Sure, Montreal in the summer is hot, sunny and jam-packed with festival fun. But the winter is when the city really takes on its unique flavour. Where else can people revel in the streets – nay, in a whole Snow Village! – in a minus 20 degree winter wonderland?

After the great success of last year’s inaugural edition, North America’s first and only Snow Village is doing things even bigger and better this year with a special homage to the Big Apple. In perfect accordance with the year’s other New York/Montreal project, Montreal-Brooklyn, the Snow Village architects and sculptors are using the Big Apple as inspiration for the setting, sculptures, décor and more.

From family outings to outdoor activities to romantic getaways and even adventure tourism, the Snow Village has something for everyone, including a giant ice and snow slide, heated outdoor spas and a supersize heated igloo that doubles as a one-of-a-kind site for private parties. Imagine a wedding in this kind of setting… hey, there’s even a chapel on site!

Apart from the hotel stay, where you sleep among furs and the warmth of a wood fire, the most popular draw to the village is the food. The Snow Village’s beloved Pommery Ice Restaurant is doubling its capacity to 100 seats this year, plus there’ll be a brand-new second outdoor Ice Restaurant in Laval! Thanks to a partnership with the Auberge Saint-Gabriel, the Amarula Ice Restaurant will be a 56-seat outdoor restaurant located at the Centropolis on Boulevard St. Martin Ouest. Make sure you explore this borough North of Montreal on a weekend morning, to take advantage of the most unforgettable weekend brunches north of the St. Lawrence.

“The Centropolis was the perfect choice for our first Ice Restaurant outside the Montreal Snow Village,” says Village co-manager Carl Fugère. “Now North Shore residents can easily enjoy this unique Nordic dining experience, prepared to perfection with the Auberge Saint-Gabriel’s internationally renowned chef Éric Gonzalez.”

The official opening date for the Snow Village in January 18, but there’s an ice breaker (pun fully intended) at Amarula Ice Restaurant that’s open to all on January 3, and a pre-opening of the Village as a whole on January 4. So dig out your mitts, your toques and your Sorels, and let’s get this party started!

THE DETAILS
Montreal Snow Village at Parc Jean-Drapeau, January 4 to March 24th, 2013, Reservations: (514) 788-2181

Photo credit: Village des Neiges/Snow Village Canada

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Although the restaurant feels fancier than a bistro, it follows the current move towards a more casual setting (think no tablecloths or flowers on the tables and wooden patio furniture by the garden). The décor looks typically hotel-like and corporate, and is heavy on light woods, beige and glass (glass bar shelves, glass wine showcases and even glass partitions).

What brings it to life is the buzzing open kitchen with colourful jars stacked high. But while the space is deliberately non-fancy, the clientele seems to find the Maison’s opening an occasion to toast and dress-up, with plenty of elegant older couples and men in suits filling the tables.

The definitive strongpoint is the quality of the food – not surprising, considering Boulud’s stellar reputation. He owns more than a dozen restaurants around the world, including six in New York, his home base, and whenever he opens another one he leaves nothing to chance. More business dynamo and kitchen maestro than cook, he jets around to inspect and direct, and has been watching his new baby very closely.

The lieutenant chosen to man the stoves is the young Riccardo Bertolino, whom, like other members of staff, were lengthily trained in the Boulud mold and “imported” to guarantee kitchen and dining room standards. Despite having to split his attention between so many businesses, he avows that being in Montreal and running Maison Boulud feels familiar and close to his heart.

To those who know how much Boulud likes Montreal, it rings true. He has close friends here (all big names in the biz, like Toqué’s Normand Laprise and Ferreira Café’s Carlos Ferreira) and has a fondness for the spirit of the city and the locals’ love of eating.

While his appreciation for the local culture and wealth of ingredients runs deep, Boulud’s menu is a medley that speaks many tongues. There are Mediterranean fried artichokes with aïoli (very good) and tropical-style shrimps served cold with heart of palm, avocado and cantaloupe (not the happiest combo). There are classically French seared scallops with white aspargus and morels (a winner) and a beautiful dessert of strawberries with the Middle-Eastern touch of orange flower.

