Romance Archives - Tourism Laurentians

Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do

An oasis of happiness, between Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur

Tourisme Laurentides | August 22, 2016

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To mark my birthday during a getaway together, my friends had the brilliant idea to book the “girls’ day out” package at the Hôtel Spa Watel in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. While it’s true that the wide range of body care treatments offered there – including massage therapy, heated pools, dry and steam saunas and hot tubs – were definitely a factor the next time I was deciding where to stay in the Laurentians, that was not the only one.

As lovers of great food, the outdoors and cultural activities, we were thrilled with this four-star hotel on the mountainside and its breathtaking panoramic view. With its 31 beautifully decorated rooms and suites offering spectacular views of the lake, friendly service, quality facilities and dream location, what more could we ask for!

Between the Swedish massage, the facial and relaxation time lounging on one of the seven patios with spas and fireplaces, we took advantage of the nearby cycling trail. After our ride, we settled down on the beach right in front of our hotel. Besides swimming, I tried out sailing on the majestic Lac des Sables, while some of us chose other, non-motorized water activities.

After a very full day, we went back to the comfort of our rooms to enjoy the bottles of champagne included in our packages, while preparing for the evening. Relaxed and refreshed, we couldn’t resist the call of the fondue – a classic on the menu at Uno restaurant – which helped us hold onto that feeling of relaxation we’d enjoyed since our arrival. After that, we headed over to the Le Patriote theatre, within walking distance of the hotel, where a highly entertaining comedy show awaited us.

I will never forget this special time celebrating my birthday with my friends in this charming hotel, which has won several awards, for the quality of service and facilities, and for its environmental responsibility. A real gem that you will enjoy discovering any time of the year, for any occasion!

Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides

Posted In Family, Resorts, Romance, What to do

A memorable getaway surrounded by nature

Tourisme Laurentides | August 22, 2016

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It was at a large family gathering that we discovered Blueberry Lake, a resort 25 minutes north of Mont Tremblant. This treasure spread over 300 acres of forest with 60 chalets close to the lake strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and amenities, tranquility and activities.

Next to a peaceful natural lake surrounded by a wild landscape, we could not have wished for a better place to gather, celebrate together, and spend quality time with family. The calm, quiet setting is perfect for relaxation and friendly conversation, and everyone enjoyed the wide variety of activities. We had a ball competing in friendly tennis and beach volleyball tournaments, with the young ones taking on the adults! After all that exercise, it was wonderful to go for a swim, either in the outdoor pool or in the lake. Some of us also ventured out onto the lake in canoes, kayaks or pedal boats. And I couldn’t resist the temptation to enjoy the ultimate relaxation with a massage and spa treatment at the superb facilities next to the lake.

What better way to top off our days than by sharing a delicious meal around one big table? To make sure everyone got the most of their first evening, we hired a “chalet chef,” who happily cooked up a storm for us in the comfort of our luxurious log chalet. With its spacious interior, panoramic windows, large stone fireplace, modern facilities, billiard table and outdoor Jacuzzi, we spent a memorable evening, pampered with totally customized service.

Many other family members have gone back to Blueberry Lake as I have, for a romantic getaway or family vacation. The next time we go, we will take full advantage of this dream location to discover more of the countless activities available in the vicinity, including golf, cycling, events organized at the Tremblant Resort, the Casino, and more…

Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides

Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance

The first time, they come for the price; after that, it’s for everything else

Tourisme Laurentides | August 22, 2016

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With its Roman looks, its idyllic location and highly competitive prices, the Auberge de La Tour du Lac was the perfect place for the two of us to escape to celebrate our anniversary. But little did we know what the owners, Mario and Nathalie, had in store for us. We could see how delighted they were to welcome us into their inn with its old-fashioned charm. Aficionados of small tourist establishments and good food themselves, they bought this old bed and breakfast in 2003 and turned it into a real success!

