We visited Victoria for 3 days and my husband surprised me with 2 spa treatments back-to-back: a 60-min Stress Relief Massage with Cadence & a 105-min Fire & Ice with Karla. They were both amazing! Cadence was so nice & friendly, we chatted during the massage. She really got in there and helped relieve the tension in my neck/back area where I wanted her to focus on. It felt soooo good! I really appreciated that she asked me if I wanted more or less pressure and what areas to focus on. She was fantastic! I highly recommend Cadence for a great massage. I had a 30-min break in between treatments so I sat in the lounge and had hot tea and snacks. I was so relaxed and felt so pampered. Then Karla came to get me for the Fire & Ice treatment. She first scrubbed my whole body to get rid of dead skin, she wrapped me up like a cocoon, she used hot stones, she gave me the best facial that I ever had (I had many in the past), using cool gels and a couple of cool & tightening masks, she checked my pores, she put this thick gel in my hair and scrubbed/massaged my scalp. OMG! I was in heaven! Everything felt soooo good! This was hands down the BEST spa treatment that I have ever had. I just recommended it to a close friend in Seattle and she just booked a trip to Victoria just to get that treatment. Karla said "Fire & Ice" is a summer promo but I hope it stays on the menu permanently. Thank you both Cadence & Karla for your superb service! Thanks to Lauren also for guiding/directing me inside the facility. read more

Pedicure fabulous with Sophia! I recommend it as best place fo pedicure in Victoria, BC

Had a couples massage with my husband for our honeymoon. Staff was super friendly, quick and were very attentive. There was a steam room/sauna and mineral bath available to use an hour before our massage. Drinks were offered all of which were extremely tasty. They also had a few gluten-free snacks available. Locker rooms were clean and amazing. Offering shoes and robes to change into was extremely appreciated. The cons we found were the hot tub was connected to the hotel which was full each time we went to use it, making the experience less relaxing. Over all not a huge deal. read more

You do get what you pay for. This is the best of the best. Amenities and service are five stars. Treat yourself to a relaxation massage by Tausha (her hands are magical). For the amenities, make sure to bring your suit to go to the pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna on your visit. read more

Sadly they were just rude. Disappointed for sure. Walked up to ask 2 questions and it was bad from the get go. I wanted to book something but no way was I wasting my money on this place. If the front desk is the face of the spa and they are rude, that's pretty bad. I stood there for a minute before the gal acknowledged me and it just went south from there. I guess they don't care if someone walks. Good luck. read more

Frankly just bad. Didn't know it was possible to get a bad facial. Men's facilities don't work (steam shower) and they don't clean them. Was there for 2.5 hours in total and glasses / towels left behind by others weren't picked up once. Go elsewhere or just save your money and go for a walk. read more

Talk about full luxury. This is a spectacular spa. Amazing service and relaxing atmosphere. We had full body massages, and facials. Just delicious. The massage was the kind of massage that you actually walked out of the spa thinking the kinks and the knots had actually been worked out. The spa uses a lot of aromatherapy, if you don't want it that's fine too. But it truly was pleasant and definitely helped me chill and reduce my anxious mind. The facial started with Reiki clearing, working through the chakras. And then moved on to making our faces clean, bright and definitely younger The prices were appropriate for a high end spa and if possible I would love to come back. Splendid experience read more

Facial after a very long traveling day Three flights and losing three hours of sleep Recharged after a wonderful age facial Everyone should be so blessed Took 10 years off in a matter of 50 minutes read more

I just have high expectations when I come to a Willow Stream Spa and today did not disappoint. Came in for a 90 minute relaxation massage. My therapist was great. Warm personality and attentive for sure. My massage was in the couples room which was just lovely! I felt well-treated while I was there. Will make it a point to go to this spa every year when I'm staying at the Empress. Don't miss the chance to use the amenities (pool, sauna, lounge.) read more

Incredible spa locker rooms, very professional massage and a deal for Victoria. I'd go back in any time if given the opportunity.