Best bets are the decadent chunks of Québec pork served with crisp Pommes Anna (a much finer version of scalloped potatoes) and the oh-so-perfect agnolotti topped with large shavings of summer truffles (which, sadly, aren’t on the menu and are only made by special request).

Desserts are quite elaborately presented and consistently good – especially the lighter-than-expected “rocky road”, with coffee gelato, and the very classic chocolate and hazelnut number.

Much like the Ritz-Carlton itself, Maison Boulud doesn’t aim to seem hip or young. Well-executed world cuisine based on French technique and a polished and grown-up approach to service are the name of the game.

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THE DETAILS

Maison Boulud, Hotel Ritz-Carlton Montréal, 1228 Sherbrooke West, (514) 842-4212

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Stay right where you are because Appia comes to you! The first step is calling your concierge and admitting you need help. Within two hours (9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week), someone can be knocking at your door. Depending on how out-of-whack you are, you can get a full body massage or a treatment for only your hands and feet – the Appia therapists are trained in both relaxing and stimulating massages, including deep tissue, shiatsu and reflexology.

And, yes, despite the fact I live here in beautiful Montreal, I sacrificed an entire afternoon for you, dear reader, all in the name of journalistic research. Appia therapists – you can request male or female – all do body and facial treatments, plus a few beauty services. Company owners Delphine Beauchamp and her partner both came from Cirque du Soleil, so they know a thing or three about offering a total “experience.”

While my personal therapist didn’t do any flying trapeze acts or gymnastics on the ceiling, she did have me drifting on Cloud Nine. The facial was ultra relaxing with no painful extractions. While you enjoy a soothing mask, you can choose either a hand or foot massage.

Besides a pro staff and ultra-convenient accommodations, Appia is also proud to be using Tata Harper products. They’re 100% organic with an uplifting fresh fragrance. FYI: skincare junkies might already know how magazine editors covet this haute beauty brand from Vermont, the Rejuvenating Serum in particular. For body treatments, therapists use exclusive Appia products, which are loaded with local Canadian ingredients.

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, yes, this is a great idea for couples. You can request two therapists at once – you won’t be the first. Or bring your girlfriends and make it getaway spa party. While you’re at it, why not add on a little mani or pedi? There’ll be no need to sit your digits under those UV lights; you can kick back in bed and watch television while your nails dry. If your hotel room is a stand-up shower only, I recommend the “after” treatment called “Walk in the Woods”, where North American white spruce oils transform your eucalyptus shower into mini-hammam.

I decided, however, to end my facial + back scrub + body massage + foot rub with the “White Lake” milk bath, which contains apple and lavender, and is as comforting and soothing as it sounds. I love it that after the therapist fills your tub, she says “Sayonara”. There are no transactions, everything just gets charged to your room.

Another luxury is the fact that you don’t have to get all dressed up again. You can take your time, allowing your bliss to continue long after your therapist has left – and then just roll right into bed. Now that’s what I call room service.

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THE DETAILS

Appia Nomadic Spa Community, (514) 443-2266

Services are available at these fine hotels

The post IN-ROOM PAMPERING FROM MONTREAL’S MOBILE SPA appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Whether you’re looking for a place to learn about tea practices and tea culture while sipping on a rare blend from a remote region in China, or you just want to don some white gloves and have some good old fashioned afternoon tea, these top 5 tea connoisseurs in Montreal will have you covered…

Nothing makes a gal feel more like a lady than tea at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel. Channel your inner lady with their traditional afternoon tea- it’s the height of decorum, indulgence and luxury. They’ve been serving traditional afternoon tea with all the accoutrements for decades and they’ve got it down to a delicious science. I suggest their signature tea, the aptly-named “Queen Elizabeth”, and the elegant finger sandwiches and sweets are a real treat.

Next we found ourselves at Camellia Sinensis, a haven for serious tea drinkers. The owners built their store with their shared passion for tea and travel and have been in business selling authentic tea from Asia for over ten years. They source the tea themselves by travelling to remote pockets of the world (mostly Asia), often following leads that are the stuff of myth and legend. The result is one of the finest tea houses in Montreal, with passionate, friendly and erudite staff who serve the finest tea in the world, to perfection.

Gryphon D’Or is an absolute treasure and the afternoon tea service is sophisticated yet cozy. They serve afternoon tea with all the frills but it feels more like an elegant indoor picnic, and nothing beats their famous homemade scones. The emphasis at Gryphon D’Or is on homemade treats, quality food and ambrosial tea. Even if you’ve never had afternoon tea, they’ll make you feel right at home.

Bubble Tea is a unique treat, even if it’s a bit unconventional. Magic Idea is the place to go if you’d like to try something new, or if you’re a bubble tea vet. This spot is one of the best places to get this unique cold tea served with flavoured tapioca balls. We sampled their most popular concoction and it was as sweet as the owners who run the place.

Esprithé is easy to miss but hard to forget. At Esprithe, you can purchase tea to take home or you can sit down and relax in their tea house with some meringues and baked treats from the neighbourhood. The place is run by an affable gentleman who knows a daunting amount about tea culture and who will expertly serve you a cup of tea with an Asian flair.

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Let’s start with the basics. Some call this cliché, I call it classic: Chocolates and Flowers. Suite 88 has the most divine chocolate in town. True craftsmanship and artistry goes into each batch, so they are always fresh and beautiful. As for flowers, Westmount Florist are not only the largest family-run florist in Montreal, but their website claims that they’re one of the best in North America! They’ve been in business since 1962, so I don’t doubt them. From the chocolates to a stunning flower bouquet, your lucky Valentine will be swooning all over come February 14. Let’s take a look around the city to see where this perfect night could take you…

Downtown: Montreal being the hopeless romantic that it is, many restaurants are preparing special Valentine’s Day menus for two. Wienstein & Gavino’s is preparing a very affordable three-course table-d’hote, but if you want to really splurge, then the incredible DECCA77, with a $75 per person special menu, is the place for you. If you call and reserve a table, you have the chance to win a romantic dinner for two, a one-night stay at Loews Hotel Vogue complete with breakfast in bed. Sounds blissful!

After an amorous meal, a place to end and really start the night is in order. Most hotels in Montreal are offering a Valentine’s Day Package throughout the weekends of February. My personal favorite is the “Bare Your Heart” Package at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Starting at $219, you get one night accommodation, breakfast in bed for two, and two “En Coeur” cocktails to enjoy at night. The unexpected and heartfelt twist is that for every package sold Fairmont Hotels will donate $10 to the Fondation En Coeur, which brings comfort, warmth and hope to children born with heart disease.

Old Port: The most exclusive Valentine’s Day option is taking place near the Old Port at the world-renowned Toque!. Discover true gastronomical love with a special eight-course tasting menu with carefully selected wine pairings. Their Valentine menu is available on February 11 and 14 in the evening and will be the only menu offered on those nights.

XO in the Hotel Le St-James also has a special menu created by Executive Chef Michele Mercuri. Just a teaser: Scallops, salmon, foie gras, venison and grapefruit custard. Enjoy this decadent meal for $115. The Old Port is one of the most enchanting and romantic places in Montreal, so a walk through the snow with your lucky someone is an idyllic way to spend an evening.

Gay Village: Nothing is more adorable than seeing gay and lesbian canoodling on Valentine’s Day in the Village. Saint-Catherine Street in the Village is dotted with amazing restaurants; it doesn’t matter where you go, as all will be tender if you’re with someone you love. Try out a few classics, which are sure to be filled with couples: Le Saloon, Mozza, Steak Frites, Nuvu, and Bato Thai.

