Relax in the Laurentians’ spas! Find these tiny pieces of paradise throughout the region, whether out in the wilderness, at a charming inn, or in a well-known hotel. Spas in the Laurentians offer a range of therapeutic services and body treatments to meet every need. From outdoor Nordic-inspired baths to Finnish saunas, not to mention massage therapy and lounging areas with a panoramic view, each spa has been designed to provide a total relaxation experience. Come and recharge in the heart of majestic landscapes packed with forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers by the hundreds.
Continue ReadingNovember is the best month to enjoy the variety of incredible spas in the upper and lower Laurentians. Imagine THE perfect time to take a well-deserved break in a restorative and relaxing environment. Several Nordic spas are characterized by their beautiful decor or location within an inn or hotel. Discover our favorites among the best spas in the Laurentians:
Continue ReadingYou can choose your way of relaxing in the Laurentians! Take a well-deserved break in a setting with the most beautiful havens of relaxation. The peaceful, magnificent Laurentian landscapes abounding in rivers, forests and mountains sublimely reveal themselves to you as soon as you set foot in a Nordic spa. Your adventure is a great chance to stay in the region’s inns, hotels and resorts. A total escape is guaranteed when you choose the Laurentians as your retreat for a relaxing stay!
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They say children have a huge influence on their parents when it comes to choosing a holiday destination. That was certainly the case in our family, when our two teens practically begged us to book a family suite at the Super 8 hotel in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts! Why were they so insistent that we choose that 74-room hotel midway between Saint-Sauveur and Mont-Tremblant?
Was it the indoor pool with its 24-metre water slide and water jets? The suite featuring a themed room for kids with bunk beds, TV and Xbox game console? Or the crispy waffles served with the free continental breakfast? I suspect it was also because we were able to bring our dog along on the trip, because the Super 8 hotel accepts pets. And probably because, like us, our children have great memories of our stay at the Super 8 in Saint-Jérôme. In the 81-room complex there, we had enjoyed the same amenities and services and discovered a host of attractions and a wide range of restaurants in that city, which is just teeming with activities.
This time, we took advantage of the proximity of downtown Saint-Agathe-des-Monts with its shops and the beach on Lac des Sables, which make the Super 8 an ideal location. Not to mention the other activities we did as a family, from hiking to cycling through the Le P’tit Train du Nord linear park, and the comedy show at the famous Le Patriote theatre.
Our kids were absolutely right to choose this resort: both the one in Saint-Jérôme and the one in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts provided perfect places for family getaways that were memorable, and also incredibly affordable, thanks to their great rates and the fact that children aged 17 and under stay for free!
Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides
Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do
An oasis of happiness, between Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur
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
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, What to do
An incomparable sensory experience
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
Overlooking a lake, at the foot of the Laurentians’ second highest mountain, and a few minutes from Mont-Tremblant, Mont Blanc had everything to please us. With its fun activities for children and condos for all tastes and budgets, we could not have found a better place to spend our family vacation.
Three types of accommodations were offered. After considering a Regular condo at the foot of the mountain for its great value, or the more luxurious Prestige model with an open space concept, we finally opted for a Deluxe unit. Nestled between two slopes of the mountain, it provided us with the comfort, conveniences, and intimacy we were looking for, in a personalized decor.
While my wife and I enjoyed our cozy cocoon and relaxing sports activities, all only a few steps away, the children literally took over the onsite aquatic facilities! After spending a few days swimming in the pool and lake, kayaking, and playing on the private beach and outdoor park, they were almost wishing it would rain as an excuse to go to Jungle Magique! With its 5,000-sq. ft. play area over four storeys, the Laurentians’ largest indoor park for children made quite an impression! During this time, we took advantage of the indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath before being treated to a well-earned massage. The following day, the whole family climbed the mountain together to have a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views of the region. Next time, we must try La Belle or La Bête, two of Mont-Tremblant’s most famous golf courses and the pride of Mont Blanc!
Fortunately, we still had a few days to discover many other family activities offered a few minutes from our condo: cycling, inline skating, bowling, go-karts, mini-golf, luge, ziplines, etc. And let’s not forget the boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and music events for all tastes presented in the downtown area and at Mont-Tremblant Holiday Resort.
With its affordable lodgings, warm welcome, and strategic location close to all the activities, Mont Blanc is much more than a ski resort. We learned firsthand that it is a real treasure to be discovered in the summer too!
Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides