At Spa Ethos, we are partners in our guests' wellness." The Franblows' first spa, on Granville at Eleventh, operated there for thirteen years. In 2002, Spa Ethos was introduced in Kitsilano, in a facility designed to reflect their love of nature-an earthy decor with cobblestone passageways, imaginative water features, fresh floral arrangements, and fireplace coziness. The name was chosen to convey the rich history of spa and wellness treatments from around the world-a return to true spa traditions. A spa experience with refined therapies can be, in Ann's words, "conducive to the guest's participation in the process of self-renewal, well-being and a restoration of the sense of self." Spa Ethos introduced several therapeutic treatments, including Aroma Marine, an exfoliating body experience rich in minerals, followed by a relaxation massage with warm, aromatic oil. There are Spa Pebble Manicures and Pedicures, using smooth river stones on hand and foot reflex points to relieve tension. Specializing in massage therapy, Spa Ethos offers reflexology for the feet ("you walk out on air"),

R.M.T. deep-tissue sports massage, soothing prenatal massage, and stressreducing aromatherapy massage. There is also the Connection Package, in which two persons (couples, friends, families) receive "duet treatments," beginning with massages, and concluding with botanical facials. Then there is warm stone massage therapy-"consciousness altering,"according to Joel Schechter. Schechter, owner of Vancouver's Greenery Florist, had never been to a spa,

The name Spa Ethos was chosen to convey the rich history of spa and wellness treatments from around the world-a return to true spa traditions.

thinking it was "a woman's thing." But a male colleague assured him "spas are great." "Three months ago," he says, "I was totally intimidated." Now he's at Spa Ethos every two weeks. "I look forward to it," he says, "and go early." After relaxing by the fire in what Spa Ethos calls the Intention Room, he's had the sports massage, the relaxation massage, a man's facial, back waxing. But it was the massage with basalt stones and oils that really did it for him. Schechter has dealt for years with chronic pain in his neck and shoulders. Warm stone treatment takes it away. Spa Ethos, says Schechter, is "a relaxing, healing space. it's very therapeutic- the effect is immediately apparent."

Ann Fransblow grew up in Summerland, in British Columbia's orchard country. She became an equestrian rider, and only recently gave up the sport (one feels she may return to it). She and Peter met when Ann's nursing school roommate, who was seeing a dental technician, arranged a blind date for her. Peter turned up in the uniform of a Cub Scout leader, complete with shorts. But after that eye-widening introduction, they went on to dine and dance in Tsawwassen, and the union endures, in life and business. The Fransblows have three children, all involved to some degree in the workings of Spa Ethos. "Peter and I come up with fun ways to showcase Spa Ethos," says Lydia Masri. There was, leading up to Father's Day, a $40,000 Indian Chief motorcycle in the window, to draw masculine interest. Collaborating with Kitsilano's Urban Puppy Shop and Viva Fine Foods & Bakery, Spa Ethos offered a "Valentine Spaw Special," in which both canine and owner received spa treatments (Valentine at Spa Ethos, dog at Urban Puppy, ), and carried away handmade chocolates from Viva. At Christmas, there was an event called "Smooch & Pooch,"a fund-raiser for SPCA and the Vancouver Food Bank. Both dog (Bella) and husband (Peter) donned Santa Claus suits. Patrons of Spa Ethos have ranged in age from 12 (a simple manicure) to 101 (Peter's mother). Meanwhile, the number of male and teenage clients continues to grow. All, says, Fransblow, "appreciate the benefits of true spa therapy."

The spa therapy offerings at Spa Ethos include the Aromatic Botanical Body Wrap, Oceanic Salt Glow, Stress Eraser Package, Spa Retreat Package and Revitalization Wellness Package. After which, a guest may call for a nutritious spa luncheon, with imaginative menus prepared by Cordon Bleu chef Russell Rootman. Asked which Spa Ethos treatment she prefers, airline flight attendant Judy Smith says "I'm a woman-so bring it all on." Smith works 18-hour duty days, walking mile after mile after mile on flights to London and Hong Kong. When she comes home, she finds Spa Ethos "a little dream oasis. "After a long trip," she says, "it's nice to let someone pamper you." She has drawn her husband and daughters in, as well. "It's something you can share," she says. The overall benefit to Spa Ethos treatments, says Fransblow, is a healthy lifestyle. Stress is decreased and, as a consequence, aging is slowed; meanwhile, nutritional counselling leads to better dietary choices. The director of these services is Pascale Couton, trained in France, with more than two decades experience behind her. She leads a team of largely European-trained aestheticians and massage therapists. "A spa experience," says Naomi Thomas, "is all about a body/mind connection." An increasing number of people, men and women, young and not so young, have begun to recognize the benefits spa treatments can bring and make their own body/mind connections. For their body/mind connections, the Fransblows like to escape, when their schedules permit, to their cabin at Buccaneer Bay, on Thormanby Island beyond Sechelt's Secret Cove.

Vivienne O'Keeffe, who directs an international consultancy developing spa concepts tailored toward specific markets, guided the Fransblows in the creation of Spa Ethos. "The spa industry," says O'Keeffe, "is booming, and consumers are becoming more discerning. It is necessary to explore new concepts while retaining the essence and philosophy of spa." In Vancouver, where spas and salons are proliferating rapidly, Spa Ethos is distinctive for its focus on wellness, a natural direction for the medically trained Fransblows. It also has a strong sense of association with its Kitsilano community, and a knack for fun. What other spa offers Smooch & Pooch? The spa experience began in 1610 at a mineral spring in a Belgian village named...Spa. Four centuries later, Ann Fransblow predicts that spas will become "an integral part of everyone's life." And the reason: "People come in empty. They leave fulfilled."