Would you like to relax in a spa? If there’s one place you’ve got to try out in Montreal when it’s really cold, it’s Bota Bota, an unusual floating spa overlooking Old Montreal!
This old ship moored in Montreal’s old port was once a ferry in the 50s and 60s. In 1967, it was converted into a boat theater until 2007, when it closed. In 2008, the boat was transformed into a spa by an architect, and in 2010 it opened its doors to welcome its first curious customers.
the Bota Bota is quite spectacular with its 678 portholes, 274 cm of submerged hull, 14 meters above the level of the St. Lawrence River, 70 employees, 40 choices of services, 70 massage therapists, 21 treatment rooms, 5 decks, 6 terraces, 4 cold showers, 3 cold baths, one of which was particularly freezing when I tested it, 2 Finnish saunas with breathtaking views of the River and Old Montreal, 3 whirlpool baths, 2 Hammam baths (one with eucalyptus), 1 garden, a swimming pool, an outdoor relaxation room with fireplace and 138 colors of nail polish, just to name a few!!
This spa-on-water offers passengers the full benefits of a spa, combined with the natural rocking motion of the St. Lawrence River. The areas that really appealed to me were the hanging armchairs in the relaxation area, practical for unwinding, the wooden porthole for relaxing, the heated outdoor pool (ideal when the snow starts to fall), and the huge sauna!
The Bota Bota also offers, in addition to its exclusive Montreal location, massage therapy, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as yoga and Pilates classes.
To rejuvenate your body and mind, head for the floating restaurant. It offers passengers a fresh, balanced and original menu.
Practical information:
√ The spa provides conditioned shampoos, shower gel, moisturizing cream, hairbrushes, blow-dryers and flat irons in the changing rooms.
√ If I had a small downside things to do about this place: it’s quiet, very quiet, so needless to say, I’ve been reprimanded several times for talking loudly and often… Unfortunately, there’s only one outdoor space for chatting, so you’re not allowed in the other places! It’s a pity because I also like to share these moments with my sweetheart or my friends.
√ Price per person:
- stopover formula < 3 hours = $60 canadian
- unlimited travel package $70 canadian
- stopover formula before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. $50 canadian
If you too know of any unusual places in Montreal, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!
