As we all know, Montreal is a city of fun, and entertainment. Museums, parks, cafes, and parties. I am getting tired just thinking about all of this! I know for a fact that whenever I go to Montreal, I always party. And I party hard. That being said, I definitely need a day or peace and quiet. I need to sleep, relax, sweat out all the alcohol, and return back to normal.
Now you are probably wondering how to do all of this in one go. Well, do not worry! As I have the answer for you. Two words, Bota Bota.
Bota Bota is honestly the best spa I have been to in Canada. I love it so much. I have never been to Montreal without spending a day or an evening at Bota Bota.
Bota Bota is located in the beautiful and historic Old Port in Montreal. So even getting there and walking through this old quarter is a relaxing treat in itself. It does take a bit of walking to get there, but it is not so bad.
The spa itself is on the water, so it is best accessed by walking on the quay.
Bota Bota is supposed to resemble a boat - even the employees wear striped shirts! It is cute! The people at the reception are very friendly. Check-in is short and quick. The prices are also quite reasonable. A three-hour water circuit is about $55CAD during the day on weekdays. Evening circuits are even cheaper on weekdays. Their prices usually go up on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but the prices do not exceed $65CAD.
This price only includes the water circuit. However, if you would like, you can also add massages, and facials at an extra cost. But, there are packages that can suit everyone's needs and tastes! Do not be afraid to treat yourself here!
In the $55CAD that you will pay, you also get a towel, bathrobe, and locker to store your belongings. The spa itself has a total of four floors.
The ground, or the first floor is where the locker rooms are.
The second floor is where there are couches and many lounging areas, as well as a bar and restaurant, with a direct and perfect view of the water, the Old Port and downtown Montreal. On this floor, there is a glass room with hammock-like swings attached to the ceiling. Perfect for a nice nap with a view of the water. And, believe it or not, there is a restaurant on this floor as well! Although I adore Bota Bota, I cannot recommend eating or drinking here. This is because the food and the drink portions are quite small, and they are rather expensive.
The third floor is where the fun begins. There is an outdoor jacuzzi, facing downtown Montreal. Beside it there are chairs for tanning. Inside there is a sauna with a large window - also overlooking downtown Montreal. There is also a steam room. There is also a tub of very cold water - an important part of the water circuit. It is cold, but you feel great after! There are also little rounded, large windows for you to sit, watch and nap. There are also hammock swings here.
The fourth floor is smaller, with less people, but also just as fun. There is another outdoor jacuzzi that faces Habitat 67 and Longueuil, Quebec. But it is much higher up, with a great view. There is also a sauna and cold bath here too.
Make sure you have the day, or the evening to spend here, because it really is worth it. You leave feeling so refreshed.
Throughout the spa, it is encouraged that you are either silent, or that you whisper. This helps the calm vibe. There is peaceful and calm music playing throughout the spa. The spa itself smells like mint and lavender incense, to calm the nerves.
The spa is a great experience, both during the day, and at night.
If you have never been to Montreal or Bota Bota before, then I would strongly recommend that you visit during the day, so that you can see everything clearly.
If you have already seen the stunning Montreal skyline, then I would definitely encourage you to go at night - and just before sunset. Montreal is gorgeous at night. The jacuzzis are illuminated with coloured LED lights that change colour. It is a very cool experience.
Bota Bota is open year-round, for a different spa experience for each season of the year. So far, I have been to Bota Bota in the winter, and in the spring! Both were a lovely experience! In the winter, you get to see the city covered in a crisp, fresh, white blanket of snow! It also feels even better being in the cold after you have spent some time in the hot jacuzzi!
After your spa day, I recommend having some coffee, or grabbing a bite to eat in the Old Part!
Relax, and have fun!
What to do Montreal,
Montreal,
Canada
