With its French influences, you know that this city will not let you down as far as food, fashion and chic is concerned. But Montreal has even more to crow about – the world’s first floating spa.
Handily moored downtown, the former ferry boat is entirely devoted to being a floating indulgence. Unlike many spas, hidden away in some underground dungeon, Bota Bota is flooded with light through its 600-odd portholes and up on deck you have a 360 degree view of the city.
It’s a place to relax and forget about life’s pressures. So slip into your swimwear, don your towelling robe and prepare for some serious forgetting-about-it-all moments. Bota Bota likes to work with water, so for starters, why not try the hot tub out on deck? No matter what the outside temperature (-14 on the day I visited), the water is pleasantly warm and soothing and although the vibrant city is just across the water, you feel so alone you could be on your own private island.
A few steps across the wooden deck takes you inside again and to the plunge pool. Once your teeth have stopped chattering, grab a magazine and sit in the relaxation area, with comfy sofas and views of the St Lawrence river.
Downstairs are the 30 treatment rooms offering facials and body massages, both Californian and Swedish. In the Bota Chic room, full length windows and the view of the river make it light and vibrant. Enjoy a manicure here or a foot massage. If you’re in for the long haul, a trip to the café is a pleasant diversion. Deliberately not aiming to please just women, Bota Bota is already attracting male customers. So, there is no excuse not to give it a whirl.
Contact tel: 514 284 0333, e-mail: info@botabota.ca
Services facial, manicure, pedicure, waxing, body wraps, body scrub, aroma therapy, sauna & steam, yoga, massage
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Bota Bota Spa Montreal