Le Carte Blanche on Ontario Street is doing a special Valentine’s Day menu. For only $55 you get a four-course meal including frosty raspberry prosecco, lobster bisque, some equally delicious sounding mains and a revised maple and caramelized pear cheesecake. The quality of Carte Blanche, and with such an appealing price point, I’ve already made my reservation for Valentine’s Day here. For one, the reservation is for one. Carte Blanche is also offering a very cute “take away gourmet box” for only $35 a person to enjoy at home. While it would be less humiliating for me to just get the $35 gourmet-to-go box and watch Modern Family at home in my underwear, I’ll hold my head high and go to the full restaurant service sans accompaniment.

Plateau/Mile End: The White and Dark Chocolate Duo Fondue at Juliette et Chocolat is the harmonic Ying Yang of yum and intimacy. This can only truly be appreciated when shared between two star-crossed lovers. You might have to wait in line for a bit, but it’s well worth it. Juliette et Chocolate is easily accessible from three locations in the Plateau and Mile End. The Italians know romance better then any of us. Le Petit Italian on Bernard is no exception. Cozy corners and dim lighting are perfected for whispered conversations and sneaking a kiss or two.

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Until March 31, Parc Jean Drapeau will be home to Montreal’s most wonderfully wintery attraction, the Snow Village. In fact, the Snow Village is an hommage to the city itself, boasting icy reproductions of Montreal’s building and monuments, not to mention a hotel, restaurant, bar, convention centre, chapel and, fittingly, a whole bunch of igloos. An obvious must-see for locals and tourists alike. To make reservations, visit the Snow Village website or call (514) 788-2181.

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Since construction won’t be completed until December, the images and video you see below are from the original Snow Village in Finland. Which is fitting, as it was the inspiration for Montreal’s newest winter attraction.

“We fell in love with the original project and decided to import it to Montreal,” says Carl Fugère, one of the project’s promoters. “In fact, the Montreal version of Snow Village will be much more elaborate and have more features than the Finnish version. What’s more, the Village will depict a different city each year, particularly through its sculptures, design and activities. For our first year, it seemed only natural to showcase Montreal.”

Let’s start with what must be your first question: how cold does it get? Due to snow’s insulating properties, warmer than you’d think- the interior temperature ranges from -2 to -5°C (23° to 28°F). So absolutely nothing some decent outerwear and nice warm drink or two can’t handle. Boasting heated outdoor spas under the stars, a 60-seat restaurant, a 250-seat bar, a huge conference centre, maze, slide and even a chapel, you probably won’t even have time to be cold.

Like all good hotels, the Snow Village offers a range of options. At the Snow Village, you’ve got standard rooms, prestige suites and, clearly coolest (pun sort of intended), igloos. All the rooms come with thermal sleeping bags for the night, welcome cocktails, continental breakfast and much more. (TIP: book before January 6 to take advantage of their promotional deal.)

If you’re not ready to take the full plunge, why not just spend a couple hours in their restaurant, a 100 square meter igloo decorated with illuminated ice and snow. The menu details haven’t been released yet, but you can check out the Snow Village’s Facebook and Twitter pages to keep track of any new announcements.

The Snow Village’s bar, aka The Kube, is sure to be one of Montreal’s new winter hotspots. And if you’re still not convinced about how much fun can be had in the cold Montreal months, check out our video from last year’s Igloofest, which is held on other side of the Saint Lawrence River in Old Montreal. Pack something warm… and stylish.

THE DETAILS

Snow Village at Parc Jean Drapeau, January 6 to March 31, 2011

Reservations: 1 (855) 788-2181

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Whether your chosen pet companion is a cute canine or a fabulous feline, there are plenty of travel options in Montreal to choose from. From pet friendly hotels, grooming services, dog friendly cafes, green parks for walking and more! Check out my guide to the very pet best of Montreal…

HOTELS

Loews Hotel Vogue: Loews loves your pets as much as you do. It treats your animal as an important guest of the hotel. Loews offers luxurious amenities such as gourmet room service for cats and dogs prepared by their award-winning chef! They provide specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes, rawhide bones, catnip, scratch poles and more. Holy, it’s almost nicer to be an animal at Loews than a human at some unmentionable hotels… Loews charges an additional $25 per stay for the extra cleaning that comes with having an animal in the room. Sounds pretty fair to me!

