Strøm Spa Nordic is located on Ile-des-Soeurs, just a short drive away from the heart of downtown Montreal. The spa is close enough for a quick commute, but just far enough that even if you listen really hard, you hear and see nothing but the swirls of winter wind and the steam from the thermal water circuit. The Strøm Spa experience includes thermal and nordic baths and waterfalls, Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam bath, and multiple relaxation areas. Plus you get your massages in adorable little blue huts that are covered in winter, but in open air come summer. Look at that couple enjoying some healthy selections from the Strøm Spa bistro. Don’t they look deliriously relaxed and happy? This could be you.

Strøm Spa has an extremely popular event called “Night Under the Stars.” The Spa opens from 11PM-3AM and practically changes into a full fledged nightclub with lights, DJ, cocktails and delicious food from the bistro! Except instead of dancing, you get to just bask in the bliss of nothingness under a starry sky. Sounds pretty close to perfection. The next evening takes place December 21 and you can reserve your spot here. If regular business hours are your thing, check out their Holiday Packages that range from just $59 for “Zen Relaxation” to $229 for “Wonderful Shiver” which includes the thermal experience, massage of your choice, body treatment or facial, a meal at the bistro, and a special Strøm gift!

Put your worries and stress on ice for an afternoon at Montreal’s floating boat spa, Bota-Bota. Bota-Bota is even having a contest to get you vying for a hot winter. Until midnight on December 21, if you guess when the Alexandra Bassin (where Bota-Bota is stationed) will freeze you could win a Bota-Bota prize package! Check out their Facebook page for details and entry. If you’re on a budget, a day of the Nordic bath circuit and relaxation rooms could be what you need to melt that tension. If money and silliness is no object, then the 60 minute massage with a live private harpist is for you.

Spa Scandinave, conveniently located in Montreal’s Old Port is perfect for a quick getaway. The design of this place is breathtaking, it even won the Governor General’s Medal for Architecture! The place is very modern, but still provides a tranquil atmosphere for some serious R&R. There’s a small health bar, a few relaxation rooms, and of course a large menu of treatments. Perfect for a quick dip out of the icy air!

On a chilly winter day, I can’t think of anything that sounds more appealing than a hot stone massage. Especially after doing some outdoor winter sports. If I could remain upright, I would put hot stones in my winter jacket. But that’s a little silly and hot stones are best left to the professionals at Espace Nomad in Montreal’s Plateau district. Espace Nomad is a holistic and organic spa that offers a massive array of treatments tailored for both women and men. A trip here will turn that “Brrrrr” into an “Ahhhh” in no time. You can even book your appointment online!

Often referred to as the “best kept spa secret” in Montreal, Spa Eastman is located on the 16th floor of an office building on Sherbrooke. It stakes its claim as Montreal’s first urban spa when it opened 20 years ago, and it’s had people drift through their doors looking for an escape every since. Even though Spa Eastman is located dead centre in the hustle and bustle of the city, stepping inside is like transporting yourself into a peaceful slice of the eastern townships. They have many massage and beauty services that will have you primped and prodded in time for New Year’s Eve and a fresh crack at 2013.

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THE DETAILS

Strøm Spa / 1001 Boulevard de la Forêt, Montreal / (514) 761-2772

Bota-Bota / 358 rue de la Commune West / (514) 284-0333

Spa Scandinave / 71 Rue de la Commune West, Montreal / (514) 288-2009

Espace Nomad / 4650 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal / (514) 842-7279

Spa Eastman / 666 Sherbrooke West / (514) 845-8455

The post WINTER SPAS IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

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.

Few countrysides are as lovely, interesting and full of activities as the Eastern Townships—from village Farmers’ Markets to colonial churches, haute gastronomy in five-star inns and outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, boating, horseback riding and several well-established, verdant cycling routes.

Off the Beaten Track: Would you like to visit North America’s second biggest operational lavender farm? Bleu Lavande, a family-run farm that harvest fields of the pungent purple flower near the town of Fitch Bay, is one of the area’s most unusual attractions and a great place for a picnic and for the whole family to stretch their legs. Learn about the extraction process for lavender essential oil and its medicinal and culinary uses, and shop in their extensive boutique (lavender salad dressing or lip balm, anyone?) Tip: Just before the turnoff to the farm, there’s a disused covered bridge with a sole picnic table that would be a great place for a private picnic, too.

