You know something’s really good when it’s hard to find. Here’s a tip: follow the marble staircase at 464 Granville St. below the hustle of downtown Vancouver, BC to the new Breathe Spa. In an underground space occupied for 50 years by a barbershop, I’ve discovered a tranquil hideaway where everything but my new non-toxic fingernail polish is cream, dark chocolate or white, and facials last two decadent hours, as any good facial should. Did I mention that this particular Signature Facial—designed by co-owner Victoria Carr—includes skin analysis, aromatherapy steam, oxygenation and lymphatic drainage massage, extraction, plus hand and foot massage? Ninety minutes in, it isn’t so much a question of when you’ll venture back down again, but whether you’ll ever be willing to return to the surface.

While my mask set, I soaked up some century-old architecture. The original Italian marble columns, ornate mouldings edging the 3-m (10-ft) ceilings and a honeycomb-tiled floor are charming reminders of a time when hat-wearing businessmen once flocked here to fight five-o’clock shadow. These days you’re more likely to find Coach-carrying businesswomen clamouring for a little quality me-time. At last we multitasking types can get a little history with our hot-stone massage.

Of course, Breathe Spa isn’t all about the old. White Barcelona chairs and shag carpeting in the waiting area, plush robes and the lavish Methode Physiodermie Skin Care Line from Switzerland make this one-time men den a serenely stylish oasis where any modern gal will be glad to turn off her iPhone, lie back and just, well, breathe.

www.hellobc.com