Vida Wellness Spa's trifecta: elegance, Zen and location

South Lake Union's Vida Wellness Spa just might be my favorite new spa. It scores big points for offering Ayurvedic treatments, an infrared sauna, three rooms for couples and a spacious but cozy fireplace-warmed lounge. Oh, and did I mention a great location? It's in the 200 Westlake complex, across the courtyard from the swanky Pan Pacific hotel and right upstairs from Whole Foods Market.

The well-conceived spa is the newest link in the small chain of Vida spas established in British Columbia (other Vida spas are in Vancouver and Whistler). The facility was designed with the preservation of the planet's resources in mind, and features Moso bamboo floors, chemical-free textiles, recycled building materials and furniture made from environmentally conscious woods.

The look and feel of the spa is a marriage of elegance and Zen. A lengthy, softly lit hallway featuring creamy-colored chiseled limestone leads to 17 treatment rooms. Candles glow in alcoves and palm fronds grace massage tables.

As for treatments, the menu includes classic Ayurvedic therapies, which rely on an analysis of your dosha, or body type, to balance mind, body and spirit. The spa offers a short quiz to determine your dosha, and then individualizes treatments with specific oils.

Choose from several Ayurvedic options such as Abhyanga massage (60 minutes, $250) performed by two therapists. It's a delicious experience with copious amounts of oil and synchronized long strokes to relax and rejuvenate the body. The Swedana treatment (90 minutes, $175) includes an Ayurvedic massage, a nice warm detox in a cedar steam cabinet and dry-brush skin exfoliation.

The menu lists a host of other stress-reducing, therapeutic and beauty treatments, including a variety of massages, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Take advantage of the complimentary infrared sauna while you're there. It's toasty enough to help you sweat out nasty toxins, but not overly hot.

A few well-selected skincare products are available in the reception area, including the Swiss-made Valmont line, a yummy-smelling group of hair and skin products from John Masters Organics, and Vida, the spa's own dosha-based line. Vida is also available for private parties and offers packages for bridal parties, bachelor parties and even corporate events. If your office sponsors one, let me know where you work. I might just apply.

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