In less than ten years, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, has become an Old Montréal institution. Behind this success is a family full of seasoned entrepreneurs, including Geneviève Emond, President and Co-owner, her father Daniel, Co-owner, her sister Natalie, Vice-President of Customer Experience, and Stéphanie, who contributes her expertise as the owner of another well-known spa, the BALNEA spa in Bromont, even though she is not officially employed by Bota Bota. This is a family success story that is one hundred percent Quebecois.

The year is 2008. Daniel Emond, Co-founder of the BALNEA spa in Bromont, and his oldest daughter, Stéphanie, are about to embark on a new project with Emond’s youngest daughter, Geneviève. “We found that what was available in Montréal was not at the same level as what was happening outside the city or in the countryside,” said Geneviève Emond. The father and daughter decided to provide Montrealers with a high-quality urban spa that could be accessed without a car. Very quickly, the proximity of water became an essential prerequisite for the project.

From the very beginning, the two partners were interested in the parc des Éclusiers, ideally located with its view over the city, the river and Habitat 67. But construction is not allowed at this location. However, they did find a former showboat that was for sale. “That’s when we got the idea to build a spa on a boat directly overlooking the river,” says Geneviève. Two years later, in December 2010, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, was born.

“Thanks to our team and our outstanding customer service, we are still growing.”

Geneviève Emond, President and Co-owner

A refreshing maritime atmosphere

Bota Bota is infused with a unique maritime atmosphere. Visitors get changed in the former engine room and can admire the city from the spa’s five bridges. With twenty or so massage therapy and cosmetic treatment rooms, two floors, a garden dedicated to the water circuit (saunas, steam baths, cold baths), a pool, and several outdoor hot tubs, the spa truly has wonderful facilities. But its success is not only the result of its excellent facilities. “Thanks to our team and our outstanding customer service, we are still growing in our eighth year of operations. And that’s where Natalie, my other sister, plays an important role,” says the young woman.

Of course, quality massage services provided by experts trained in techniques from around the world are also part of the spa’s appeal. The result is that customers return, year after year.

Beyond the spa: the brand

Over the years, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, has developed its own online magazine, The Porthole, a blog, and its own events (like free summer yoga classes). More than a spa, it has become a brand focused on well-being and relaxation. “We want to be present in the daily lives of Montrealers to help them live better, but people can’t go to the spa every day. That’s why we developed these additional features,” says Geneviève. As she concludes, “People realize that life is increasingly stressful and are looking for ways to remedy the situation. We help them respond to their needs.”

Water Circuit

$40 before 11:00 a.m. during low season
From Monday to Thursday

Meduse Package

• Layover water circuit
• 60-minute 4-hand massage
• Gel manicure

Calypso Package

Monday to Thursday: $326 (for two people)
Any time: $348 (for two people)

• Water circuit journey
• 60-minute Swedish massage
• Tasting plate
• Glass of wine

www.botabota.ca

Text: Diane Stehle

Since it was founded in 2012, ensō yoga has become a must for Montréal’s hot yoga enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the city, this vast 12,000 square foot studio offers a wide variety of classes in a spacious, modern and welcoming environment where every aspect has been carefully considered with a view to fostering concentration and well-being.

As soon as you step inside ensō yoga, you are enveloped in a modern yet warm, spacious yet friendly atmosphere. “I designed the centre’s layout myself,” says André Riley, who co-founded the space with Emily Webster. “We wanted to create an inspiring environment that is easily accessible, where people feel they are welcome. People are often intimidated by traditional yoga centres, or have little affinity for their spiritual aspect. At ensō yoga, we encourage people to connect their mind to movement, while focusing on how their body is working, concentrating and relaxing their muscles,” he adds.

Impeccable cleanliness

The mainly female clientele particularly appreciates the studio’s exemplary cleanliness, which is an asset given that classes take place in rooms heated to 38°C. The centre spares no effort in this respect: the floors and showers are washed after each class, so clients can confidently walk barefoot from the reception area to the practice rooms. Everything has been designed to make coming here an easy and pleasant experience. The locker rooms are equipped with lockers and digital locks (no more padlocks!), elastics and hair dryers, showers with shampoo, conditioner and body wash, as well as a lounging area with complementary Wi-Fi. All that seriously lightens your load!

Classes for all tastes and levels

The centre offers six different classes, ranging from traditional hot yoga (ensō hot flow) to hot pilates and hot barre. All levels are welcome, including beginners. “Heat helps muscles relax, so even if you’re not very flexible, your muscles will loosen up more easily. Postures can also be modified to suit your level,” specifies the owner. The most popular class is ensō hot barre, a combination of pilates and ballet, whose exercises are designed to chisel and sculpt your muscles while improving stability and posture. As for rates, the centre offers several options and packages, including a monthly pass and individual classes, all of which can be purchased online or at the studio. Try it today and discover the many benefits of hot yoga!

www.ensoyoga.ca

Text: Marie-Claude Ethier