Right in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, Canada lies a world-renown unique escape on the water that will rejuvenate and captivate the mind, body and soul all the while being aboard the “floating spa”. The appeal of the day spa is in the French name itself: “Bota Bota Spa sur-l’eau.” This doesn’t mean a spa near the water or by the water. It means spa on the water.
Bota Bota Spa Sur L’eau | Montreal
Location: Montreal, QC
Address: Entrée McGill et, de la Commune O
Services: Couples, individual & custom tailored massages, soaks, scrubs and more.
Price Range: $200-$800
Phone Number: +1(514)284-0333
About
Docked on the St. Lawrence River in the port of Old Montreal, Bota Bota an urban water park for adults. Offering hydrotherapy circuit of hot tubs, cold plunge pools, steam rooms and dry saunas, gardens with lots of loungers and hammocks. With services such as massage, face and body treatments as well as a restaurant all of this with a view of the port. You could spend a whole day at Bota Bota and just allow yourself to float the day away!
Booking and Arrival
I first visited the spa for a massage and had to return to experience the water circuit. I hopped on the Trans Canada Highway from Toronto, Canada to highway 417 into Quebec to get a dose of hydrotherapy at this beloved floating sanctuary for locals and visitors alike. Bota Bota is a year-round experience – who could put weather restrictions on massages and body treatments. In reality any season, any weather is spa weather.
“ The plan: use every one of the spa’s many hot tubs”
Bota Bota is conveniently located a short walk from hotels in Old Montreal but also easily accessible by bike or public transit from the city centre. Which makes it a popular hangout for Montrealers, including couples and bachelorette parties.
Boarding on the design by architects executed a well throughout plan to make use of every small space of the converted 1950s ferry boat. All the while creating cozy nooks, sweeping glass window views and turning small almost claustrophobic portholes into immaculate design spaces. With change rooms in the basement of the former engine room and quarters of crew members.
From the change rooms I head straight to suss out the entire facility. Heading straight for the top deck seemed to be the prime location, a fairly large kidney-shaped hot tub with a waterfall fountain. Across the boat there is an adjoining garden with additional hot pools, more saunas and places to lounge. It felt like getting two spa visits for the price of one experience.
Finding a quiet cozy spot is not hard to find especially by the garden sauna. For the respect of policy I can’t show you photos but I did take some cheeky photos of moments I was alone.
Essentials to Bring
Check out our blog post: The Ultimate Spa Day: Essentials to Pack for Pure Bliss
Captain’s Policies while on board
They have a no cell phone/photos policy-much like any spa promoting relaxation and respecting the privacy of all guests.
Most guests abided by this policy while a few people would have their partners take photos when staff were not looking. The location is gorgeous. How can one not be tempted to take a quick snap of the location.
As for silence…majority of guests are with their partners, group of friends there’s bound to be conversation. Not the kind of group socializing as you’d get at outdoor Scandinavian spas, each guest is very respectful of one another. Bring a book, magazine or enjoy the company you’re with.
Restorative Experiencing the Circuit
A three hour package gives you access to saunas and they’ve got a Water Circuit that starts off hot, goes into cold ultimately taking you into a relaxation mode. The recommendation on how to experience the circuit is:
Thermal Circuit: The first portion of the circuit is hot. Starting off in either a dry sauna or a steam bath, your muscles will unwind. The benefit of toxins leaving your body while pores are open. Next, you’ll hit the cold circuit. A quick dip in a cold bath or a short shower should last about 1 minute but is extremely beneficial. As it’s meant to stimulate the senses and promotes the acceleration of the heartbeat as it tightens pores. Guests can choose from an array of treatments tailored to their individual needs. Highly skilled and attentive staff ensure that each experience is personalized and leaves you feeling truly pampered.
The relaxation provided with sun loungers, beanbags and hammocks all with an esthetical appeal provides a way to decompress and stabilize the heartbeat in a quiet environment. The boat also features a bar in the garden filled with a variety of drinks to stay hydrated and a restaurant serving gourmet meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Each aspect of Bota Boat is a delight for all the senses.
From the moment you step aboard, you are transported to a world of relaxation and rejuvenation. The unique floating setting, panoramic views, restorative treatments, and thoughtful amenities all contribute to an unforgettable spa experience. Whether you are seeking a whole day of pampering and realign with yourself or a quick hour escape from the city, Bota Bota Sur L’eau offers the perfect retreat for those in search of serenity.
Check out our Bota Bota Instagram Reel.
Leave a comment below and let us know how your experience was at Bota Bota Sur L’eau.
-The Wahid’s
