The mystical calm of Long Beach and Tofino after the rain and the serenity of the West Coast Rain forest inspired Barbara Bell's Raintree Spa & Tea Company in Richmond., B.C. The spa has recreated that feeling in its environmentally-friendly design, natural products and services.

Unique to the Raintree Spa is the Tea Bar where guests can sip and purchase organic teas. The spa also presents monthly events and workshops on a variety of topics from aphrodisiac essential oils, makeup techniques to tea ceremonies and cooking.

Raintree's spa services mirror Bell's love of nature and holistic lifestyle. Clients can choose from traditional spa services as well as a number signature Raintree services such as their Shiatsu Fusion Massage or their Thai Herbal Stem Massage. The Thai Herbal Stem Massage combines yoga-style stretches and warm herbal compresses to relieve muscular aches, inflammation and release toxins using aromatic powerful antioxidants like turmeric, lemon grass and quaffer lime peel and leaves.

Esthetician Amy Luong loves her position at Raintree. A graduate of the Blanche Macdonald Esthetics program, Amy works alongside Barbara Bell, sharing her love of esthetics by delivering an authentic, nurturing spa experience to their clients.

"Blanche Macdonald was my dream. I've wanted to be an esthetician for nine years, ever since I was little, but never thought my dream would come true. Dedicated instructors, who are in the industry because they love it, are very inspiring. Being educated by those who have worked in the industry is an amazing way to learn. Experience is the key to success in this industry and Blanche does everything to demonstrate the importance of this."

"I now work at Raintree Day Spa in Steveston and I love it. Without Blanche, I would not be where I am today".