frequently asked questions
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Circle Wellness Granville Island is a high-demand spa. As such, we have a firm cancellation policy:
- Cancellations from the time of booking up to 48 hours ahead of session start time will receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee.
- Cancellations between 24-48 hours from your session start time will receive a refund, less a $50 cancellation fee.
- Missed sessions or cancellations within 24 hours of your session start time will incur a full charge.
- How many people can use the Circuit at once?
- The Circle Wellness experience is for a maximum of 2 people.
- How much does it cost to book a Circuit?
- Prices range from $219 to $285 (+ GST) to book a Circuit depending on the day of the week, time of the day, and length of the session. The price is for the time in the Circuit so it’s the same for 1 or 2 people.
- What times can I book a Circuit?
- Circuits can be booked 7 days a week for 90 or 120-minute sessions, starting as early as 6:30 A.M. and as late as 10:15 P.M. We do offer 90-minute sessions at 10:45PM session on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
- My preferred time isn't available. How should I sign up for the waitlist?
- Set up a waitlist notification through our booking page. You'll receive an email notification when any sessions become available 4 hours prior to and 4 hours after your waitlist booking time. For example, a 12PM waitlist booking will get notified if any sessions open up between 8AM-12PM and 12PM-4PM.
- When will more Circuit sessions be released for booking?
- We release new Circuit sessions on the first of each month at 9 AM.
- Do I have to create a log in to book an appointment?
- No, you may simply proceed with booking your appointment. If you would like to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you will then need to create a log in to manage your reservation.
- Do I need to sign a waiver?
- Yes, you will need to sign the waiver before using the facilities. You can view the waiver here and it will be shared with you to sign in advance of your session.
- What is the minimum age requirement?
- We welcome guests as young as 16 years of age who will be accompanied by a legal guardian throughout the duration of the Circuit experience. The legal guardian must also sign a liability waiver on behalf of the underage guest. Each guest for a Circuit experience must be 19+ to visit Circle Wellness without a guardian.
- Are you open even if it’s raining?
- Absolutely. We love the Circuit in the rain. We do have covered areas in the Circuit, but you will spend a lot of your time in a hot soaking tub, warm shower, and the heated WellPod so the contrast makes the experience even more special.
- Where are you located?
- We are located at 1297 Johnston Street on Granville Island.
- Why doesn't the WellPod have benches?
- The WellPod design was inspired by the Korean jimjilbang experience, where spa guests of all ages lay on the floor of the sauna. For the most comfortable WellPod experience, you may choose to sit or lay down on your stomach or back. Additionally, you may request extra towels upon check in to be used as bolsters or cushions under the head, neck or knees.
- What do I need to bring?
- You may choose to bring your bathing suit, robe, slippers, or hairbrush.
- If you bring your own face wash, please use the washroom sink only.
- No outside products are permitted inside the Circuits to protect the natural wood surfaces from being damaged.
- What is provided?
- Each private Circuit is stocked with:
- 4 large towels
- 1 hand towel
- 2 exfoliating cloths
- 4 stoneware cups
- Hot and cold water dispensers
- Tea
- Electrolyte powder
- Circle Wellness Signature Body Cleanser, Body Lotion, Face Serum
- Sulfate-free Shampoo and Conditioner, safe for color-treated hair
- Q Tips
- Biodegradable bags (ideal for wet bathing suits)
- Each private Circuit is stocked with:
- What should I bring?
- You may choose to bring your bathing suit, robe, slippers, or hairbrush.
- If you bring your own face wash, please use the washroom sink only.
- No outside products are permitted inside the Circuits to protect the natural wood surfaces from being damaged.
- The following amenities are available upon request:
- Extra towels
- Additional blow dryer
- Blow dryer diffuser
- Hair ties
- Hairbrushes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Unscented shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion
- Where do I get ready after my Circuit session?
- Your session time includes time to get ready while in the Circuit. Please plan accordingly. When your session is nearing completion, you will hear audio cues to inform you. The tubs will automatically drain when there are 10 minutes remaining.
- Can I bring food, drinks, or alcohol?
- Alcohol is not permitted at Circle Wellness Granville Island. Consuming alcohol during a Circuit session may counteract the benefits of thermotherapy and may potentially cause unwanted effects such as a drop in blood pressure resulting in lightheadedness and/or fainting. We know that a Circuit session can make you really hungry, so if you like, you’re more than welcome to bring a snack for yourself for after. You may also want to bring a beverage high in electrolytes like coconut water. Water and caffeine-free herbal tea is provided.
- Are your tubs chlorinated?
- No, our tubs are not chlorinated. We drain and refill them with fresh water for every session, eliminating the need for added chlorine. However, trace amounts of chlorine may naturally exist in the tap water as provided by municipal sources.
- Once I book a session, what can I expect?
- We are a private thermal spa Circuit that is an oasis in the heart of the city. The Circuit is all contained within one space, so once you are in your Circuit, it is completely private. Guests can enjoy an open-air shower, cedar soaking tub, multi-sensory sauna featuring Himalayan salt walls, cold water plunge, and heated stone bed.
- What do you mean by a thermal spa?
- It is a self-guided spa Circuit with multiple therapeutic elements. These include wet, dry, hot, cold, and different natural textures. Contrast hydrotherapy has numerous benefits for circulation, the lymphatic system, and anti-inflammation.
- How is this different from other spas?
- There are no practitioners. This is a completely self-guided experience. You do not have to share this space with others. We find this allows you to deeply relax in a way that doesn’t happen very often in modern life. We keep things as natural as possible. Because we are private, we can drain, clean, and fill the tubs for each session which means we don’t have to use chlorine. We use salt, wood, and essential oils to give you the chance to reconnect to natural elements.
The WellPod is a multi-sensory sauna featuring Himalayan salt walls. It includes carefully curated music, lighting, and airflow, and has radiant heat set to 50 degrees Celsius. Most other saunas are usually around +/- 90c, so this allows for a much more gentle and gradual experience. This room is also an open concept, without any benches, which encourages a freer range of movement. - I’m pregnant, can I still come?
- We do recommend consulting with your doctor or midwife to ensure that this will be a safe experience for you. Our WellPod is approximately 50°C and our Ofuro Tub is approximately 40°C.
- I have accessibility challenges, can I still participate in the Circuit?
- Yes, we can definitely accommodate you. Please email guestservices@circlewellnessspas.com after you make your booking so we can make the proper preparations. Our entrance provides ramp access, and our accessibility unit provides guard rails near the tubs, as well as next to the toilet in the washroom and a custom designed sink to allow for wheelchair clearance. Additional saddle style benches are available to be placed as needed, as well as the option to place wood stools in tubs for easier access. We also have kick plates installed for easy entry/exit into our WellPod.
- Can I buy a Gift Card for Circle Wellness Granville Island?
- Yes. Please click here.
- Where can I apply to work at Circle Wellness?
- We're always accepting resumes. Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@circlewellnessspas.com. You can also view and apply for open positions on our LinkedIn page: linkedin.com/company/circle-wellness-spas