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By Kristina Smith
Simply minutes from Ottawa, Chateau Cartier Resort & Resort in Québec’s Outaouais area turns a weekend getaway right into a research in quiet luxurious and restorative calm. With 124 rooms and luxurious suites set in opposition to a picturesque backdrop, the property instantly seems like a retreat from the on a regular basis.
From my room’s balcony upon arrival, I drank in views of the Nordic spa space and surrounding golf course, which hinted on the restorative days forward. Morning exercises within the spacious, well-equipped health centre turned one thing I appeared ahead to, a ritual to start out the day.
What stayed with me most, although, was the employees: at all times heat and quietly attentive. Whether or not restocking my in-room espresso or providing suggestions in regards to the surrounding area, each interplay was pleasant.
Keep & Spa
The guts of the resort’s wellness providing is Kōena Spa, providing a wide range of remedies and massages, dry and moist saunas, cold and warm baths, a Himalayan salt room, leisure areas, and a lot extra.
Each element right here encourages relaxation and rejuvenation, inviting you to decelerate and easily be. Massive sliding doorways invite the outside in, connecting the pool space to the encompassing panorama in hotter months, whereas the cascading waterfall within the swimming pool provides a little bit of drama.
Inside, the spa is immaculately maintained—employees transfer unobtrusively, guaranteeing the environment stays serene, cups are cleared, flooring are mopped, and silence is revered.
Among the many highlights, I discovered the private exfoliation scrub space outdoors the steam room nothing wanting divine, and the pink Himalayan salt room drew me time and again. I settled in with a e-book right here, letting the gentle glow and halotherapy do their work: cleaning, stress-free, renewing.
From my morning swims to afternoon saunas, nourishing spa lunches to starlit evenings by fireplace pits, the spa expertise here’s a rhythm of indulgence and stability. Early hours supply an virtually monastic quiet, whereas evenings convey a livelier vitality, cocktails in hand—the right distinction.
Eat
Culinary choices at Château Cartier are simply as thought of. Resto Lounge Onō serves satisfying breakfasts, accompanied by wonderful espresso—the perfect begin to my self-care days.
For lighter fare throughout the baths circuit, the Bistro Kōena provides contemporary, nutritious soups, sandwiches, and shareable plates, plus dessert choices that I merely needed to strive.
Dinner at KaTO, the resort’s Japanese-fusion restaurant, was scrumptious. Right here, Chef Taek Lee’s masterful menu balances heritage and modernity, with dishes which are as visually placing as they’re flavorful. You’ll be able to entry its heated terrace from the spa within the night, the place the expertise feels intimate and opulent.
Transfer & Discover
For a wellness getaway that extends past the resort itself, the Gatineau area provides loads of methods to maneuver, stretch, and reconnect with your self. Roll out a mat at light-filled Aura Yoga studio for a restorative class; the studio’s sizzling yoga and pilates periods promise a equally grounding expertise.
The Voyageurs Pathway, only a quick drive or 25-minute stroll away, traces the Ottawa River for 30 km, providing scenic overlooks and glimpses of Canada’s centre of presidency, Parliament Hill.
Whether or not on foot, bike, or an electrical scooter rented from the resort, the pathway is likely one of the most breathtaking routes within the area, steeped within the historical past of the First Nations peoples who as soon as travelled these waterways.
Golfers will admire Golf Chateau Cartier, an 18-hole course with impeccably maintained greens and spectacular views of the Ottawa River rapids, the Champlain Bridge, and the Parliament Buildings. There are additionally a few public programs close by for selection.
Quiet Luxurious, Made Private
Chateau Cartier provides greater than only a keep. From the nice and cozy greeting at check-in to the quiet corners of the spa the place I may linger with a e-book, each element felt designed to gradual the tempo, invite reflection, and make the small pleasures really feel luxurious.
Right here, indulgence isn’t flashy—it’s the refined luxurious of simply being absolutely current.
Your Flip
Deal with your self to a weekday resort and spa bundle for full in-and-out privileges—with the spa, eating places, and health centre all on-site, you would possibly end up by no means wanting to go away Chateau Cartier.
Uncover charges and e-book your keep at chateaucartierhotelresort.com.