Le Saint-Sulpice: Le Saint-Sulpice is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Montreal. They are a proud member of the “Pets Can Stay Program”, which means they must follow guidelines to providing premium 5-star service to all guests in the hotel including animals, while still maintaining professional standards. Your pet even gets a treat with check-in! All pet amenities are there like food and litter, but no pet services like grooming are offered however information is easily available.

The W Hotel: So if your pet is so spoiled that it loves luxury as much as you do, then the W Hotel is it. Upon check in, you get a gift basket complete with a pet toy, pet treat, a W pet tag, clean up bags and a list of services. Waiting in your room is a custom W pet bed, food, water and a floor mat, a “pet in room” sign and a special treat at turndown. 24 hours a day you can request leashes, toys, food, treats, litter and more. The W Hotel is even making a difference- everytime you stay with your pet they donate $5 to the SPCA! Note that they charge $25 tacked on top of the room rate, plus a $100 cleaning fee at the end of your stay. Pets no more than 40 lbs are allowed.

Sheraton: The Sheraton Hotel offers a bowl, food, and a pet bed, but also an adorable little Sheraton scarf! What a classy touch! And… drumroll please… Sheraton does NOT charge any additional fees for bringing one pet with you. A room inspection is done at the end of your stay and if a significant mess has been made a cleaning fee will be charged, but if your pet behaved then it’s free! Kudos Sheraton for treating pets like gods!

Le St-Germain: One of Montreal’s most comfortable, charming and beloved boutique hotels is also one of its pet-friendliest. For $35 per night they’ll provide a pet food mat, bowls for food and water, and a bed. And given that their human beds are AMAZING, your dog or cat is in for a great night. Because no way do you ever let them sleep in your bed, of course not, that would be silly. Perhaps most amazing is that you can spoil your pet, who is already staying with you in a luxury hotel so obviously they totally deserve it, with items from the tres luxe Germain Collection.

PET HOTELS

These are not hotels that allow pets… they are hotels that are for pets. NO PEOPLE ALLOWED.

Hotel Balto: If any traveling guests need to put their animal up for a short-term stay in one of the most ultra-posh luxurious pet hotels around, the Hotel Balto is it. Yes it is a hotel just for animals. Rooms include heated floors with individual control, a plasma TV (?!?), music, hand-crafted cast iron beds and a camera system that allows your to check in on your pet via the internet. Their services include grooming, daily, walks, limousine service, play time and get this: an artist to do a personalized painting of your pet during their stay. How special.

Muzo: The most chic, urban pet hotel that rivals even human hotels is Muzo. Muzo is a self proclaimed “pet resort for urban cats and dogs”. Although Muzo doesn’t have the heated floors, limousine and painting services that Balto offers, this place looks to be the trustworthiest place for an animal. They accept both cats and dogs, there’s a gym for exercise, grooming is offered and the place is located right near downtown! It’s good to be a pet!

PET WALKS & PARKS

Take your little furry friend out for a stroll in these picturesque and animal-friendly parks. I would suggest leaving the cats and alligators at home (or hotel) though.

Parc Lafontaine: This park is for exploring, meeting other dog owners and taking in the beautiful Montreal scenery. Dogs and people are friendly and there’s plenty of trash bins and benches!

Lachine Canal: I often see dog walkers along the canal walking five or six dogs at once! Filled with families, and lots of water fountains with those little doggie attachments. Perfect for exercising along the long canal trails.

Mont Royal: Dogs are supposed to remain on a leash and be picked up after at all times on Montreal’s famed mountain, but they will still love the forest paths and mountain trails. What an adventure!

SHOPS AND CAFES

Montreal is filled with top fashion brands from all around the world that make Montrealers some of the most stylish people around. But what about man’s best friend? What luxury boutiques do they get to shop at? There are some pretty unique places in Montreal for your and your pet! My favourite is definitely Le Doggie Bag Cafe!