Would you rather walk the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Coaticook? Hike to the highest peak on Mont Orford? Do a tour of village cafés, churches or historical houses? See Ayer’s Cliff’s finest bard, David Francey, perform an intimate concert at The Piggery theatre? Do a cider-tasting at one of several local ciderhouses? Simply veg out with a Tom Collins on an Adirondack chair facing Lake Massawippi, Memphremagog or Lac-Mégantic? The Townships have something for everyone.

Alpine Spa: Less than an hour’s drive from Montreal’s South Shore, the five-year-old Balnea Spa is a unique retreat in Bromont, the gateway to the townships. Built to resemble a high-architectural ski cabin, with a stunning view on a glassy lake and the mountains beyond, this “thermal retreat” is an uber-Nordic spa experience. New this year, lakeside wooden personal soaking pools and plenty of couches, daybeds and even hillside beanbags make Balnéa an incredible place to flake out for an afternoon, year-round. Bonus: You can also now replicate an on-thego version of the Balnéa experience at the Montreal airport.

Travelers’ Rest: Want to sleep in a treehouse or a yurt with a mountain view ? What about a night in a spa retreat ? Would you rather camp lakeside? All options for lodging are available in the Eastern Townships, including Hovey Manor, a five-star Relais et Chateaux inn that has been a dearly beloved and sought-after retreat for decades (it’s also family-run: the Stafford family has owned the hotel since 1979). Modeled on George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion, Hovey Manor belonged to Henry Atkinson, an American captain of industry, until it became an inn in 1950. Since then, its stunning views of Lake Massawippi and pastoral English gardens bursting with floral life make this 32-room inn an ideal and refined holiday destination.

Chef Roland Ménard has been creating ultra-contemporary and sophisticated seasonal menus for the dining room for 30 years, and his kitchen is fed by their kitchen garden just below the Montcalm suite, as well as the harvest from an A+ farm in the nearby village of Ste-Catherine-de Hatley. The Manor’s wine cave is also reputed, and they distinguish themselves by pairing local specialties such as cider and icewine, with dishes that showcase the local bounty of the season.

In the winter, different activities beckon: A sleigh ride, a snowy lake view, or an evening curled up with a book from Henry Atkinson’s book collection the library. Hovey Manor is possibly Quebec’s best-loved historical hotel, and a great way to immerse yourself in the past with all (and we mean all) modern amenities.

The concierge at Hovey Manor enthusiastically recommended the Compton agricultural market in September and the Harvest Festival. As well, there are plenty of other gourmet activities year-round, including two gourmet tours: One is on the “Orford Express” train, and the other a luxury cruiser that offers stunning sunset dinner cruises on Lake Memphremagog, as well as several other escapades. There’s also a wine route, for those who want to get their tasting on.

The post ESCAPE TO QUEBEC’S EASTERN TOWNSHIPS appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Bota Bota: This unique waterfront spa, a sleek and stylish space renovated from an old riverboat, is now permanently moored on a pier at the end of McGill street. The spa offers the usual spa services—massage, pedicure, facial etc—as well as an extensive water circuit, including warm pools (a recent visit proved the pools were lukewarm in summer, perfect for an afternoon dip) as well as a eucalyptus steam bath and two saunas with panoramic windows.

Which brings us to the most memorable thing about Bota Bota—you really can’t beat the view. Lounging around the whirlpools on several decks of the spa, gazing at Moshe Safdie’s Habitat 67 and Parc Jean-Drapeau to the South, and an expansive view of the Old Port and Montreal’s skyline to the North, is an unbeatable way to spend a late-summer afternoon!

Strøm Nordic Spa: Strom Spa Nordique is a sprawling, landscaped natural space (termed the “mini-putt course of Montreal spas” by my husband on a recent visit) that offers a forest hideaway on Nuns’ Island, minutes from downtown Montreal. Floating in one of the hot pools watching late afternoon turn to nighttime, as they light the tiki torches when the stars come out, gazing into the Lac des Baltures as the alders shiver overhead—you can barely believe you’re this close to the city.

