Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau comes highly recommended. Bota Bota is a spa in the Old Port of Montreal and, as you may have assumed, it’s on a boat. The ambiance is chic and classy and most importantly, relaxing.
The standard treatment is their water circuit relaxation. I had the pleasure of experiencing it, and is it worth every penny. If it’s your first time at this spa in particular, they start you off with a guided tour by a member of their helpful staff who will explain all the available treatments and show you around.
The first step is to embrace the heat. Bota Bota gives you the option of either the steam room or one of their two saunas, a heated place to sit and relax for five to 15 minutes to help open your pores. Step two is not for the weak-hearted. It entails a quick and painful jump into a freezing cold bath! If you’re skeptical, I would recommend the cold shower as it’s much less shocking. This part immediately snaps all your pores shut, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated when you get out.
The third and final step is the relaxation period of 15 minutes for you to feel revitalized and to clear your busy mind. They have several areas for this, one of them being a small theatre style room with a big television where my tour guide laughed and said, “That’s where the boyfriends and husbands go to watch hockey while the ladies are in the spa upstairs.”
There are also two open common areas with wide and chic couches and bean bag chairs, as well as lovely cushioned circular window seats where you can sit overlooking the small waterfall from the canal and the St. Lawrence River.
My favourite relaxation spot would have to be their hammocks. The rocking motion of the hammock chair soothed my soul and delivered the ultimate relaxation time, winning the top spot for me, and anyone else who wants to be rocked like a peaceful little baby.
Each step could be repeated as many times as you’d like. They also offer a wide range of spa treatments such as a variety of massages, facials, aerobic classes, and manicures and pedicures. There is also a bistro located on the main floor where I had the most delicious tuna melt of my life.
It is also important to note on Tuesdays, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau has a promotion where two can get their standard treatment for $60, which honestly, is about the same price as a movie and popcorn these days. Do not forget to bring your favourite swimsuit and sandals, as they are mandatory, and upon arrival you will also be given a comfortable robe and towel. So go with your special someone, your best gal pal or alone like I did, and escape to a relaxing, glamorous getaway right here in the city! I promise you will leave feeling fresh and relaxed, if you even want to leave at all.
For more information contact Bota Bota at (514) 284-0333.
