Getting Our Chill On

i know exactly how long it’s been since I visited Miraj Hammam. A group of friends treated me to an afternoon at the cozy, Middle Eastern-inspired spa for my 40th birthday— which, given that I’ve just passed another milestone birthday, makes for a nice round decade. But as I’ve come to learn, 10 years can fly by in an instant— and, wow, was I happy to return to Miraj this past winter. It’s a little gem of a spa: it draws on a tradition of hammam baths that goes back to the 17th century, and spending time there leaves you feeling like you’ve jet-setted away for a few hours. I had the steamy hammam to myself on this visit (the time you book is reserved just for you or your group—meaning no naked strangers to navigate) and I could genuinely feel deep wells of stress melting away. I promised myself I’d never let another decade—or even a couple of months—go by without returning there again.

This city is rich with spaces like Miraj Hammam—mini getaways designed to help us simply wind down for an hour or three. In this issue, we nod to our collective need to chill (page 33), and we’ve sleuthed out the city’s best places to do so, whether that’s a zen spa tucked into a medical high-rise in Fairview that pairs stunning views with Japanese hospitality, or a “floating peace” pod in Kits that gifted one of our editors with the best sleep of her life, or a Davie Street spot that offers a needle-free facelift (which means, yes, your therapist puts their gloved hands right in your mouth). Plus, our assistant editor Kerri Donaldson does a deep dive into the latest on mushrooms, CBD and more—everything you need to shake off whatever’s stressing you these days (inflation, anyone?).

Of course, we’re also here for those of you who prefer to get your chill from a steamy bowl rather than a steamy room: associate editor Alyssa Hirose heads to Main Street, where the plant-forward dining scene is taking root and growing like crazy. You’ll find her top picks on page 24; meanwhile, I hope this issue leads you to the recharge you need to lose the last of your winter stress and get ready to welcome spring.

Coming Up Next Issue

k Our 34th Annual Restaurant Awards

In celebration of our incredible, resilient restaurant industry, the Restaurant Awards return to our May/June issue—and the results are your playbook to dining in Vancouver for the coming year. Get ready to start lining up those reservations.

Great Local Getaways

We’re hitting the road this summer and tracking down under-the-radar getaways— from a tiny former utopia off the northern tip of Vancouver Island to a swoon-worthy golf course in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Plus—every new hot spot in Bellingham, Washington.

On the Web

The Best Frozen Pizza in the City

Lucky Vancouverites—our local restaurants have taken the frozen pizza game light years past Delissio. Writer Neal McLennan takes on the quest of discovering the very best of the bunch. Find his results at vanmag.com.

Anicka Quin editorial director anicka quin @ vanmag com @ aniqua