The evenings have a bit of a happy-hour vibe, as the bar serves wine and beer as well as smoothies and granola—and they’ve started offering occasional late-night spa visits as well, with martinis, lounge music and soaking pools open under the stars til 3am. Their brand-new lakeside stilt-tent massage-room setup (heated, for Fall rendezvous!) is a great way to experience massage, while you listen to the wind rustle in the trees.

Spa Scandinave: This spa is especially urban—isolated from busy de la Commune street by only a frosted window, it somehow gives the vibe of a quiet, zen sanctuary completely removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown while right in the heart of the action. In the traditional smarts of a Scandinavian spa setup, the space is mutable with the seasons: on a sweltering day, it’s shady and cool, and on a chilly day, it’s inviting and warm—the changeability and smartness of the space is maybe the reason it won a Governor-General’s award for architecture this year!

From a large warm soaking pool, complete with therapeutic waterfall, to the highly-enforced no-talking policy and the leatherette beanbag mattresses scattered around the lounge area (where they make a mean berry smoothie), Spa Scandinave is serious about relaxation.

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THE DETAILS

Bota Bota, 358 Rue de la Commune West, (514) 284-0333

Strøm Nordic Spa, 1001 Boulevard de la Forêt, Île-des-Soeurs, (514) 761-2772

Spa Scandinave, 71 Rue de la Commune West, (514) 288-2009

The post 3 SCANDINAVIAN SPAS IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Bistro Vü: Tucked away in a private marina, this multi-level restaurant and bar gets going in the evenings, as a sexy and mostly local crowd takes over the super comfortable couches and ottomans on the rooftop. It sits high above the water, facing Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Clock Tower Quay: the views are unbeatable! This is quite the party place, with the bar getting more attention than the downstairs bistro. On Sundays they host a party called 00SUN, with chaise lounges on a sun-filled deck for tanning and DJs playing from 4PM onwards. 550 de la Commune St. East, (514) 451-0866,

Café des Éclusiers: This open-air bar sits on top of the river, facing the Lachine canal and lots of greenery. It opens late morning, offering sun lovers loungers on vast deck. It’s a great spot for an afternoon drink, to cool off in the breeze from walking the hot streets of the city. At night it turns into a party spot, with DJs and plenty of scantily-clad girls. Another fun time to visit is on Sunday, when they host a boozy and hopping brunch. 400 De la Commune West (at McGill street), (514) 496-0109

Bota Bota: Why would I include a spa in this list of bars-by-the-water? First, because it’s one of the most incredible spas I’ve ever visited, scenery wise, as it occupies a funky boat with ultra-modern design and hot tubs on the deck overlooking transatlantic ships. Secondly, because a little-known fact about Bota Bota is that it has an on-board bistro serving lunch and drinks! The only catch: in order to eat there one must purchase a half-day pass ($45 on weekdays, $50 on weekends and holidays) and wear a bathing suit (robe and flip-flops optional!). Your best bet is to go early, enjoy the water circuit (wet and dry saunas, hot tubs, etc.) then head over to the bistro for a lovely lunch-by-the-river! They’re open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and on Tuesdays there’s a two-for-one deal. 358 De la Commune St. West, (514) 284-0333

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The spa’s private dressing room was an experience in itself. The elegant and private space, large enough for two, boasts a built-in dry sauna and steam room, Molten Brown amenities, plus two soft-as-heaven Frette robes. The rain shower (yup, large enough for two) had jets aimed at us from all angles. And what better way to get you into the mood than a couple’s massage? In the dreamy Old World treatment room (it used to be a vault), we were surrounded by original stonewalls, soothing candles and calming music – and treated to a rub-down of 60 blissful minutes.

Back in our room, there was a package from Holt Renfrew waiting on the bed, a large magenta box containing a shimmery Michael Kors dress. Apparently, “someone” had arranged an appointment with a personal shopper at the high-end department store the day before. “Merci, mon petit chou!” (Oh yeah, in my dream, I speak fluent French too.) On the nightstand, a beautiful exotic bouquet (also from Holt’s) had already been arranged in a crystal vase. I read the handwritten note aloud: “The voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses. ~ e. e. cummings.” Dot, dot, dot…

At 8 p.m., we drove to Le Club Chasse & Peche, one of my favourite restaurants in Old Montreal. The mysterious ambiance of this sophisticated Modern French restaurant was filled with hushed whisperings from neighbouring tables, punctuated only by the angelic clinking of our champagne flutes. Before retiring back to our hotel, Prince Charming and I spent a of couple hours taking in smooth musical riffs at the Upstairs Jazz Bar. Just before midnight, I looked lovingly at my man (whom by the way was a retired fashion model turned real-estate tycoon) and the magic of true love swelled in my heart. And yes, of course, we lived happily ever after in Montreal…

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It’s Thanksgiving this weekend in Canadaland! While some people in Montreal will fill their bellies with delicious turkey dinners, many others will opt to shake their bootays to the best electronic music at the most successful all-night dance party on the planet – Black & Blue.

If you’re looking for more than stuffed birds or sexy dance parties, we’ve also got some contemporary breakdancing, Canadian theatre, some princesses dancing on frozen water and plenty more.

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[party] BLACK & BLUE – What started back in 1991 as a simple fundraiser for HIV/AIDS related charities has become a full-fledged 7-day social, cultural, sports and party event that attracts thousands of people from around the globe to Montreal.

[contemporary dance] BREAKDANCE FOR SOLO CELLO – It can be beautiful when worlds collide. What happens when classical music and urban dancing are melded? A new tradition might emerge. Check it out, here in Montreal.

[theatre] PARADISE BY THE RIVER – In this powerful drama, Canada has officially declared war against Italy, and there is a struggle to preserve morality in a nation seemingly intent on its demise. Could it be a metaphor for something? Go and find out.

[party] A-TRAK – Label boss, hit producer, World Champion DJ, genre-mangling party-starter… A-Trak embodies the full scope of the 21st Century musician-entrepreneur model. He’ll be rockin’ Montreal on Sunday night. Go and shake what yer momma gave you.

[spa] STUDIO BEAUTÉ du MONDE – Discover the incredible benefits of Hammam steam, an ancient oriental tradition in a soothing, tranquil atmosphere. I wonder if they’d let me live there permanently?

[cuisine] 5 RESTO DEALS – With a little planning and schedule flexibility, you can eat some of best food in Montreal at a price that won’t leave your wallet in shock. Here are five great deals.

[art] MAISON KASINI – Located in Montreal’s historic Belgo Building, Maison Kasini is run by a dynamic duo who feature revolving exhibitions, events and an artshop. On Saturday they host the launch of PINUPS #13. If you’re in the mood for contemporary art, swing by during their opening hours.

[outdoors] JOGGING – With the leaves changing and the air refreshingly crisp, it is the perfect time of year to strap on those under-loved running shoes and get the ol’ ticker going. We’ve got ten routes for you to choose from.

[shopping] LAURIER AVENUE WEST – Exclusive household furnishings, imported and Québec fashion designs as well as chic children’s wear. Gourmet shops and bakeries selling fine chocolates. It’s the perfect street to blow your budget!

[family fun] DISNEY ON ICE – If you’ve got a little princess who wants to live the Disney dream, or a little prince who might become the next Johnny Weir, then provide a little fuel for their fantasies with the magic that is Disney on Ice.

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The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (OCTOBER 8 to 11) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

This weekend in Montreal will be bustling with activity. The city’s favorite indie music festival, Pop Montreal, will be rocking locals and visitors with the hippest of chord progressions.

And if you’re into dance, photography, art, food or getting yourself pampered (who isn’t?), we’ve got something for you!

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[dance] SANKAI JUKU – Japan’s most celebrated danced troupe descends upon Montreal this weekend. Dressed in long robes, with shaved heads and bodies smeared with white powder, the dancers are mediums transmitting a faraway resonance, creating a dialogue of consciousness. We simply think it’s cool.  “The control of the movement is so fine it can resemble a mirage… an overwhelming sensory experience for the viewer.” – The New York Times.

[music] POP MONTREAL – For the 9th year in a row, Montreal gets all a-flutter with little pockets of big music tucked into all manner of venues across the city. This year’s festival includes XX, Diamond Rings, Macy Gray and recent Polaris winners, Karkwa.

