Sante Spa

Being locals to Victoria, BC, we of course are familiar with Bear Mountain and all the amenities that offered up there. But we’ve never actually been there golfing or dining in Jacks. We had won a gift card for the Sante Spa at our corporate Christmas party, so we finally decided to go for our first ever couples massage. Since we were new to the establishment, and didn't read the google reviews before we went, we didn't make the most of our experience as we should. We’ve never been to any type of spa so we wouldn’t have even had any idea of what to bring, do or ask. When booking the appointment we were never asked if it was our first time, as I assume if we had then we would have been told about all the spa extras that were there for us to take advantage of. Our bad! The power of the Google Review is realized! The Sante Spa right away had us with its impeccable cleanliness and the beauty of its facility. The main waiting area was warm and inviting and the girls at the counter were friendly and helpful. We were moved to the change rooms where we put on robes and locked up our belongings. The bathrooms were once again beautifully decorated and super clean. We loved the little slippers that we were given to wear. After we changed we moved to the waiting area where there was a table of tea and little snacks such as turmeric lentil crackers, dates and our favourite chocolate almonds and salted almonds. Delish! We opted for the 1 hour full body relaxation massage and it was wonderful. We were able to relax and enjoy the process together quietly. The therapists were very good and had great communication in regards to pressure ect… the whole way through. It was a nice dim lit room, beautifully decorated with soft music playing in the background. We even got to choose a scent to have placed by our head pillow. After the massage, we went back to the waiting area and munched out and had tea by the fireplace. I wish I had brought a book. We know now for next time to bring a bathing suit and hit up the mineral pool after the massage and if it’s the summer to go outside and relax on the loungers for as long as we want. We will definitely be back and better prepared. And when we do go back we will be sure to hit up Costco for the $100 gift card that only costs $75. A very inviting atmosphere and great staff at the Bear Mountain Sante Spa, well done!

Went with my sibling during finals week to relax. This was my first massage, so I was really excited. I have some issues with chronic pain from a previous injury, so I requested that they go really light on the massage. The technician who was giving me the massage was going too hard and I asked her to please go lighter or move to another area and she told me "I had a lot of tension in that area, so she has to go harder" and "I would thank her later". I asked her again to stop and got the same reply. I was completely naked and partially covered by a blanket so it's not like I could get up and walk away. So I basically just laid on my back and cried because she wouldn't stop and it hurt so bad. I had bruising on my neck and shoulders afterwards. I didnt fele comfortable complaining because the technician was there the whole time. The reason I still give this spa two stars is because the other technician who was doing my manicure was so incredibly friendly and talkative, and the facility was very clean and modern. That one lady ruined the experience however, and kind of turned me off of massages.

I had my first massage here with Desiree. Overall, it was fantastic. She did a great job, applied the right pressure and had a great personality. The facility was nice. They have a lounge where you can hang out while waiting for your massage that's nicely stocked with small snacks (nuts, dates, crackers etc.) as well as water and tea. It gets a little noisy when groups are in there but that's no fault of theirs. The mineral pool is really nice. They're clear that it's a mineral pool and not a hot tub. Pretty similar just not quite as hot. The changerooms are well-stocked and clean. The only issue I had was that the robe that was available for me in the locker of the men's change room was not nearly large enough for me, and average-sized man. I had to hunt a bit to find somebody to grab me a larger one but once I did she sorted it out quick. All in all, I'd go back. It's absolutely not the cheapest option around but they're good at what they do and the facility is really, really nice.

I have gone to this spa three times now and each time I go,I am hoping it will be a stellar experience. Unfortunately, each time is worse than the next. The technician I had was extremely cold and unfriendly and the service and work done was decent at best. For the prices you charge and the environment you offer, you need to step up your game Sante. As a client, I'd like my hard earned money spent there to be an "experience" with excellent work. Sorry to say that I won't be going back. Three strikes and you're out. :(

Very unreliable with RMT appointments booked for same time. Many times i have booked far in advance for a girls day with massages in the same time slot and they are cancelled due to Sante's poor ability to keep RMTs. Sante really needs to step up their game for the price you pay and for and the environment they are in. Very dissappointed!!! And dont mind taking my money elsewhere.