Bark & Fitz: The snazziest most fancy pet store ever. Gourmet handmade food, fresh baked treats, top quality toys imported from around the world, and grooming. This store is for the divas and divos of the animal kingdom. Located in the heart of Westmount on Sherbrook, this boutique has a rule that they would never sell anything that they wouldn’t let their own dogs eat or play with!

Le Doggie Bag Café: This is like an indoor dog park. Two-legged humans can bring their four legged children to hang out and play. Health code forbids the sale of human food, but there are plenty of doggie treats to go around!

Little Bear Animalerie: Co-owned by Doobie the dog, this is a popular pet supplies store in Westmount. Trendy clothes, high-quality food and toys, and of course – pet friendly.

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First up at the Denis Gagnon fashion show, the Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne was ever-flowing. And then, lucky girl I am, Birks decked me out in more that $35,000 dollars of jewellery – Vianna collection earrings, a 1.3 carat cocktail ring and a glittery tennis bracelet. Gagnon, himself, wore an award-winning yellow gold and diamond brooch designed and produced in Montreal, La plume de Cyrano.

The lively upbeat show directed by Dick Walsh sent flat-shoed models fluttering around the Birks store. In sync with Gagnon’s “Denise in the Garden” theme, the largely black and white collection was softened by tiny floral prints. The overall look retained much of the designer’s signature forward-looking approach, however, in a much more “accessible” style. In other words, when broken down, individual pieces could be worn by real people and in everyday situations. Fashionable situations, of course.

Being in constant contact with his buyers has surely been an influence on Gagnon. Of his new eponymous boutique, he admits, “It changed my life.” Next time you’re strolling along Rue St-Paul in Old Montreal, be sure to stop by his “luxury basement” (it’s one level below ground) to see the clothes – and maybe even meet the designer himself. Attention romantics: If you were inspired by the Gagnon’s bride and groom at the end of his show, or by all the diamonds mentioned above, I highly suggest you ask the nice people at Birks or Hotel Place d’Armes about their joint “Dazzling Wedding Proposal” package – the ultimate romance getaway.

(P.S. For the Gagnon’s show, I was wearing an haute couture number by another Montreal designer, Renata Morales. Besides specializing in made-to-measure confections, she also dresses a little musical group called Arcade Fire.)

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THE DETAILS

Denis Gagnon, 170B St-Paul St. West, (514) 935-6360

Birks, 1240 Phillips Square, (514) 397-2511

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Did you know that Le Renoir at the Sofitel offers a tea service every day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.? No? Neither did I. In the Golden Mile district, it’s just steps away from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and haute department store Holt Renfrew. I’m so happy I found it!

It’s not your ordinary British high tea, though. But don’t panic Wills and Kate, there are those yummy little sandwiches with toothpicks pierced through the top and the crusts cut off. There are also fancy-schmancy teabags served with dainty individual pots and matching teacups! But in place of scones and clotted cream, you get hot Belgian waffles – just as comforting – served with a sinful whipped cream and local maple syrup.

Also, being a French hotel chain, the Sofitel added their own Gallic twist: French pastries by Pastry Chef Olivier Potier. So you can stuff your face – politely whilst maintaining ladylike composure – with moist-as-heaven madeleines, sweet canelés, melt-in-your-mouth macarons, nutty chocolate clusters, plus a few other things added depending on Potier’s whim. I dipped into a heavenly light “tirami-fraise” (layers of cream and strawberries), as well as a choco-peanut-caramel beauty, which is dubbed “Snickers” – like the candy bar, not “Sneakers,” even though that’s what it sounds like the server is saying. You gotta love those French accents.

All this, an all-you-can-eat buffet, for a mere $20? Oui, Madame.

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THE DETAILS

Le Renoir at the Sofitel, 1155 Sherbrooke Street West

And here 3 more more tea options in Montreal:

Queen Elizabeth Hotel, 900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West

Birks Café, 1240 Phillips Square (corner of Ste-Catherine Street West)

Le Maitre Chocolatier, 1612 Sherbrooke Street West

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