Holiday Sparkle | The Press

In the mad rush that takes us to the holiday celebrations, self-care is often the last thing. Whether it’s to offer someone dear to your heart or to allow you to end the year in style, here are six treatments tested and approved by our team.

Guerlain Spa: exceptional

The Four Seasons Montreal does not do things by halves when it comes to refinement and elegance. The hotel’s spa has been displayed for a few months under the Guerlain brand name, a natural alliance between the two high-end brands. The experience offered there is at the height of the luxury hotel chain, with exceptional treatments for the face or body and incredible massages, such as the Power Montreal signature, which we tested.

This treatment includes aromatherapy (one chooses from five olfactory environments), a deep oil massage, a hybrid of Swedish and sports massage, with the use of cold massage globes which, in contrast to the heat, allow muscles to reach a state of deep relaxation. The attention to detail really makes us feel cared for: glass of bubbles or infusion and small cake served after the massage, whose flavors match the chosen olfactory experience, possibility of enjoying the Kneipp hydrotherapy experience and the reflexology trail, comfortable Guerlain slippers that you take home with you, as well as the possibility of trying one of the Guerlain perfumes in the boutique area, including several rarities. Classy!

Price: $220 for the 60-minute massage

Espace Beauties Lab: personalized care, naturally

Recently moved to Laurier Ouest, the magnificent Espace Beauties Lab offers facial treatments, body treatments, make-up services, among others. All treatments are personalized, adapted to the type of skin and the targeted problems, by specialists who are knowledgeable about it. We tested the Selflove, signature facial treatment, a real moment of happiness where our dehydrated and lackluster skin was pampered with an adapted routine, including many massage techniques with facial toning tools. On the store side, it is possible to obtain carefully selected products, brands from here and elsewhere to discover offering the most natural and eco-responsible formulations possible.

Price: $155 for 60 minutes

The Edith Serei Academy: for all aesthetic needs

Founded in 1958 by the pioneer in aesthetics who gave it its name, the Académie Édith Serei is a school, an institute and a shop. It offers a variety of treatments for the face and body as well as a wide range of products. We tried the cleansing back treatment, during which the beautician uses the tonic lotion, exfoliant and purifying mask Edith Serei. A moment of relaxation followed by a feeling of cleanliness and well-being. The service is impeccable, the care is efficient, and it is appealing to be able to use the same products, offered at the boutique. The products, made in France and Canada, allow a complete routine and meet many needs. It should be noted that in Montreal, Laval and now in Quebec City, it is the students of the Academy who offer aesthetic care as part of their training, which allows access to competitive prices. A third Édith Serei Academy opens its doors in early December in Old Quebec and care will be offered from 2023.

Price: relaxing back treatment (student) at $15, cleansing back treatment (student) at $20

Marissa Groguhe, The Press

Spa Valmont: rediscovered youth

The Spa Valmont is housed in the chic Hôtel Birks, an elegant cocoon in which to shelter from the bustle of the city. It offers a range of face and body treatments featuring exclusively the luxurious and high-performance products of the Swiss range. The Fermeté des Collines facial treatment allows you to discover the new line of V-Firm products. Thanks to the application, among other things, of a collagen mask with a lifting and moisturizing effect, then of a second anti-stress mask which sublimates the complexion and smoothes the skin, all complemented by various facial massage techniques such as kneading, palpation and smoothing movements, we come out with the impression of having rejuvenated, with a few less traces of fatigue.

Price: $260 (60 minutes)

O Coiffure & Spa: pampering cocktails

After the Ogilvy closed, the O Coiffure & Spa salon relocated nearby, rue Drummond. It offers a multitude of treatments (hairdressing, beauty treatments, massage, etc.) and a manicure and pedicure service given by experienced and caring staff — including the incredible Cécilia, 74, who managed to bring life back to life. to our poor tired feet. The little extra? The O Lounge where you can enjoy one of the excellent cocktails on the menu, including several non-alcoholic or low-alcohol choices. Perfect for relaxing between shopping sprees!

Price: manicure from $37 and pedicure from $62

Strøm nordic spa Old Quebec: relaxation with a view of the river

As usual, the Strøm Nordic Spa, which has four branches in Quebec, is offering many packages for the holiday season, entries for the thermal experience to be combined with a massage or an experience at the Nord restaurant. Passing through the capital, we took the opportunity to finally visit the one installed since 2018 at the Brown basin in Old Quebec, which has since won numerous design and architecture awards (LemayMichaud signed the design). No wonder that on this snowy early morning of a Sunday in November, many customers rushed there to access its magnificent facilities offering a view of the St. Lawrence River, including an infinity pool and the Strøm river where float gently.