Picture the moment the envelope opens. Inside, there’s more than a gift: there’s a whole day somewhere else.
Weeks later, snow crunches underfoot beneath the great wooden arch at the entrance of the Village, tucked in the forest of the Outaouais hills. The air carries a blend of evergreen, eucalyptus and woodfire. Steam rises from the baths into the crisp winter sky. In a sauna nearby, a Ritual Artisan waves a towel through the heat, and a room full of strangers shares a unique moment. Later, there might be a treatment in a softly lit room, a float in a candlelit underground bath or a glass of wine by the fire, still in the comfort of a bathrobe.
Each of our holiday packages holds a different version of that day. So what exactly is inside? Below, we unwrap every experience found in our packages to help you choose the one that feels just right for someone on your list (or for yourself, we won’t tell).
A Closer Look at Every Experience
Spa Village Access
Every holiday package starts here. Spa Village access opens the door to more than 25 installations spread throughout North America’s largest spa, with bathrobe rental included for the day.
Inside the Village, each thermal journey takes shape one cycle at a time. It begins with heat: a sauna reminiscent of natural caves, an intense heat sauna or one of the many other saunas, each with its own atmosphere, from the crackle of woodfire to the sizzle of water poured over hot stones. Then comes the cold, a quick plunge into one of the cold baths that awakens the whole body in an instant. Finally, rest. The Village’s unique rest areas, some with beds of hot stone, and the traditional yurt are the perfect places to let the energy of the cycle settle in. Repeating the cycle at least three times brings out its full benefits.
The Village is divided into three distinct spaces with three different moods: one in complete silence, one where whispers are welcome and one made for social gatherings. Between cycles, there’s time to stop by an infused water or tea station, enjoy a mineral-rich Epsom salt scrub in the self-serve exfoliation space or take in the snowy landscape from the warmth of an outdoor fire.
Do You Know About Village Rituals?
Included with every Spa Village access, the Village Rituals are social wellness experiences that move to the rhythm of the group’s emotions and energy. During an Aufguss ritual, a Ritual Artisan waves a towel or veniks through the heat of the sauna. In the traditional yurt, a soothing voice and the vibration of Tibetan bowls guide a meditation. No two sessions are ever quite the same.
Available in these packages: Signature, Escape, Classic, Gourmet, Epicure and Getaway
Kalla: The Epsom Salt Flotation Bath
Underground, in a candlelit sanctuary where absolute calm reigns, lies Kalla, Canada’s first saltwater bath for floating.
Before stepping in, a three-minute guided meditation on headphones explains each step of the experience. Then it’s time to lie back and let the water do the rest. Legs and arms slowly rise, muscles let go and the body floats freely, effortlessly. Soft music can still be faintly heard even as the ears dip below the surface.
Rich in Epsom salt, the water helps relax the muscles, reduce stress and improve sleep, while encouraging the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. With all-day access included, Kalla fits perfectly into the day, between thermal cycles or as a peaceful finale.
Available in these packages: Signature, Escape and Epicure
60-Minute Body Treatment
Every body and face treatment begins with a short consultation to understand the skin’s needs, then unfolds on a heated massage table, in a room with soft music and subdued lighting. All treatments use Comfort Zone products, tested by dermatologists and suited to every skin type. Afterward, a herbal tea is served in a rest area, so the moment lasts a little longer. The package includes a choice of treatment:
Head in the Clouds: Focused on the head, scalp, neck and shoulders, this treatment uses acupressure, light stretching and the contrast of hot and cold to release tension. It ends with a face massage using cryotherapy spoons.
Classic Facial: Personalized to the skin’s needs, this treatment includes a complete cleanse, an exfoliation, a moisturizing mask, a toner and a face and eye cream. Cryotherapy spoons are used at different steps to refresh the skin, with results visible on the face, neck and décolleté.
Himalayan Salt Stone: Warm Himalayan salt stones glide along the back, arms and legs, followed by a salt scrub infused with essential oils and a rich hydrating cream.
Relaxation: An aromatherapy treatment that starts with a choice of four essential oil blends. It includes a gentle scrub, a warm oil massage from head to toe, heated mittens for the hands and a Gua Sha facial massage.
Tranquility: Inspired by Reiki techniques, this treatment combines gentle hand movements with soft brushes dipped in warm oil. A heated weighted blanket is placed over the body at certain moments for a comforting effect.
Facial for Men: Designed for men’s skin, this balancing treatment starts with a cleansing balm, followed by an exfoliating mask and extractions if needed. It ends with a massage of the face, neck, scalp and shoulders.
Vivifying: A balance of relaxing and invigorating, with a back scrub, a purifying thermal mud treatment, a scalp and back massage, a facial and a leg and foot massage.
Foresta Facial: Inspired by the scents of the forest, this purifying treatment includes a deep cleanse, a mask with chlorella, vegetable charcoal and white ginseng root, and a moisturizing serum applied with a jade roller.
Foot Care: Made for sore, heavy, tired feet and legs. A deep cleanse and an invigorating exfoliation are followed by a foot massage in warm booties, a nourishing foot mask and a peptide eye mask.
Available in this package: Getaway
60-Minute Massage
Each massage is personalized from the start. When booking, guests can request a specific certified massage therapist or indicate whether they prefer a man or a woman. Every massage is offered with soft music or in complete silence, and each session opens and closes with a short essential oil ritual. The package includes a choice of massage:
Relaxation: A full-body massage using gentle techniques inspired by Swedish massage to ease tension and promote relaxation. Guests choose their essential oil: sweet orange to reveal the skin’s natural glow, eucalyptus to soothe sore muscles or lavender to unwind and sleep better.
Mom-to-Be: A gentle prenatal massage adapted to each stage of pregnancy, using pregnancy-safe products. It’s given on a heated table, either lying on the side or with a belly cushion, depending on what feels most comfortable. Swedish techniques help relieve heavy legs and tired feet.
Available in this package: Signature, Classic, Gourmet and Getaway
Restaurant Credit
From sunrise to sundown, our restaurants celebrate the conviviality of the Village table, each with its own atmosphere and influences. The credit can be used at any of them, and paying is as easy as a wave of the contactless band.
Le Resto: A must in the Village, Le Resto serves comforting cuisine prepared in delightfully unexpected ways. Its field-to-table menu highlights seasonal dishes, paired with an ever-changing wine list, all enjoyed in the comfort of a bathrobe.
Lounge: Around the fire, local charcuterie, artisan cheese and creative dishes are made for sharing, along with salads, sandwiches and poke bowls. The drinks menu features local craft beers, cocktails, mocktails and fine wines.
Biergarden: Inspired by Germany’s beer gardens, this laid-back spot pours local beers alongside comforting seasonal dishes, with a four-season terrace overlooking the lively Village.
Mezz Café: Classic coffees, tea, warm muffins, flaky croissants and light dishes are served from morning to afternoon.
Shack: The best pizza in the Village comes out of the Shack’s wood-fired oven. From May to September, this seasonal restaurant also serves colourful tacos, burgers and hearty vegetarian dishes.
Available in this package: Gourmet ($50 restaurant credit) and Epicure ($55 restaurant credit)
A Gift That Feels Like Elsewhere
Thermal cycles in the snow, a float in a candlelit underground bath, a meal by the fire: each holiday package offers its own version of a day in the Village. Choose the one that suits them best, or the one that suits you.
Still looking for the perfect gift idea? Our other holiday blogs are full of inspiration for everyone on your list.
