the aesthetician used on my face as I bought some GM Collin face products. After checking in you wait in a room that overlooks the Westin's indoor hot tub area. There is a glass wall but you can hear the screaming children going at their adolescent fun; NOT RELAXING. They have tea and water, that's it. My recommendation is to only visit if you are in dire need off a massage or a beauty emergency and you have no car to go somewhere else. They have Moroccan Oil hair products, GM Collin, and Skincueticals products. There are also a few candles and some hand creams. Front desk staff is nice but for luxury spa prices, me thinks not on visiting again. Unless I am in dire need of soothing yoga, hiking, or ski muscles... read more

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Save your money and go elsewhere, like the Scandinavia spa for example (you won't be disappointed). Explain to me why this is a one man band? The same woman that did my nails, also did my facial and massage? That has to be a bad sign to begin with. My manicure and pedicure was $180 CAD and was easily the worst, most underwhelming, useless treatment I've ever had, and had to come back twice for the polish to be fixed and it still looks horrible. I don't need to get into the other treatments, just know it's a huge waste of your money for disappointing results in an outdated "spa" above the kid screaming pool. read more

Short Changed - My Daughter and I went to Avello for the 50 minute massage. This was advertised online for $150 CAD. We arrived 15 minutes early and checked in. The front desk had us pay the $150 + 18% tip + Tax up front prior to the service. The total was $185 CAD. We were then led to a cute little sitting room and provided tea while we waited for our therapist. My daughter's therapist arrived first and led her down the hall to her room. I waited another 4-5 minutes before mine showed up (finishing my tea). When we got to the room, she said she would give me a minute to undress and get on the table. I did so and then waited - actually waiting long enough that I checked my watch. My massage was scheduled for 12:00pm and when I looked at my watch it was 12:04 and my massage therapist was still not back in the room. I figured she would ensure I got my full massage and did not say anything when she did eventually get in the room. The massage therapist actually had great technique and I enjoyed the actual massage quite a bit. When she finished, I was a little surprised because it didn't feel like 50 minutes had gone by. She stayed in the room chatting with me for 2-3 minutes and then popped out to let me change. I looked at my watch at that point and it read 12:42pm. At this point, I was a little disappointed as I only received about a 35 minute massage. I decided to mention it to the front desk when I walked out and told them that I thought she as a therapist had great technique but feel shorted since I paid for the 50 minute experience. The front desk attendant said she would talk to her manager later and see if they could do anything to fix it. She said she had all of my information and would have the manager contact me in the next 24 hours. I never heard a thing. It felt odd to me that I had to pay up front for the massage and that the tip was required and a predetermined amount. But the most disappointing piece was that the spa made no effort to fix my experience. I would have been happy if they would have just refunded 15 minutes worth of massage. At $3 a minute, that is $45 dollars - I would have been happy that as a refund and just paying for part the service I did actually receive. Another thing to note, when we sat down in the waiting room, we had to sign and acknowledge their policy for service and any potential refunds. It was very specific in that you had to mention in your first 10 minutes if you were not happy with the service and then the spa would reschedule your service within the next 24 hours. I knew my massage therapist was late, but did not know she was going to short me on time overall and hence did not mention anything. This Spa is very careful and thoughtful to ensure they get paid and prevent any refunds, but they seem to not care at all if they short the customer. I will not be returning to this spa and unfortunately, would recommend as a customer you choose another spa who will ensure you get your money's worth and will follow through on any promised customer service. read more

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! You will be asked to accept and sign off on the 18% gratuity twice before even starting any treatments. Of course they called it "checking in". It seems to me that forcing customers to pay 18% and not allow adjustments has not been going well and that is why they are forcing you to accept and sign. The masseuse and massage were great but nothing extraordinary. When it came time to pay, I was more comfortable with a 15% gratuity. Even though on the two pages I signed off on initially it specifically said the gratuity could be adjustable they refused to let me change it. The receptionist even had the owner speak with me over the phone to tell me by lowering the tip that I was taking away from the masseuse's earnings and that I should tip more because we are in a Westin hotel and it is expected. After about 25 minutes of going back and forth /arguing they finally let me pay 15%. Later that day I received the invoice via email. From the total $39 gratuity I had paid $8 were allocated to the two therapists! That is only $4 each and the greedy owner took the rest! I feel sorry for the staff and shame on the owners for their selfishness! They are lying to their customers and underpaying staff. I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Recently had a milk bath and deep tissue massage. Milk bath was nice, but massage was just ok. Even though it was booked as a deep tissue, it started out more like a Swedish, very light. I had to ask twice for it to be stronger. And, the therapist used the karate chopping tecnique. WTF? I always find it hard to keep a straight face when someone does that during a massage. Did they see someone do this in a movie and think "well, that's what a real massage therapist does?" The spa itself is ok. It's located on the 2nd floor of the Westin. You have to walk through the nail and hair salon to get to the waiting room. When you get there, it's basically a large closet that overlooks the indoor pool where you can sip on lukewarm tea while you wait. read more

This was by far the worst spa experience ever. I have never had a facial be so painful I wondered if my entire face was bleeding. I thought about ending my service several times and should have. The aesthetician was sloppy, slapping things on my face and often times rubbing them in my eyes and mouth. When she began the extractions I suffered through it as she used a tool to scrape my face, rather than doing them manually. I realize this is often somewhat uncomfortable but should not be extremely painful. I told her to stop the extractions and she said I should open my eyes and look at the tool and that my skin would be really clean after. The experience was awful from start to finish. The spa is attached to the Westin but you can't do a room charge and they required advance payment with tip. Ridiculous. The person explaining the services read a description word for word off a card and obviously had no knowledge of them, just a body at a desk. Also, there is no real spa atmosphere to speak of, the changing area and showers are part of the Westin gym so nothing special. Lastly the entire treatment room smelled like BBQ due to the restaurant nearby. The aesthetician said that was good as I'd be hungry but it was more just weird and not the aromatherapy I was expecting. This facial was three times what I pay at home for a wonderful, relaxing experience with good results. Never. Again. read more

Cons- Wasn't told about free parking spots, even though I called back a second time specifically about parking. Wasn't told we could use the fitness center and spa when booking (so didn't bring appropriate clothes etc). Massage wasn't great - not masterful technique. Although I told her specifically to avoid a large painful bruise, she massaged it anyway. Couldn't understand anything she said anyway. Way overpriced for service and skill. Only pro was milk bath was nice. Go somewhere else! read more

This was my second visit to Avello. The first visit two years ago was pretty unspectacular (except for an excellent massage from Nicokoli (I think that was his name - his Mom also worked at the spa). This time around I had a massage and a haircut. Excellent haircut from Sarah (an Aussie who is on call). She was great and did a terrific job. I also had a terrific massage from Matt. Also an Aussie and physic, he was just excellent. So the treatments were great, but overall, if you like a warm, welcoming all-day kind of place, this is not it. It looked like the spa was pretty empty. There are no changing rooms (other than a cramped room downstairs that you share with the hoi-polloi using the hot-tub and outdoor pool). So overall, not a luxurious spa experience - but at luxurious spa prices!!!! I'd head to Vida at the Fairmont if you want the real deal. read more

I had a deep tissue and milk bath hydrotherapy treatment during the special that they ran. The milk bath itself was relaxing and the massage was just ok. Even though it was deep tissue it was no where near deep. The disappointing matter is that I asked for an RMT when booking, not knowing at that time they don't employ RMT's, and not told otherwise. I didn't find out til the end of my treatment when I was paying! I addressed my concern with the owner Suzanne Johnston who proceeded to tell me "After receiving your concerns from William I immediately checked our website , brochure again and the form that is signed prior to treatment. They all have the information on them regarding the fact that we do not have RMT's on staff and therefore the treatments are not reimbursable (under "Spa Etiquette" on the website). I apologize that you felt this was not communicated to you in a proper manner" Next time, I'll know that when I call to make an appointment, I must read the fine print of their website, brochure, and sign in log to receive full disclosure. Asking for an RMT appointment is clearly not enough. read more

