When the pandemic hit, I found myself, like many of you, cancelling trips, concerts and events that were sure to make 2020 a memorable year. Whenever possible, I postponed rather than cancelled, knowing that these destinations and businesses would need our support in the months to come.
That's how my April birthday retreat became an autumn getaway at Estérel Resort.
A luxury hotel and spa in the Laurentian mountains just north of Montreal, Estérel offered the perfect setting to relax, unwind, enjoy gourmet meals and bask in the sun as summer gently turns into fall.
That's how my April birthday retreat became an autumn getaway at Estérel Resort.
A luxury hotel and spa in the Laurentian mountains just north of Montreal, Estérel offered the perfect setting to relax, unwind, enjoy gourmet meals and bask in the sun as summer gently turns into fall.
I was happy to notice, immediately upon arrival, that all the guidelines for health and safety were being closely followed. Visitors' temperature was taken at the entrance. Staff members were professional and attentive, working extra hard to ensure that the site was immaculately clean, that lawn chairs, tables, life-vests and even pens were routinely disinfected, and that social distancing was being respected in all the pools and indoors. At the time of my stay, masks were mandatory indoors.
Although the three saunas are temporarily closed to prevent outbreaks, visitors can still enjoy several hot tubs, the polar bath and two outdoor pools, in addition to the three lakes: Lac Dupuis, Lac Masson and Lac du Nord.
Although the three saunas are temporarily closed to prevent outbreaks, visitors can still enjoy several hot tubs, the polar bath and two outdoor pools, in addition to the three lakes: Lac Dupuis, Lac Masson and Lac du Nord.
Each of the pools and tubs is set at a different temperature ranging from 90°F to 101°F, and some of the pools are "tranquility zones" for adults only. Each pool has its own fire pit in the center, adding extra ambiance, day and night. There are also separate fire pits on the resort grounds where you can stay warm and toasty after your swim.
A highlight was the spa bar and restaurant, serving delicious cocktails, lunches and suppers (until 6 pm) so you can stay in your cozy robe or your swimsuit but still enjoy a drink and delicious meal! I mean, a poutine topped with flowers while in a hot tub? Yes, please!
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The summer water activities (pedalo, paddleboard, canoe, kayak, bike or motor boat) are available until mid-October, until they get replaced by winter activities (skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating). If you're in the mood to leave the grounds, you can enjoy the nearby Parc Estérel hiking trails or go golfing.
Estérel Resort offers many wonderful packages to its guests, depending on their interests and mood. I had booked the Emotion Suite "Cocooning" Package for my birthday, which included several tasting platters and full breakfast delivered straight to my suite!
I really did feel a bit like royalty, sitting in my suite facing a see-through fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the spa, the lake and the surrounding countryside.
I really did feel a bit like royalty, sitting in my suite facing a see-through fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the spa, the lake and the surrounding countryside.
The gourmet platter was quite a treat, with oysters, foie gras, a selection of local cheeses, a selection of local pâtés, beef tartare, smoked white fish, lobster rolls, grilled vegetables, prosciutto and melon, caramelized nuts and dried fruit, all served with toasted crostini and warm bread rolls.
If you don't feel like dining in your room, the resort has three high-end restaurants and a wine cellar to choose from, each of them offering special gastronomic experiences and tasting menus with wine pairings tailored for you by on-site sommeliers.
I do recommend having breakfast in bed at least once, though. Early in the morning, the setting becomes all the more enchanting. I woke up with the sunrise and my senses were overwhelmed by the fiery colors, the mystical fog on the lake and the cacophony of geese, ducks and crows.
I do recommend having breakfast in bed at least once, though. Early in the morning, the setting becomes all the more enchanting. I woke up with the sunrise and my senses were overwhelmed by the fiery colors, the mystical fog on the lake and the cacophony of geese, ducks and crows.
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After getting a little chill by the lake after sunrise, I was happy to crawl back into bed with the fireplace lit to enjoy the abundant breakfast that was served at my suite. Didn't someone once say that waffles taste better in bed? No? I'll say it, then, because it's true.
And I'm beginning to think that coffee tastes better in the countryside.
And I'm beginning to think that coffee tastes better in the countryside.
The thermal spa is open until 11 pm every night, so you can wake up with the sun and fall asleep to your TV after a toasty warm night soak under the stars. (The fireplace in the room is on a timer, so you don't even need to get up to turn it off!)
It was a perfect weekend getaway. If you're itching to get into the countryside to see our spectacular autumn colors and feel like pampering yourself a little, I recommend Estérel Resort & Spa. You can do (and eat!) as much or as little as you want, while taking some time to relax your mind and body.
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