Everything about the place encourages relaxation and romance, from the magnificent, restful site to the comfortable, country-style rooms with hot tubs, fireplaces and every amenity one could wish for, including the continental breakfast delivered in a basket to our room. Not to mention the spas, the sauna, the outdoor fireplace, and the excellent six-course set menu dinner we enjoyed at the Auberge. Possibly the best flank steak I’ve ever tasted! Refined dishes prepared from local ingredients, served by smiling, attentive staff, in an absolutely charming vintage interior. The countless treasures from the past preserved in this old-time beauty were a true feast for the eyes, from the dining room to our room overlooking the majestic Lac des Sables.

It’s hard to know where to begin when describing the warm, attentive service we received from Mario, who seems to take care of everything down to the last detail! It may have been the famous 50% discount offered year-round from Sunday to Thursday that first caught our attention, but we will be coming back for everything else. Because nothing can match the excellent value offered by the Auberge La Tour du Lac – except the warm antique decor, the restful ambiance, the amazing food, and the warm welcome given to us by our hosts, who treated us like family members!

Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides

Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do

An incomparable sensory experience

Tourisme Laurentides | August 22, 2016

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It was after going to the Estérel Resort for a convention that I had the idea to take my wife there for a romantic getaway, because the dream location and upscale facilities of this prestigious hotel complex make it an ideal holiday destination. Who could resist the charm of this special place that served as an inspiration for the painter Jean-Paul Riopelle! After getting an impressive facelift in 2012, this Laurentian jewel stands proudly in the heart of the Laurentian wilderness, surrounded by three navigable lakes and kilometres of forest.

With 200 suites in two contemporary boutique hotels, the Emotion and Evolution complexes would make the most recent hotels green with envy. I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that the Estérel Resort has twice garnered the Québec tourism industry’s highest honour! With their fireplaces, kitchenettes, trendy decor and impressive nature views, the suites invite relaxation. Ours had a private hot tub on the deck, from which we could look out over the Nordic spa and the beach. We also took great pleasure in discovering the health and beauty centre, two heated pools, saunas and outdoor fireplace that round out the leisure facilities.

Every moment of our unforgettable stay provided a new and unexpected sensory experience. In addition to the comfort, luxury and distinctive atmosphere, the food is truly exceptional. The three restaurants overlooking the lake offer a distinctive dining experience in chic or casual atmospheres. We will not soon forget the epicurean adventure we had at the Bistro à Champlain, which boasts one of the finest wine cellars in Canada!

Its proximity to a sandy beach, a yacht club with boat rentals, an 18-hole golf course and hiking trails also makes Estérel Resort an ideal destination for athletic visitors and nature lovers. And with the charming village of Saint-Sauveur just 25 minutes away, the list of available sports and cultural activities just gets longer and longer!
Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides

Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do

Our romantic escape to Hotel Le Chantecler

Tourisme Laurentides | June 14, 2016

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Of course we knew about Hotel Le Chantecler through its reputation: this gem is located on the shores of Lac Rond in the Laurentians, and has hosted guests from Canada and abroad since 1938. But we had never had the chance to stay there when it was a small country hotel of 45 rooms. Over the years, it was transformed into a magnificent 3-star holiday resort boasting 179 rooms and suites. It turned out to be a great idea when we chose one of the packages the hotel was offering for an unforgettable romantic getaway weekend!

Everything was orchestrated so that we would experience a dream stay: a spacious room with a balcony and all the conveniences you could wish for; postcard-perfect panoramas; and staff that were pleasant and attentive to our every need. A true sensory experience awaited us at every turn: massages and body treatments provided at the hotel spa, epicurean delights offered at Nämos gourmet restaurant and terrace, considered one of the most beautiful in the Laurentians! We discovered amazing cocktails there and international-calibre cuisine prepared using fresh local products, all the while enjoying a superb view of Lac Rond.

