Bota Bota: The Floating Spa
It was just a decade ago that Bota Bota launched in Montreal. It was the talk of the town – known as the “floating spa,” people from all over were intrigued to experience what that meant. This year, the now world-renown spa is celebrating their 10th anniversary and to mark the occasion, attendees had a chance to plunge into relaxation and be immersed in a harmonious atmosphere. Docked on the Saint Lawrence River in the Old Port, the historic river ferry is an upscale spa replete with diverse treatments, yoga, water circuits and a sumptuous restaurant. You could spend a whole day at Bota Bota and just allow yourself to float away!
I’ve been a whole bunch of times and every time I experience something new. They have a city sauna, cold bath, massages, hot tubs, a hammock in the garden, facials and so much more. It’s the type of spa that allows you to discover something new every time you go. I love offering a day-pass to friends and family as a gift – it’s the perfect way to say “take some time for yourself.” We all need a little rest and relaxation, so why not share the love!
Deep relaxation in a timeless world. That’s what Bota Bota is all about. The surroundings are breathtaking, the silence is meditative and within minutes of arriving, you’ll settle into a trance that will make you feel like you’ve been there for hours. They’ve got a Water Circuit that starts off hot, goes cold, and then ultimately takes you into relaxation mode. Here’s how…
The first leg of the circuit is hot. A full thermal experience. Starting off in a dry sauna or steam bath, your muscles will relax and any muscular pain will be relieved. Toxins will start to leave your body and your mind will benefit from the escape. Next, you’ll hit the cold circuit. A quick dip in a cold bath or a short shower – the whole thing lasts about 1 minute, but it is so beneficial. It accelerates the heartbeat and tightens your pores. Following heat, the whole idea is that it stimulates the senses and promotes the production of white blood cells. I mean the whole thing is really thought through and makes so much sense! And, it works.
Finally, we relax. Sun loungers, beanbags, hammocks… it’s time to decompress and stabilize your heartbeat in a quiet environment. So peaceful, and if you go with a partner, super romantic. Going through bodily experiences like this can intimately bond you with your partner, so why not give it a try!
Bota Bota makes it super easy to take an hour out of your busy day and just realign with yourself. Grab a swimsuit (mine’s from Shan), sandals and some water and you’re good to go. I usually bring a book or magazine, because no cell phones allowed. When I get to the loungers, I like to slip away for a bit and then spend a little extra downtime with my leisurely read.
Our weather might have you believe that that this is uniquely a summer spa, but Bota Bota is a year-round experience - I mean who could put weather restrictions on massages and body treatments!. There are amazing aspects of indulging in the summer and enjoying the sun post treatment, but any season, any weather is spa weather. Check it out for yourself!
Photography by Patricia Brochu