I had my first manicure ever here, so I didn't know what to expect...but I have to say, it was pretty luxurious! It was the 60 minute Willow Stream Signature Manicure, which is normally $79, but I had a deal from Groupon which included a night's stay at the Empress for two plus manicure for $189. Firstly, the hostess brought me downstairs (lovely interior, relaxing spa feel, very Euro-style), and showed me around to the lockers and changing room, which had a good selection of gel, hair spray, lotions, and soaps for guests to use. Traditionally, before any spa treatments or salon services, guests use steam room and sauna for 10-15 minutes and then go out to the mineral pool for another 15 minutes. I tried the steam and sauna for a short while, but they aren't really for me...I tend to feel suffocated in those things, ugh. The mineral pool was nice though...warm and relaxing. Then I made my way to the lounge to wait to be called, and they had complimentary yogurt, water and tea on hand. When I was called, the friendly salon tech explained to me the techniques she was going to use and made me feel very at ease. I got to sit in this awesomely designed chair which had a little foot bath below (for pedicures though, which I didn't get), and lovely cushioned rests. The night before, I actually broke a nail, which sucked, but she filed down my nails so they all matched a bit better in length. I was a little wary about this, since I feel the scratching in my teeth, and it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I know this was supposed to be therapeutic, but I sat through it, teeth clenched, and concentrated on the nice view of the Empress front lawn. Finally, it ended, and she went on with the rest of it. Phew! They use their signature Willow Stream Energy product line for their manicures, and firstly, I went through a gommage hand exfoliation, then myrrh nail oil application (for healthy nails), a hand soak in mineral salts and essential oils, a paraffin treatment (they put warm wax in a bag, put it over your hand, and you sit there, hands in mittens, until it hardens!), and lastly, I had a hand and arm massage using hydrating and skin conditioning body butter. Then she applied the OPI nail polish colour of my choice (which was a dark purple-magenta). Definitely, dark colours are best applied by someone else, haha! A few minutes after I was done, I realized I had left my rings in the spa room, but at the moment where I was about to go back, the technician showed up, and she even carefully put them back on my fingers! Good service! Of course, 15 minutes later, I got a scratch on one of my nails when I went back to the hotel room to pack up, but that's just clumsy me. My hands and lower arms were soooo soft though, wow. I didn't want to wash my hands, they were so nice...but I had to eventually. :( In the end, it was such a great experience. I don't know if I'd do it again unless there was another special deal, but I'm glad I got to try it out at such a beautiful place. p.s. It's a week later, dealing with lots of coins at work, and my nails still look good! read more

The spa is decadent! Came here with my boyfriend for a couples RMT massage and got to be in the couples suite with a jetted tub, shower and fireplace. The change rooms, mineral pool and lounge is in the basement. Each change room has lockers, steam room and sauna, showers and toilet stalls. Plenty of towels too. I actually prefer this one over the one in Fairmont pacific rim. read more

This place has the most luxe facial I've ever had. Their bed was like slipping in to a warm cloud and my facial was so relaxing, I'd actually prefer it to a massage now. It def not the cheapest facial in town but worth every penny. I have to say their customer service was beyond expectation too. Loved every minute of my spa day. read more

This spa was heaven. Every aspect was perfect. The staff was so friendly and made you feel at ease. The mineral pool was included in the services. Even the showers were phenomenal... none of those are why we came. The massages were outstanding. I was melted after leaving there. read more

My First visit to Victoria, stayed at the FAIRMONT EMPRESS, and enjoyed the services from WILLOW STREAM SPA, it was truly a awesome experience. Was with my GF and wanted to enjoy a day at the spa, the service, the quality, the decor, I felt great after. Only disappointment was that the waiting room before your appointment was full and I felt awkward, there was no room for myself and my gf, but overall the quality and service made up for it, I am looking forward to my next visit and other locations of WILLOW STREAM SPAS. read more

Excellent massage service. Beautifully laid out and relaxing spa. A massage also allows you to enjoy other areas including a mineral bath, the pool (also accessible if you are a hotel guest), steam room and sauna. Therapists are top notch and able to address any concerns you have. It's pricey but you are at the Fairmont. Great place to unwind and relax. read more

Wow! I had the best experience here! We got a couples massage and it was perfect. I love love love the Fairmont.

Good massage, had better. The front office staff was very rude and stuck up...we were unable to book with them in person for the following day but were able to call to make an appointment which makes you wonder with the inconsistency. The mineral bath and steam room left more to be desired. Massage was the best part of the experience but the whole spa could use some changes. read more

For Mother's Day, I took my mom on a surprise trip to Victoria. We had reservations for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, so it was an easy decision to book massages at the Willow Stream spa directly after. I had no idea how wonderful and highly rated this spa was! Everything about this experience was impeccable. They had a beautiful lobby and grand staircase that led down to the locker rooms, pools, and relaxation room. What a concept to have a mineral pool! It was small, but lovely with water cascading from fountains on either end. They also have a steam and sauna room, which was a nice touch. Their locker rooms are a bit small, but have three showers, makeup counters, and many amenities such as shower caps and hair dryers for you. They even had a bowl of washcloths in cold water with rose petals for when you got out of the sauna - lovely! The relaxation room was a nice touch, though quite small as well. They had yummy hot tea, nuts and dried fruit, yogurt, and they passed around chocolate truffles for us as well. The only downfall to the experience was that they were very busy given the holiday, so while we were waiting for our massages, there wasn't enough room for everyone to sit. But I can definitely forgive them for that for being able to fit us in! THE MASSAGES!! Ohhh, the massages. I booked us both 60-minute relaxation massages and wished I had gotten 90. I never wanted it to end! Both my mom and I like deeper pressure, so I was a bit hesitant to book the relaxation, but boy am I glad I did! I had Montana, and she did a fantastic job. One of the best and most relaxing massages I've ever had! She used multiple scents and oils for relaxation. She spent time on every area of my body, which is very important to me. I hate the feeling of not having all areas addressed! And her scalp massage was AMAZING! My favorite part for sure. You also get use of the pool and hot tub that is open for other hotel guests. My mom and I enjoyed getting some laps in. Overall, an exceptional experience. I can't wait to go back!! read more

