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| - what a totally awesome day we had, driving up to Montreal from Burlington, VT. It was a quick drive (1 1/2 hrs) and it was worth every drop of gas.
The spa might be a bit of a challenge to find the first time because the address on Yelp is actually a building across from the spa because they don't have an address, they are on a BOAT. (hence Bota Bota). Suggestion: park in the parking garage on Queen Street, right off Rue de La Commerce, it's a short walk (about four blocks) to the spa. (we trudged through the snow, but it really wasn't bad).
Once at the spa the friendly and helpful staff checked us in, reminding us that this is a silent spa. ahhhhhh. We had so much fun, (quietly) roaming through the boat, going from steam to sauna to cold plunge to outdoor hot tubs (it was AT LEAST -20 F that day, but so amazingly blissfully awesome).
The view from the windows, especially in one of the saunas is tres chic--we were staring at a HUGE freighter across the frozen river and it somehow fit in perfectly to the experience). The other views are of a giant industrial building and the port of Montreal. It was very hip and somehow artistic.
Make sure you allow yourself a little snooze time in one of the hanging chairs or the beanbags. I dropped of into a totally deep power nap that was so restful.
Tips: bring a water bottle, spa shoes and a bathing suit. they have a restaurant on board, which we didn't go to, but I have read from other reviewers that it is great. Next time, for sure. When we first arrived, it wasn't that crowded (we went on a February Friday), but soon the place started to fill up. It wasn't terrible, but I could imagine that on a weekend, it wouldn't be as serene.
Three hours at the water circuit at the spa (plenty of time), plus the parking (about $15) was less than $75US.
They have a full complement of spa services, but we didn't try them this go-around. There was a little bit of a snob factor (hipster-er than thou), but I was with a good friend and didn't pay it any mind.
In sum, it's a totally hip, serene, lovely experience that I cannot wait to repeat.
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