What made our stay so delightful? The hotel’s warm and relaxed atmosphere and its enchanting setting, the quality of the service, as well as the sheer quantity of activities available on the premises and on the outskirts of the resort. An indoor pool, sports centre, sauna, hot tub, tennis, volleyball and squash courts, a golf course, and a private beach with non-motorized aquatic activities complete its recreational facilities. There are also a number of sports and cultural activities in the surrounding areas added to the attractions, including trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, and other golf courses. Add to this the restaurants, art galleries, festivals, and warehouse stores in Saint-Sauveur that we were delighted to discover less than 15 minutes from our hotel.

Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides

Posted In Family, Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do

Manoir Saint-Sauveur: moments of pure happiness!

Tourisme Laurentides | February 9, 2015

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Manoir Saint-Sauveur

The Saint-Sauveur Valley is the ultimate destination for a winter vacation, and Manoir Saint-Sauveur is the ideal spot to enjoy it all. Located in the heart of one of the most charming villages of the Laurentians, the 4-star hotel benefits from its proximity to everything and offers many activities and services right under its roof. The perfect combination for a family escape filled with outdoor fun, a romantic getaway, a gourmet jaunt with friends or a business function.

With 250 rooms, suites and condos in 5 pavilions, Manoir Saint-Sauveur is the largest hotel of the Laurentians offering such luxury and refined elegance. We were totally charmed by the warm atmosphere, the gourmet cuisine, the recreational facilities and the personalized service. The professional and knowledgeable staff, the valuable help of the concierge and the attentive service of the “Club des Petits” entertainment team made us feel at home.

Whether for the relaxed ambiance of the Boudoir Lounge and its European bistro menu, the Ambiance restaurant offering dishes made with local products or the gourmet brunch served at La Tablée, everyone agrees that Manoir Saint-Sauveur is passionate about great food. Mind and body are also very important: try a unique comforting and rejuvenating sensory experience at the spa and take advantage of the salt-water pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.

We really appreciated staying so close to the ski hills, tube sliding, skating and snowshoeing trails…all the while being at walking distance from the village! Day and night, we enjoyed skiing at a few of the nearby mountains and skating on a superb iced trail in the middle of the forest…right in the village! Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and many other activities are also offered nearby, as well as numerous restaurants, art galleries, ski museum and outlet stores, located only a few steps from the hotel. Unforgettable moments of pure pleasure for the whole family!

Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do

Esterel Resort: for your sense’s delight!

Tourisme Laurentides | January 29, 2015

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What a unique sensory experience our little getaway at the Esterel Resort allowed us to enjoy! As soon as we arrived, we immediately realized that, following a major makeover of nearly 60 million dollars, the exceptional resort is a real gem. Its prime location in the heart of nature, its high quality facilities and its proximity to countless activities contributed to moments of relaxation and pleasure that will be long remembered by our friends and us.

Barely an hour after leaving Montréal, we discovered the two superb high-end boutique hotels, with a total of 200 suites designed with a contemporary touch and distinctive ambiance, each one equipped with a kitchenette and fireplace. We opted for a suite at the Émotion hotel, Gold award winner at the Grands Prix du tourisme québécois in 2014. A trendy ambiance, a private outdoor Jacuzzi and large windows overlooking the Nordic spa are just a few examples of our roomy suites’ features.

We also took advantage of all the attractions offered by the Laurentian complex. And there are many, as the Esterel Resort is a destination in itself: two heated pools, four hot tubs, saunas, an outdoor fireplace, a health and beauty center, three restaurants with very different culinary experiences and much more. Our brief jaunt gave us the opportunity to appreciate the variety of flavors and atmospheres proposed: from the bistro menu in a relaxed ambiance to fine dining in the chic dining room.

Thanks to the activity center with rental services on site, we enjoyed several activities offered nearby: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and skating on an 8-km skating rink on Lake Masson. Next time, maybe we’ll discover one of the nearby ski resorts, or stroll through the charming village of Saint-Sauveur, only 20 minutes away. Well…here’s a great excuse to go back for a romantic getaway…and this time stay at Évolution hotel!

