In the heart of downtown Vancouver’s upscale heritage district is a haven for today’s discerning man seeking top-notch haircuts. But step inside Regal Grooming Lounge and it becomes clear — this is not a barbershop, not in the traditional sense anyway. Take note of the posh entryway, the floor-to-ceiling windows, walls panelled in dark wood… private stations with sumptuous leather chairs…TVs for customers who may wish to catch a game while being pampered… the wraparound bar. Every square inch of space here whispers, “luxury,” “genteel” — and a full-on transformation of masculine grooming amenities.

“We try to create a Tesla of barbershops in a market of Corollas and Civics — something a little different, more refined,” says Angelo Khoshaba, Regal’s founder and co-owner. Inspired by a local barber’s comment on the ongoing boom in the men’s grooming sector, Khoshaba, a former restaurateur, saw the potential in elevating the in-salon experience and launched Regal in 2017. “We offer a complete experience [here]. Men can walk in and get everything done. There is nothing else in Vancouver that offers the level of service we do.”

Forget the classic shave and haircut. Regal’s comprehensive menu includes precision haircuts, customized to the client’s specific hair type and face shape, even his lifestyle. Also on offer — a five-step scalp treatment, your choice of meticulous beard trim (with clippers) or hot-towel razor shave, the deep-cleanse gentleman’s facial and the eyebrow grooming.

“Eyebrows are the most popular service,” Khoshaba reports. “Most men seem to need this and they feel more comfortable having it done here than at a brow bar or a hair salon.”

Also popular are in-salon amenities, such as a complimentary shoe-buffing station, the option of a glass of Scotch or craft beer, and the cologne bar, where each dab of scent is bespoke to the client.

Another draw is the exclusive membership package, created after the night Khoshaba took out a select group of loyal customers for dinner and asked them: “What do you want from a premier men’s saloon?” He presented “a blank canvas” for all their suggestions, then “painted it [just] the way they wanted.” Membership at Regal is available in four tiers — Essential, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

01. THE GENTLEMAN’S FACIAL

“I volunteer anytime we are introducing new facials or training new employees…. I’m the model!” says Khoshaba. His favourite — the Gentleman’s Facial ($47) — delivers a warm steam, deep cleanse, exfoliating scrub, facial massage, mask and hot towel to end. “It’s very relaxing and rejuvenating!” Regal Grooming Lounge, 415 Hornby St.; regalgrooming.ca

02. MINK A CHOCOLATE CAFE

An easy walk from Regal Grooming Lounge is Khoshaba’s go-to local coffee shop — Mink A Chocolate Cafe. “I share a cappuccino [there] with my girlfriend.” 863 West Hastings St.; minkchocolates.com

03. GARIBALDI LAKE HIKING TRAIL

“I hike a lot. Garibaldi is my favourite.” This popular trail is a scenic destination in British Columbia because of its breathtaking views. Dense forests of Douglas fir surround the 18.2-kilometre, intermediate-level trek that scales 979 metres before reaching Instagram-calibre vistas of brilliant turquoise waters and snow-tipped mountains. bcparks.ca/garibaldi-park

04. SEAONS IN THE PARK

“[For] my girlfriend’s birthday we went [there] and had a beautiful dinner.” This romantic restaurant, perched at the highest point in Vancouver, at Queen Elizabeth Park, is renowned for its regional West Coast cuisine, enchanting gardens and sweeping panoramic city views. West 33rd Ave.; vancouverdine.com/seasons

05. CACTUS CLUB COAL HARBOUR

“This is a beautiful restaurant that is very consistent with great food and impeccable service. I always tell my staff that [it and Regal] share very similar business models. It’s. Modern, but it is not a place where you will feel intimidated. [And] they are always trying new things.” 1085 Canal Place; cactusclubcafe.com/locations/coal-harbour

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By Christopher Turner — *Insight: The Art Of Living Magazine – The Metamorphosis Issue.