Self-Care to Pamper Yourself: Manicures, Facials and More

When you hear the words “treat yourself,” you might picture a full day of indulgence; manicures, pedicures, facials, and luxurious beauty treatments. These timeless self-care rituals are the perfect way to show yourself (or someone special) a little extra love.

If you’re visiting the Southern Gulf Islands for a weekend of self-care, why not go all-in on a special pampering session? Whether it’s a mani-pedi, a calming facial, or a rejuvenating body treatment; there’s no better way to feel the love. With so many talented body, face, and nail practitioners calling this place home, your next trip here could be the ultimate self-care getaway.

Manicures & Pedicures

The epitome of self-care is a mani-pedi. Yet, it’s something few of us take the time to do on our own. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone close to your heart, a trip to the Southern Gulf Islands is the perfect opportunity to indulge in cuticle care. While you are here, book a manicure or pedicure with one of the talented local nail technicians and let the pampering begin.

• From the stripped-down essentials to a full bougie hour-long pedicure: Head to The Beautique on Salt Spring for all your nail needs.
• Sea salt peppermint scrub, essential oils, and a gentle foot and leg massage? These are all part of the pedicure experience at The Little Crow Spa on Salt Spring.
• Experience a one-of-a-kind pedicure from the quiet forested premises of the Wetherly Inn and Spa on Salt Spring, now open to non-guests.
• For all the folks dedicated to gel nails and tips, head to Salt Spring’s own Spa by Lenice.
• Manicures at G.G.’s This and That Salon on Mayne Island leave your hands feeling soft and your nails looking fabulous.

Facials and Beauty Treatments

And why stop with a mani-pedi? Rejuvenate, refresh, and revitalize with a Salish Sea facial. Infused with locally made, plant-based, and herbal skincare; these treatments will leave your skin looking radiant.

• Experience a full five hours of bliss with an Island Escape Spa Package from Spa by Lenice on Salt Spring! Featuring a full menu of treatments that will leave you glowing.
• Head back to The Little Crow Spa on Salt Spring for the special As Above So Below treatment. It includes a warm foot soak, Lelania facial, and reflexology session.
• Solace Organic Spa on Salt Spring is about the spa as a ritual. Schedule a Harmony Certified Dr. Hauschka Facial or an Earth & Sea Stone Facial for an experience like no other.
• Part farm, part guest accommodation, and part spa: Head to Lightwater Cove for an immersive one-of-a-kind spa weekend.
• Featuring Eminence Organic Skin products, eye treatment, and collagen mask; rejuvenate your skin with a facial at the Galiano Inn Oceanfront Inn and Spa.

Locally Sourced DIY Spa Treatments

If the stars didn’t align for a booking with one of the Islands’ estheticians, there is a silver lining. No matter what island you find yourself on, you can find more than enough inspiration for a little local DIY spa treatment. From handmade soaps and plant-based body care to perfumes and more. The local herbalists, wildcrafters, and skincare wizards have been hard at work creating small-batch self-care products for you to take home.

• Scrub, soften, and surrender to Salt Spring Island Soap Co.’s line of body care products.
• Slather on all-natural serums, oils, balms, and more from Island Soap Co’s face care options.
• Feel the energetic connection to plants and nature infused into FIADH Alchemy’s perfumes, body butters, masks, and more based on Pender Island.
• Make your next long, hot bath special, with soaps, salves, and other bath goodies from Pender Gal Soaps.
• Always plant-based and small batched, Nomad Essentials. Based on Mayne, they offer a full spectrum of body, bath, beauty, and aromatherapy goods.
• In their own words, you’ll find a complete line of unisex “farm to face” offerings with Galiano Island Soap Works.

With the long ferry ride to the Southern Gulf Islands, it can feel like this place exists without the typical modern-day luxuries. Considering there are fewer services here in general, you’d be forgiven if you’d assumed you would have to rough it upon arrival.

But pampering yourself here isn’t just possible—it’s easy! This thanks to the dozens of skilled technicians, estheticians, and skincare crafters who call this place home. There is no better excuse than a trip to the Islands to treat yourself in ways you never do back on the mainland.

Written by Jessica McKeil