about us

We provide a world class spa experience to absolutely every guest. We are truly dedicated to making an absolute difference in our guest’s life, not only during their stay but also at home.

Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia
President, Absolute Spa Group

CALL IT A PREDICTION FOR PAMPERING…
As President of Absolute Spa Group, the largest and most luxurious spa chain in Canada, Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia is the bona fide “Spa Maven” as quoted in the Vancouver Sun and Ottawa Citizen’s Newspapers. It was twelve years ago that Wendy and her husband, Sergio Cocchia, opened their first spa at the Century Plaza Hotel, now known as the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa.  They modified the existing spa space at the hotel and created Absolute Spa @ the Century. Since then, Absolute Spa @ the Century has been voted Best Spa 45 times! Besides international awards such as the “Best of Vancouver Award” from the London-based Daily Express,  the “Nice Touch Award” from SpasAbout.com,  the “Best Spa Award” from Sympatico.ca  and national awards, such as the “Best of Beauty” award from Flare Magazine.  Absolute Spa has also been voted “Best Spa” by the Georgia Straight and the Westender Newspapers, as well as Voted #1 by Vancouver Magazine, Vancouver Courier, Glow Magazine, Vancouver’s Best Places Magazine, and  Prestige Magazine.   They also have been honoured with News 1130’s “People’s Choice Awards, North American Inns Magazine’s “Room of the Year” award and Spa Magazine’s “Great Canadian Spa Award.”

The expanded Absolute Spa @ the Century boasts over 16,000 square feet of tranquil space for absolute relaxation.  Christened by Gillian Anderson, the Absolute VIP Suite features a private fireplace and a luxurious Jacuzzi tub.  Absolute Spa @ the Century continues to be the spa of choice for celebrities, with guests representing some of the brightest stars in film, television, music, and sports.  You never know whom you will meet in the Relaxation Lounge over the decadent spa cuisine! Their star-studded spa visitors include Ben Affleck, Chalize Theron, Chris Rock, Christina Aguilera, Elle McPherson, Goldie Hawn, Gwenyth Paltrow, Hilary Swank, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Biel, Megan Fox, and Mila Kunis, Uma Thurman, Will Ferrell just to name a few!

Wendy and Sergio Cocchia recently celebrated their 10th spa in 10 years with the grand opening of Absolute Spa @ Park Royal.

Lisogar-Cocchia now employs over 200 people at her ten operations: Absolute Spa @ the Century, Absolute Spa @ Hotel Vancouver, Absolute Spa @ YVR (Fairmont Vancouver International Airport and US/Domestic Gates), Absolute Spa @ the Fairmont, Absolute Spa Mobile, Absolute Spa @ River Rock, Absolute Spa @ Park Royal and Soluzione Spa Products.  Lisogar-Cocchia is also the President of the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa.

Eleven years ago, Lisogar-Cocchia founded Soluzione Spa Products, with goal of bringing the finest spa and salon products from around the world to Canada.  Soluzione also manufactures and distributes quality Canadian-made products. Spa lines include their signature Y-Spa for Men, Aromatherapy Associates from the UK, Moor Spa from Austria, Sensi Sandals from Italy, Chinoiserie Nail Lacquer, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics from the US and now including Wendy’s latest line Organics Spa Binge.  This new line is 100% natural, petroleum derived chemical-free, silicone-free, as well as synthetic colours & scent-free.

Through her work and philanthropy, the energetic entrepreneur has received numerous awards and honours, including Canadian Food Services/Hospitality Executives Association Entrepreneur of the Year, Business in Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business, YWCA’s Woman of Distinction – Entrepreneur & Innovator, Vancouver Board of Trade Woman in Spotlight Award, Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year, BC Woman Magazine – Woman of the Month, Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 under 40 Winner, Variety Club’s International Corporate Fundraiser of the Year and the Variety Club Angel Award..  Lastly, her most recent award is the Industry Award from the LSC, which is the highest in its class.

In 1987, Lisogar-Cocchia founded the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa Women’s Media Golf Classic, and event that has raised – so far – over $2.6 million for various children’s charities, with more than $1 million going to Variety the Children’s Charity.  Projects built by this fundraising success include the Vancouver Oral Centre for the Deaf Children, the Children’s Foundation Building and Down Syndrome Resource Centre, and now the Pacific Autism Family Centre.

Chairperson & Founder:  Century Plaza Hotel & Spa Ladies Media Golf Classic

Created in 1987
Raised over $2.6 million for various children’s charities, of that over $1 million going to Variety Club supported children’s charities
Contributed to 3 major Variety The Children’s Charity projects including: Vancouver Oral Center for hearing impaired children ($350,000.00), the Children’s Foundation ($375,000.00) and the Down Syndrome Research Foundation ($375,000.00)

BENEFICIARIES:

Down Syndrome Research Foundation
BC C.H.I.L.D. Foundation
Glen Eden School
Hummingbird Kids Society
Sunnyhill Hospital for Children
The Vancouver Oral Centre for Hearing Impaired Children
The Children’s Foundation
Canadian Cancer Society
Red Cross
St. John’s Ambulance
The Zajac Foundation
United Way of Vancouver
Variety Club Tent 47

Other Charity Event Beneficiaries via Donations:

North Shore Disability Resource Centre
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC – Yukon Chapter
Children’s Hospital
St. Paul’s Hospital