[culinary] ATELIERS et SAVEURS – Professionals in the restaurant industry have opened this space to help you, the aspiring foodie, to gain experience and knowledge in the delightful realm of Epicureanism. Consult with the “Agenda” tab for dates and workshops! Happy cooking.

[international photography] WORLD PRESS PHOTO – Presented at the Just For Laughs Museum, this exhibit highlights the best of photojournalism with an emphasis on international issues and stories that impacted the globe during the past year. Sixty five photos in ten themes. Stunning imagery.

[contemporary art] FRIDAY NOCTURNE – On the first Friday of each month the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum hosts an event called Friday Nocturnes. They invite a trendy band or musician to perform, while giving visitors the opportunity to engage with the current exhibits. Art and music, together. We likey.

[spa] SCANDINAVE LES BAINS – This spa provides a multi-sensorial experience, harking back to the ancient tradition of thermal waters, widely recognized for their energizing and relaxing effect. Add a massage to the mix, and you won’t recall the meaning of stress.

[concert] GORILLAZ – This is undoubtedly one of the must-see shows of the year. Montreal is the first stop on the Gorillaz tour, there’s a very good chance you’ll get to see an entire festival of music packed into one show. Clint Eastwood to make an appearance.

[gay life] POPLIFE – This Saturday you can shake yer bootay to pop, dance and Top 40. If you know the lyrics, sing along. Embrace your inner bar-star.

[quirky] SLOWDANCE NIGHT – It’s like high school, but with a happy ending. Come and experience why slow is beautiful, and why love is not ironic. PS: Fantastic and inspired attire, while desired, is not required.

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When Britney Spears sang the words “Don’t you know that you’re toxic?” she might as well have been referring to a bathroom.

As Michelle Regev, owner of Nubia Spa Vert, cleverly reminds me, the bathroom is the most toxic space of all households.  Unsurprisingly so, as makeup, creams and shampoos pile up in cabinets and cleaning products are stocked under the sink. Kind of ironic for a place that is dedicated to all things sanitary, don’t you think?

Sadly, bathrooms and spas have a lot in common. “With Nubia, we wanted to offer our clients a safe and green environment, in which your body isn’t actually fighting gruesome toxins all the time”, says Regev.

Everything is green at this small urban spa, from the floors made of Quebec wood to the non-toxic paint dressing up the walls. In regards to products, Nubia uses a line of handmade eco products made exclusively for the spa by Savonnerie Olivier.

Curious (and in need of some deep respite), I decided to test the services of Nubia Spa, and checked in for a dose of Thermal Therapy.

The treatment started with a 15-minute foot bath, involving a wooden basin, sea salt made of rosemary, peppermint and calendula, and some very, very, hot water. Much appreciated was the book that was left for me to engage in a powerful session of day-dreaming and relaxation.

I was then guided to the heated massage table where I was given a full-body massage. My favorite part was definitely the pressing of hot towels, followed by the hot oil scalp massage. Do put some time aside to wash your hair if you had planned on hitting town after your treatment. Or, if your hair is dry and curly like me, leave it in for the day and nobody will notice that your head is full of oil.

Nubia Spa Vert also offers pre-natal massages, and a very unique treatment called L’Extrême, that focuses on the body’s end zones: feet, hands, face, hair.  As Regev reminded me, too often we focus on core body parts such as the back, shoulder and legs, and forget about the other little bits. Now is the time to redeem yourself.

An infrared sauna will also be added to the spa and available to customers right after Nubia’s official launch cocktail at the end of May.

Regev is also a life coach, in case you need assistance finding solutions to a problem or conflict that is bothering you. Sometimes, a trip is the perfect opportunity to see things under a new and positive light.

Happy relaxation!

Nubia Spa Vert

5344 St-Laurent Boulevard

(Between Fairmount and St-Viateur)

Montreal, H2T 1S1

(514) 903-1344

nubiaspavert@gmail.com

Nubia Spa Vert on Facebook

Tuesday to Friday: 11am – 9pm

Saturday: 12pm – 5pm

Sunday: 1pm – 8pm

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