Posted In Family, Gastronomy, Romance, What to do

A warm welcome at a friendly price

Tourisme Laurentides | January 27, 2015

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For a vacation or just a short getaway, nothing compares to the Laurentians’ B&Bs and small inns, where you are guaranteed to receive a personalized service and a warm welcome. The owners are always happy to welcome guests under their roof and share their passion for the Laurentians. Ask them to let you in on the region’s best kept secrets: boutiques, art galleries, museums, events, out-of-the-ordinary activities, etc.

Let yourself be pampered, enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and unwind completely. Authenticity and coziness await you in these havens of peace, wherever they are located: in the heart of a charming village or perched on the mountain side. Each one offers a unique experience, with many activities to choose from. The Laurentians is renowned for its vast selection of outdoor activities: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, skating, snowmobiling and tube sliding. Your hosts will be pleased to advise you; they can even help you find amazing discoveries. Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, concert halls and Nordic spas also abound in the Laurentians, perfect for the cultural getaway or cocooning vacation of your dreams.

The region’s B&Bs and small inns offer a privileged access to scenic landscapes and a wide range of entertaining events and activities. You are also sure to find comfort, customized service and convenient amenities; and let’s not forget the local flavors and gastronomy for which the region is known.

Enjoy your stay!

Posted In Business, Family, Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance

Relaxation, leisure activities and gastronomy in the heart of the Saint-Sauveur Valley

Tourisme Laurentides | July 15, 2014

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When arriving at the Manoir Saint-Sauveur, we immediately realized it was a prestigious address. With its 250 rooms, it is one of the largest hotels in the Laurentians, famous for its refined elegance and luxurious decor. Located in the heart of the village of Saint-Sauveur, only 45 minutes from Montréal, its location makes it even more irresistible!

While staying in this 4-star hotel resort, we appreciated the comfort of our rustic-chic unit, the warm atmosphere, the gourmet cuisine and the numerous recreational facilities. The central complex, around which are grafted four pavilions, includes a bar, restaurants, 23 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and a fitness room. There’s also a fully renovated spa offering specialized body treatments, water recreation and relaxation areas as well as a saltwater pool.

Thanks to the outdoor facilities, we felt we were staying in the heart of a true resort with sports ground, outdoor hot tub and pool with wading pool and playground area. With the complete redevelopment of the huge courtyard, several new additions contribute to an atmosphere of relaxation: restaurant, terrace, lounge area, outdoor massage services and private lounges with sofas, music and dining.

Refreshed, we finally left our cozy cocoon to enjoy the area and its many activities. Within walking distance, we discovered the factory outlet stores, art galleries and charming terraces of Saint-Sauveur. And when it came time to plan our sporting and cultural activities including golfing, cycling, hiking, swimming, water slides, entertainment, theater, cinema and others, the friendly hotel concierge was of invaluable help.

Posted In Business, Family, Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance

A unique sensory experience, an exceptional site

Tourisme Laurentides | July 15, 2014

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Following a major makeover, Estérel Resort has regained its prestigious status. Like all those who discover this exceptional site that once inspired famous painter Jean-Paul Riopelle, we immediately fell in love! Bordered by three navigable lakes, miles of forest, a sandy beach and an 18-hole golf course, the two high-end boutique hotels designed with a contemporary touch also include a Nordic spa with swimming pools and a yacht club. A huge playground just one hour from Montréal!

With its outstanding location and quality of its facilities, it’s no surprise that Estérel Resort has received so many recognitions from the industry since its complete transformation! A stay in one of 105 spacious and modern suites of the Emotion Hotel quickly convinced us that the complex largely deserved the Gold award obtained at the Grands Prix du tourisme québécois in 2014. With its huge windows, our suite overlooking the lake provided such close proximity to the water we felt like we were on a boat!

A true sensory experience awaited us at every turn; at the Nordic spa, the health and beauty center, as well as at the three restaurants with view of Dupuis Lake. With an investment of more than 50 million dollars, the hotel now features 200 spacious suites, a convention center with ten conference rooms, a large banquet hall accommodating up to 400 people. Perfect for business meetings and weddings!

While luxury, comfort and pleasure define this Laurentian landmark, there is no doubt that it is a jewel of the tourism industry.