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Those who subscribe to that I-want-to-feel-special philosophy of self-pampering might consider a shopping mall too common a locale for an upscale spa, even if the chic and pricey mall in question was designed to cater to Montreal's urban bourgeoisie.

But Spa Diva's consistent popularity since it opened five years ago on the fourth floor of trendy downtown complex Les Cours Mont Royal proves that however uncouth a theory a "shopping mall spa" may be, in practice it's convenient, efficient, and reliable. Harried locals in need of regular tune-ups have come to rely on Spa Diva as a one-stop beauty care shop that delivers quality renditions of all the standard spa treatments in a luxurious and gimmick-free environment.

Location

Riding the escalator to the fourth floor of Les Cours feels eerily like ascending a stairway to urban heaven, thanks in part to the complex's high glass ceiling and opulent fixtures, but also to the gradual fadeout of mall-rat noise as you rise. With all the shops located safely several stories below, Spa Diva is adjacent to the prestigious Pure hair salon, with which it shares a reception desk, although the two businesses are in no way affiliated. However, this joined-at-the hip layout may cause some confusion to first timers upon check-in, as it's not quite clear where you're supposed to go.

Cientele

According to Director Vanesa Curutchet, Spa Diva caters to about 500 customers each week, a diverse clientele that includes "career people, artists, stay-at-home moms, and young women." A quick glance around the sparsely-populated waiting room confirms her assessment, though there is no sign of the Hollywood stars, who also reportedly pop by when in town. The privately-owned spa claims to require no advertising, relying instead upon word-of-mouth. Surprisingly, it doesn't get many walk-ins, appointments are usually made in advance.

Treatments

In addition to the usual urban-spa fare of manicures, pedicures, facials, and massotherapy, Curutchet says Spa Diva prides itself on remaining up to speed on the industry's trendiest developments; offering hip treatments airbrush self-tanning, and laser hair removal by licensed registered nurses. Other unique -- and decadent -- options include the hot-stone massage, chocolate body wrap, and Vichy rain massage.

With my skin beginning to reveal the stresses of travel and winter, I opted for the tried-and-true facial. After an hour-and-a-half of popping, peeling, cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, I can honestly say that my face never looked better. The pleasantly didactic aesthetician even wrote out my detailed skin-care prescription, no doubt intended to sell me expensive products, but appreciated nonetheless -- especially since the peeling mask I did buy (and now use religiously) exposed a glow well worth the hundred bucks.

Yet the real highlight was my hot-stone massage. This treatment combines basic Swedish massage techniques with elements of the ancient healing art of stone therapy. Supposedly, it does wonders for insomnia, improves circulation, helps with detoxification, and allows sore muscles to experience relief far deeper than that provided by a standard massage; because the warmth of the stones allows for a more intense experience.

I lay on my back as a soft-spoken, steel-armed Czech woman gingerly placed upon each of my chakras a tiny stone whose properties correspond to that particular energy centre. Then came the hot rocks. Larger, smooth heated stones heated were placed all along my spine and abdomen, with smaller ones inserted between my fingers and toes, while the masseuse worked in Swedish massage style, using another hot stone instead of her hands. The warmth made me so relaxed I almost fell asleep, save for one Princess-and-the Pea moment that occurred when the rocks felt like they were burning into my back, and the masseuse had to put a towel between my body and the stones. But when it was over, I felt incredibly energized and balanced.

Service

While all Spa Diva's practitioners are top-notch professionals who know how to make guests feel comfortable, my favourite part of the spa's service is the privacy it grants its clients. Upon checking in, you're given a key card to your own personal cabana -- a small room equipped with a shower, robe and slippers, fresh towels and other amenities. Alone, at last! The front desk can get a bit hectic during peak hours, though; in fact, the line-up of clients waiting to pay upon my departure reminded me of the mall downstairs.

Bottom line

You know what you're going to get, you know you'll pay for it, and you know you'll emerge feeling hotter, younger, and thinner. This is Quebec, after all, and French women do not fool around with beauty. With such a predictably posh, glamour-infused, no-nonsense appeal, it's no wonder that much of Spa Diva's business comes from the sale of gift certificates; low-risk prezzies for high-maintenance friends. And they can even go shopping.

Information

Spa Diva: 1455 Peel St. (in Les Cours Mont Royal); 514-985-9859. Facials for women start at $68.95 (taxes included; the hot-stone massage costs $149.49.