Experience Québec
Spas
Taking it easy: excursions to soothe the body and soul!
Do you ever have those days where you just don’t care? The changing seasons often give rise to this kind of lethargy. Your car gets a tune-up once a year, why shouldn’t you? A visit to a spa is the perfect way to give yourself a seasonal shape-up. Say hello to life!
Winter is just about here. The kids have put away their costumes and gobbled down all the treats they collected on Halloween night. Your flowerbeds have been covered for the winter and you’ve dusted off your ski boots. But what’s this? You can’t be bothered doing anything, you feel down in the dumps and your batteries have lost their charge? Don’t despair, we’re thinking of you, and, because Christmas is coming, here is our gift.
A host of certified spas
How about an association of professionals dedicated to body care and relaxation, wrapped up with a bow for its 10th anniversary? It has a new image and new services, and the same desire to satisfy an increasingly knowledgeable clientele. Spas Relais santé represents 19 of the 162 spas listed in Québec. Whether you prefer an urban or resort formula, these certified spas will remind you that life is indeed good.Happiness is... spending time at a spa
Claire Levasseur was a convert even before she took over the reins of Spas Relais santé. "I was working in the tourism industry, a field that, due to the hours, packs a certain level of stress," she says. "Treating myself to something pleasant a massage or some kind of body care service gave me the energy to keep going and enjoy life." So Claire, tell us, who goes to spas? "A decade ago, women made up 90% of the clientele. Today, men account for about 28% of our clients." The most surprising thing is that men are the more loyal clients. They love the spa experience, and they come back.OK, stress, you’re outta here!
The magnificent setting of Le Baluchon is, in itself, relaxing. In addition to offering 23 treatment rooms and over 20 services ranging from hydrotherapy to massotherapy, as well as a wide range of aesthetic care, Le Baluchon is a luxury inn. Its renowned dining room offers a healthy menu as well as fine regional cuisine that’s been honoured on many occasions. This idyllic spot has mastered the art of combining resort vacationing and soul soothing!A city spa, without the hustle and bustle
The little sister of Spa Eastman, nestled among the mountains of the Eastern Townships, Spa Eastman Montréal has but one wish: to make you happy. Hydrotherapy, massotherapy, aesthetics, algotherapy and more are offered in this fabulous urban centre, as well as a comprehensive program for fighting the effects of burnout. Take advantage of a personalized program geared to your needs and stress level. So you see, it’s easy to get away from it all, without leaving town!Heaven by the sea
Québec’s first thalassotherapy centres sprang up in the Gaspésie. While Centre Aqua-mer and the Auberge du Parc aren’t members of the Spas Relais santé, they do offer their guests the entire range of thalassotherapy treatments, not to mention an incomparable view of the Baie des Chaleurs! You’ll feel as though you’re in heaven!
A spa is much more than simple place to relax and enjoy a treatment. With the exception of urban establishments, most spas offer top-quality accommodations and fine dining, in addition to loads of indoor and outdoor activities. However, you don’t have to spend the night. If you wish, you can enjoy the services offered in a half-day or full-day package and then return, refreshed and with a spring in your step, to the comfort of your own home. Now, don’t you think you deserve a break? Go ahead, treat yourself to some pampering!| Certified spas |
The association’s members must meet stringent criteria:
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André Quenneville
Photos: Association Spas Relais santé
2009-05-22