I have to admit that I was a little wary to come here after reading the reviews but the reviews don't do it justice. Yes, they do charge a luxury spa price and don't provide the "luxury" experience - that much is true. If you're looking for that along with your facial, the Four Seasons spa is likely more to your preference. This is more like a day spa and they do have very good quality product. I had the 80 minute collagen facial and it was a wonderful, relaxing experience. A number of products were used and there was a 20-30 minute collagen mask applied and during the mask I received a scalp massage, arm and hand massage and a foot and lower leg massage. Prior to the mask, during a moisturizer type application, I received a neck and shoulder massage. The room I was in was softly lit, the bed had a comfortable pillow, duvet and heated pad for warmth. The esthetician was professional and pleasant. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. read more

The people who work there are very nice but next time I stay at this Westin I will go elsewhere. No saunas or soaking areas except the heavily used Westin pool area. Water is served in paper and plastic cups. Music was really bad light jazz and classical Muzak style elevator music. I had a scrub hydrotherapy massage and they do the scrub prior to soaking in hydrotherapy tub which is not the correct way to achieve optimal exfoliation. I also had a Thai massage and they did not tell me ahead of time to come clothed in yoga cloth needed for the stretching of the Thai massage and they did not have any on hand. They charge luxury prices but definitely not worth the cost. If you are staying at hotel and want a simple convenient massage it would be fine but otherwise not worthwhile. read more

Do not have a massage from this place! They have special going on: massage 50 mins and milk bath for $129, but the milk bath runs out. Instead of trying to compensate, they basically say screw you! It's horrible service for area like Whistler and most importantly Westin!! Can't even charge the spa cost to the room! The heck? They also have lack of skilled therapist! Go to Fairmont Chatteau and be very pleased with the result! read more

Had a great experience at this spa for New Years Eve. I was really craving a nice sauna and steam experience but unfortunately our hotel on the Blackcomb side only had a hot tub. After calling around, it seemed most places won't let you use their sauna unless you book a spa treatment. I didn't feel like spending 200$ on a facial so I booked a 20 minute neck massage for about $100 USD. Yeah it was steep, but they assured me I could use all the facilities for as long as I wanted. I had already read all the negative reviews, so maybe my expectations weren't very high but I had a wonderful time. I got a nice workout in, sweated out my previous nights sake toxins, and streamed all my pores open. Then, my wonderful therapist Hara worked on my shoulders until they were butter. All the staff was friendly and helpful, and yes there are kids in the hot tub, but you're at a family hotel! And you're in Whistler! If you want a sterile child free environment to go with your cucumber water, go to somewhere that's not known as a family destination. Happy 2020 everyone! Hastagblessed! read more

After 2 days on the slopes for the first time this season, I had to get a massage immediately. I literally walked in mid-afternoon and got an appointment within a few hours on a Saturday. Unbelievable! The Sports massage was a great choice. read more

Three of us went for an 80 min aromatherapy massage which cost $272.60 each. While I was having my so called aromatherapy massage I asked the girl when she was going to add the essential oils. She said, "oh can't you smell them?" No! I checked with my companions who said they could not detect any calming scents either. We mentioned it as we were leaving but received a blank look as a response. We were wondering why they offered us an extensive menu of essential oil combinations? They charge an 18% gratuity whether you like the treatment or not. The relaxing room is small with three chairs and one stool. No snacks or other spa treats are offered. The shower and change room is by the pool. The shower is YWCA style. No privacy at all. This place is over priced and needs a complete redo. Think twice before you book. read more

Dont do it. Stepping into this spa was the worst decision I made this week while visiting Whistler. I should have checked Yelp first. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT spend your money here. Facilities were a mess. The front desk girl pointed at the locked door to downstairs gym and said "go down there", no robe offered or directions on what would be happening. I had to find robes, towels, and locker room myself. When I came back (on time) for my service wearing a robe with only my swimsuit, she asked me for my credit card. Of course I didn't have it on me. She already took it when I checked in. I had to go all the way back down to the locker room and get my credit card for her. She seemed to forget the doors were locked to access the downstairs area every time I needed (or was asked) to go down there. Not at all what I expected from an upscale hotel. They just really didn't seem to care if I was there or not. Called Westin and they informed me they're a third party business. I let the Westin manager know this spa makes their brand image look really bad. I had a massage at Whistler Day Spa earlier in the week and should have gone back. It would have been much better value. read more

This spa isn't a Westin style spa. The spa is operated separately from the hotel. There is no SPG discount, or charging it to your room. This is a treatment based spa. You go in for your service and you leave after. If you keep in mind that and they don't have full spa amenities. The sauna,pool,workouts space is operated by Westin and are not directly connected but have access. You will change in your treatment room and are not given a robe or have a quiet waiting room. There are no locker rooms or showers for after. For what you get, this is expensive. The treatments are nice and; but if you want a full Westin hotel spa treatment - you may want to go elsewhere. I likely would try a different spa next time I'm in whistler. read more

Pregnancy massage was just ok. The service upon entering was not extremely friendly. Really wasn't a very big place, kind of cramped in all areas - including massage rooms. The masseuse was nice, but not an extraordinary massage. Really only lasted about 40 minutes. read more

Pros: I got the full 80 minutes that we paid for. The hot stones were hot. Cons: $220 + 18% tip + $13 tax = $273 for an 80 minute massage. Tip is automatically included. This was by far the most expensive massage I've ever had in my life, and by far the worst hot stone massage I've ever had. By the 5th time I asked the masseuse to "go harder" I gave up and let her tickle me with the hot stones. There was absolutely no attention to my trouble areas. She followed the book in a pattern with equal time on all my body parts except my shoulders. She spent 3 minutes on my shoulders, where is where all of the knots in my body are. It's almost like she was afraid to touch my shoulders - I know she felt the knots. She just completely disregarded them. For the price, the spa should be "luxury" but there is nothing special - no robes, no amenities, nothing special. The sheets should be softer and higher quality, but I guess they found the softest flannel sheets they could find. If you are staying at the Westin, you can't do a room charge, since they are unrelated. Westin must have gotten tired of dealing with the complaints. If you are looking for a couples massage, don't get the room we got - it's just two adjoining rooms with a pocket door that was left half open. What was the point? read more

It deserves less than 1 star. The place is terrible. Overpriced, poor service, terrible staff and an owner who could care less about providing good service. They don't seem to care about making people happy and providing high quality just about $$$ and the bottom line. A stressful waste of time and $$$. Don't go to Avello. Tons of other options. read more

This is the worst spa I've been to in North America -- by a considerable margin. First, it is VERY expensive ... nearly $300 for an 80 minute relaxation massage. Second, there is NO ambiance whatsoever... the 'lounge' looks like a business office (with a view of the gym.) You get water in plastic cups. Third, they don't have registered massage therapists, so the quality is average at best. All in all, extremely disappointing. read more

I was hesitant to try this spa after the negative reviews but my experience was great! It was a decent hotel spa, kind of small and nothing too fancy but very clean and since I was going for a deep tissue massage to help relieve back and neck pain and wasn't planning to spend the day at the spa it suites my needs. My massage therapist, Daniel, was excellent. I was a bit nervous about having a male massage therapist but he was very respectful and did a great job. He thoroughly reviewed my intake form and carefully listened to what areas I wanted him to concentrate on. It was exactly what I needed. The staff was very friendly and since I knew from reading reviews about the 18% tip which is automatically charged at the time I checked in I wasn't put off by that. I even added more tip at the end because the massage was so great! I would definitely go back! read more

Junior staff at the desk overcharged me and only made it right after I questioned it. Treatments were mediocre and no where near what they cost. My "standard" facial was expensive and I felt like I got no value. It's only redeeming quality is that it is very convenient if you stay in the Westin. Otherwise, go elsewhere...I'm sure there are better places in Whistler. read more