“Water is the driving force of all nature”

-Leonardo DaVinci

There comes a time when you truly need to disconnect, let go, get away and simply lie in silence while you relax.

I was honestly in need of a break from everything and it had been over 4 months since I last visited a spa. You may already know this or may not, but I am a big fan and if given the opportunity, I gladly indulge in hydrotherapy or immerse myself in healing waters. Not only is it beneficial for the body but also for the heart, mind and soul.

I had heard and seen this über cool boat transformed into a floating spa right here in my own city, Montreal. So I thought why not go and see what the buzz is all about. I mean do I not proclaim myself as an adventurous soul always looking for a challenge or anything that will stimulate all my senses? I had to walk the talk!

Conveniently located in a Quay at the Old Port, Bota Bota Spa-Sur-l’Eau welcomes guests year round and its daily operations are from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

I personally like to go when they open as there aren’t too many people, I don’t particularly crowds. As you will see, it has many benefits (having the places almost all to yourself 🙂

The full-service spa offers a great variety of treatments, massages, facials, manicures or pedicures, for couples, friends and even someone taking some time off.

One of the most popular services is the Water Circuit which is the main reason of my visit.

What does it consist of? You may ask.

The Water Circuit is a 3 hour “layover” that takes passengers (or guests) through a thermotherapy voyage in and around the boat.

Step One

The first step is to prepare your body for the journey ahead and it is necessary to detox and open your pores and you can do so by going into either a:

• Finnish sauna (with a sensational view of Old Montreal)

• Hot tub (there are two outdoors on the sundeck with views of the city and Île Sainte-Hélène and one in the garden outside which is accessible via a passage to and from the boat)

• Last but not least, the steam baths where essential oils such as eucalyptus oil are diffused in the air.

It is a very well-known fact that heat allows the blood to come up closer to the skin’s surface , thus we feel that blushing or burning sensation which gives our body parts its red color. Our heart beat accelerates, our blood vessels dilate and toxins are liberated via perspiration.

Step two

The second step is to then be bold and courageous and dip into the cold tub,

pool

or take a shower with icy water in order to close the pores and thereby producing white cells into the bloodstream that will strengthen your immune system. Translation: they will help you fight any illness or disease. It might be quite a shock to the body but one must follow the steps and keep balance as it is very important. All our senses are awakened and we feel as if we come right back to life!

Step three

The third step is total and absolute relaxation. After repeating step one and two as much as needed, the body needs to recover and all its functions return to normal.

There are several places where you can sit back and just enjoy the silence.

A state of well-being is then reached. In simple terms, you will have recharged your batteries and be ready to face the world with plenty of energy and focus!

Let me share with you my experience from the check in to the check out through the following images. Enjoy 🙂

After checking in at the reception, a plush bathrobe  (has a number on left sleeve)

and towel as well as a magnetic wristband is given to you. All you need to bring with you are your swimming suit, flip-flops, extra towel (because the first one will certainly get wet), refillable plastic bottle and if you wish a swimming cap.

First thing in the itinerary is the Finnish sauna which by the way has a fab view! It’s the best place to let everything go and simply concentrate on the Now, the present moment. It accelerates your heartbeat too. A quiet haven 🙂

After a good 20 minute session, a cold shower cleanses and prepares you for the next round.

This exterior hot tub is so inviting and it eases any tension or pain left. I must admit that the crisp, cold air is not felt as you get in and relax while admiring the surroundings.

While I was sitting in the tub, I kept looking at the adjoining gardens where there are 3 pools: 1 cold, 1 hot and the other lukewarm with a waterfall. They were calling me so that’s where I headed next.

They are accessible via the ramps to and from the boat.

The room on the right is where the eucalyptus steam bath is located. I am pretty curious, so I thought, why not go in? It is important to mention that it is incredibly warm, of course, thus your visibility is reduced and it might hurt your eyes. I was only able to sit for about 5-10 minutes maximum. My lungs were definitely feeling  it but it is great for clearing them!

I had to chillax, thus I mustered up the courage and was brave enough to dip into the icy cold pool

and least to say that I was shivering the moment my toes touched the water but little by little I went in and dived in one movement 🙂

Courageous indeed but it does the body a lot of good! I floated for a few minutes and contemplated the bright blue sky that morning.

I had to go to back to the hot water and I did

You see, I am a big waterfall fan, so this one was certainly calling my name and I went to the other side. It was much more comfortable there 🙂

I swam right next to where they fall and trust me, standing underneath the torrent of water is something! It may hurt a bit, as if a thousand needles hit your body at once and the speed is pretty fast. However I know that it revitalized and aligned all chakras!

I let that run over me and simply refueled! The power of water is indescribable.

After a little while I knew that I was ready to rest, so I opted for a chaise longue (to dry a bit and absorb some natural Vitamin D).

and after that I decided to walk back indoors to the lounge to take a nap with this background 🙂

It was just divine and trust me I would have gladly slept a couple of hours but had things to do but all the time spent to look after my health was well worth it!

I am definitely going to return to a spa or sauna a bit more often and more time in the future. Not only it makes me feel like a million bucks, it also helps me dissolve my problems or issues like sugar in a warm cup of coffee or tea.

I would like to thank Bota Bota Spa-Sur-L’Eau for welcoming me as a guest during a few hours.  It was just what I needed to regain energies and face whatever comes my way! Perhaps next time I go back I will try their hot stone massage  🙂

As usual, I give you my honest opinion, ALWAYS.

Now I’m turning it over to you.

Tell us…

Do you like going to the spa?

If so where is your favorite and what’s so special about it?

If you haven’t, would you like to?

Let us know.

Until next time!

Happy spa-ing.

Tashi Delek, all the best.

Karla