Husband and I are spending our 5th anniversary in Vancouver (staying at the Bayshore). I'd like to surprise him with a couples massage or something decadent along those lines. Any suggestions on where to go (without driving up to Whistler)?

The Absolute spa at the Century hotel on Burrard street right next to St. Pauls hospital is fantastic.

Loves, you are staying at one of my favourite Vancouver hotels - have a wonderful time.

"Decadent"? I've got the place for you. Miraj Hammam is a Turkish-style spa, at the corner of West 6th & Granville. Unassuming apartment building exterior, don't be put off. Beautiful interior, heavenly marble-lined eucalyptus steam room, exhiliarating gommage, the best massages I've had, and conclude your visit reclining on silk cushions and throws, nibbling a sweet and drinking tea to recover from your experience.

Heavenly!

Take a look at www.mirajhammam.com/.

I'd suggest then cabbing to a fabulous restaurant - perhaps "C" at North False Creek, or search here for other restaurant referrals.

Have a fabulous time.

Thanks for the recommendations!

We're looking into C, Lumiere or West for dinner reservations. Is one better than another?

I just took my wife to the Vida Spa at the Sutton Place hotel for their couples massage as a birthday treat - included a full-body exfoliation, a session in a private steam room, and a full hour massage, all in a private room for 2. Highly recommend it (we're planning on going back).

In terms of restaurants - La Lumiere is one of the top in Vancouver, haven't heard of West or C (although I'm tragically unhip).

Lumiere, West and C are all fantastic restaurants.

C is on the waterfront downtown, across False Creek from Granville Island, great seafood.

Lumiere and West both have nice interiors, but not really any view. Both out of the downtown core, but an easy cab ride or drive. West is considered by many to be the top restaurant in the city.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of them.

Regarding day spas, I second the Miraj Hammam recommendation. I recently treated some friends to a lava hot stone massage at the Vida Wellness Spa at the Wall Centre, and it was OK, but not one of the best massages I'd ever had. I also have heard great things about Absolute Spa (mentioned) and Spa Utopia. You can find them all online.

Hi loves. IMO Lumiere is the best restaurant in Vancouver. Chef Rob Feenie is magic. Both West and C are also very good. Make reservations early, even a month ahead if planning on a weekend date. Some other good restaurants are Bishops, Bis Mareno, Lift, Le Crocodile, Le Provence Marinaside,

Here is a link to the 2005 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards: http://www.vanmag.com/16th/restaurant_awards.html. The judging for the 2006 is already underway.

Perfect! Thanks all! I think we'll just see which restaurant we can get into on a Saturday night.

The Mirah Hammam seems to be "men only" or "women only"...it says to call for mixed genders, but I haven't had a chance yet. Does anyone know how they accommodate? Can't imagine we want to pay for them to shut down the place for us.

Loves, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law have arranged a "mixed gender" session at the Hammam, and I don't remember them mentioning an extra charge.

Whenever I've been to the Hammam with girlfriends (2 at most), we've asked for a private session, and they've always obliged without extra charge.

This is a small-ish spa, not the 15 K sq ft of Spa Utopia (which I've also enjoyed, but is a mainstream spa experience). Another sister-in-law who has travelled two weeks out of every months for the last 20 years or so, and is a spa devotee, rates the Hammam as one of her very favourites.

Give them a call.