After being there once, I won't go anywhere else. The treatment was INCREDIBLE and I loved how high-end this place was. Loved the little pool (make sure you get there at least an hour early, I recommend an hour and a half). Sip some tea, have a fabulous soak at their mini pool and just R-E-L-A-X! read more

Great experience at the Fairmont Spa! Both my husband and I got massages, and we both felt our therapists were excellent. The staff there is professional and accommodating. The atmosphere is relaxing and very classy. The bonus was being able to take advantage of their weekday 20% off special, so be sure to ask or check the website before booking. read more

Went it for a RMT massage. I mentioned that I have migraines and asked for light pressure on my neck specifically, however when filling out all the forms I specifically noted that I could like medium pressure and to focus on legs and upper shoulders. And what ended up happening is I barely felt the massage. It was a $200 nap basically. My legs were barely touched. I did not feel any better after the massage. I just went about my day feeling like nothing happened. It's a first for me. I usually get a RMT massage every 3 months and I always feel so good afterwards, and here it was a complete waste of money. It's not a 1 star only because everyone was super nice and it's a beautiful atmosphere there. But I will not be back. Also, after we got home and reviewed the receipt, we realized they automatically added on the tip for the RMTs,but never told us that and we ended up matching that tip and tipping them double! That's rude and inconsiderate! You have to mention that gratuity is included in the price to the customer! read more

I was getting a custom facial and honestly i never felt so relaxed and comfortable. BEST PLACE EVER!! genuinely recommend it ;)

My husband booked a hotel stay & spa package as my first Morher's Day present. We planned a 48hr getaway with our 10 month breastfeeding baby so that I could indulge for an hour and half in quiet, relaxation and massage. Upon checking in to the hotel, the front desk confirmed that a treatment was booked at the Spa. However when I arrived for my treatment, no appointment was booked and 2 people could not figure out how the booking (which centres the hotel stay) was missed... despite emails and phone calls regarding the booked. They offered to get me in at a cancelation same day... or at 7:40pm... 30min before my baby's bedtime. I explained a myriad of times that my appointment was booked according to my baby's schedule - with breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding planned days in advance so I could get away for that hour and I couldn't just drop my baby at any moment to come in. The manager was condescending and belittling when I asked how this was missed and when I tried to explain that I can't be available when it is convenient for the spa because I am a mother of an infant and her needs come first. Needless to say, my hour of calm was 30min of frustration. Thanks for ruining my poor hubby's thoughtful first Mother's Day gift. read more

Nasty! Although my treatment was great, the women's lounge was the most disgusting spa lounge I've ever visited! The hair combs were sitting in a sterilization jar, but they were full of other ladies' hair. There were tons of glasses, cups, robes and sandals strewn all over the place. Fairmont Empress has a reputation to maintain, and cannot justify high-end prices for unsanitary spaces. I'm so disappointed. read more

Fantastic mineral soak and relaxation spa!! Highly recommended to get rid of aches, pains, and jet lag. Pressure was just right. Maybe a like more $, but totally worth it. read more

I am not sure if things have changed but when I visited this spa it had one of the nicest lounges I have even been in. I am not sure what the problem was with the people writing the negative reveiws but they must be competition. I had a great massage in very comfortable beds. I plan on visiting again soon. read more

My husband and I went here for our anniversary and although I was a bit disappointed in my facial and his massage was just ok, we absolutely loved the spa ritual. The steam room and sauna were just want we needed on a cold rainy day. The fluffy robes and and snacks were appreciate as well. Highly recommend! read more

Went for a pedicure and really enjoyed their newly renovated section. It was relaxing and they were able to accommodate us the same day! Place was clean and had special machine to sterilize their tools. Wonderful spa experience and worth the extra cost compared to a neighborhood nail bar ($65 vs $35). read more

So this review is about 6 months late, but better late then never. I went to Victoria for my 30th birthday in late Feb, and had the most amazing treatment ever, It is well worth your while to arrive early to soak in the tub, sit in the steam room and sauna. my treatment was 90 min long and the massage therapist was amazing!! She was professional, super sweet and as an LMP myself, it was the first time I could actually relax during a spa treatment. The rooms were amazing, and I suggest you spend the extra $20-30 for an amazing spa day!! read more