This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
To escape the crowds during the holiday season, you don’t always have to go far. A few ideas for a 100% relaxed holiday.
Meditative concerts in hammock
Annabelle Renzo, harpist and founder of Sérénité sonore, is bubbling with ideas. Since the creation of her company in 2019, a pandemic has forced her to imagine new avenues, which today complete an abundant offer. If, during the summer, the musician plays in particular in Montreal parks, in the forest or on the water, aboard a yacht or surrounded by spectators on paddle boards, she offers, one Sunday a month, in any season, tea time in its loft with hanging hammocks can accommodate around 30 spectators. “During my studies, I played at the Ritz,” she says. I wanted to offer a more relaxed setting. […] What could be better than live music to live this moment in a more interior way? It’s a bit like the idea of the hammock. »
Concerts are also on the program. On December 27 and 28, the duo Luminescent, made up of Coralie Gauthier on the harp and Pierre-Olivier Bolduc on the handpan (percussion instrument), will offer Winter sweetness in a hammock, and will share his notes with the spectators curled up in the hammock chairs — single or double — in the loft (from $55).
Rather want to recreate a serene atmosphere at home? The Huilologie group has concocted two synergies of essential oils for Sound Serenity “with a fir tree base for grounding, lavender for relaxation, yang-ylang for creativity and mandarin for the newer aspect”, explains Annabelle Renzo ($20 for a 10ml rollerball). The SériniThé served during the Sunday afternoon concerts is also sold on site and in some stores for $20 with a QR code to download the album Quietude of the harpist.
Sérénité sonore also designs its own collection of musical instruments, including small harp-lyres in the shape of crescent moons developed by luthier Kim Batault. “We associate the lyre with the druids, says Mme Renzo. I wanted to return to this old instrument designed to play for oneself. »
A Christmas market, where it will be possible to buy the company’s creations, but also hammocks and jewelry, will also take place at the loft on December 4 and 5.
2025A, rue Masson, apt. 301, in Montreal.
Sound Box by Hennessy
In a completely different atmosphere, the W hotel invites music lovers to storm the intimate space of the Sound box, where hip-hop icons are in the spotlight. The experience offered since the beginning of November: playing the DJ while drinking Cognac from the brand founded in France in 1765 by the Irish military officer Richard Hennessy.
Perfect for reunions with friends, the small room can accommodate up to six people, but four seems more appropriate to us. For maximum privacy, the bartender can bring all the drinks at the same time. “Here we have the Hennessy Ginger, with ginger ale, the Old Fashioned and the Hennessy XO for tasting,” explained ours, Michael Bloom, after dropping off the tray.
The big plus? Being able to adjust the volume of the turntable ourselves. During our visit, nostalgia pushed us towards the LPs of Run DMC and the Beastie Boys. Between two confidences, Mary, Mary, as well as Sabotage and other hits from these leading groups of the 1980s and 1990s have at times taken precedence over the discussion.
Reservations are made for two-hour blocks and include drinks. It is possible to order starters to share in addition. Don’t resist the truffle oil and parmesan fries!
$95 per person, food extra.
Acapulco by proxy
If you’re looking for a “cuddly” series to wrap yourself in during the holidays, Acapulco, on Apple TV, is ideal. We follow the adventures of young Maximo, who lands his dream job in the city’s most glamorous hotel in 1984 and quickly finds himself torn between his values and his ambition. We love the many nods to the cultural references of the time, the humor and the ultra-typical characters. As a bonus: a duo of perfectly kitsch singers performs the great hits of the time in the language of Frida Kahlo. Impossible not to dance on your couch! In English and Spanish (with subtitles), the series shot in Puerto Vallarta is easy to watch with the family. The final episode of the second season will drop on Apple TV on December 16.
Other relaxing ideas
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.