Total change of scenery, exclusive activities and services in the heart of an exceptional natural landscape: located in Lanaudière, just an hour and a half from Montreal, the M Resort & Spa is positioned as a new model of five-star lodging.
The “M” of M Resort & Spa is Maxime, his wife Marie, their daughter Marguerite, their son Maxence and their “Mesure” gîte. “I have been an entrepreneur since I was old enough to think about making projects. It is not money that motivates me, but living well. In fact, I left Montreal to do this project here with my family, in nature, ”says Maxime Rondeau, who started in real estate by buying his first condo at age 23 and renting it out.
However, this niche where customer contact is limited did not really appeal to him. Four years later, he acquired a rental chalet, then land with the aim of building this type of dwelling.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Maxime Rondeau, owner of M Resort & Spa
I love people in this holiday context, they are in a good mood. I thought about a new concept by thinking about the stays we spend in the South where we are served, where there are activities.
Maxime Rondeau, entrepreneur and owner of M Resort & Spa
“I wanted to create something like that in Quebec, but private. We have therefore reinvented the bed & breakfast model for those who like to have total privacy, ”continues the 36-year-old man.
Unlimited services
Mr. Rondeau therefore set about building a large house on three levels. The two upper levels are reserved for his family, while the garden level is intended for guests. “They don’t live with us because they have a completely independent space with their kitchen, living room, dining room… We can accommodate up to eight people, but who know each other. ”
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The open area is large enough and the owners have chosen a chic chalet decor with a warm atmosphere for their customers.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
You can opt for services or choose to cook yourself. “Everything is provided in the kitchen, including a smoking room and a raclette oven,” informs the owner, Maxime Rondeau.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The master bedroom is equipped with a queen-size bed.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The bathroom has the same decorative elements as those in the master bedroom. Bathrobes and Crocs shoes are available to guests.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The dormitory has a large bed and two bunk beds. The loft can therefore accommodate eight people in total. “We have invested in comfort by selecting memory foam mattresses for all beds,” says Mr. Rondeau.
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Each stay is personalized. For example, a concierge service will deliver chocolates if you want to surprise your sweetheart, or the chef will give you a special culinary experience by creating a unique menu according to your tastes.
“He cooks at our place, in order to leave the guests alone, and he goes down to serve them as in a restaurant. To liven up the evening, we can invite an artist, a magician, a fire eater … We also have a massage therapy service and we offer yoga classes. The big plus of all this is that people have the spa, the sauna, the swimming pool, the outdoor shower just for them, ”explains the owner, who is entitled to the name bed and breakfast because he lives in the same building as its customers and provides them with continental breakfast.
The key to success
Imagining yourself living in your concept, identifying and anticipating people’s needs and ensuring impeccable services promote the success of such a real estate project. But that’s not all and Maxime Rondeau warns those who plan to embark on this kind of adventure: “Real estate requires knowledge. It has become a fashion and you have to be careful. The basis is demographics. For example, you can have a super nice lot in La Tuque, but the demographics are not in your favor. If you want to make your investment profitable, you have to take into account the fact that half of Quebec lives in Greater Montreal. The psychological barrier for a Montrealer when he gets into his car to go to the chalet is about an hour and a half, because he wants to drive as little as possible for the weekend. He therefore has the choice of going to Estrie or the Laurentians. ”
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to relaxation.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Net hammock above the river, canvas hammock in the wood, comfortable swing bed and other giant cushions: there is no lack of rest areas and observation points on the ground and you can warm up quickly thanks to the the presence of numerous outbreaks.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The relaxing sound of the river invites you to relax.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Chat, sing, have a drink … no need to whisper and wait to leave the spa to drink since it is not shared.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
An inviting hanging bed
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The entrepreneur notes that in recent years, these regions have literally exploded, because Highway 10 was extended to the Eastern Townships and Highway 15 to the Laurentians. City dwellers were therefore seduced, there was a lot of development and real estate values increased considerably. “All this time, no one was interested in Lanaudière, where there was no direct access. In 2013, Martin Provencher, a real estate developer, turned me on to this region because the 25 bridge opened. It is therefore booming. ”
It’s important to invest where there’s something going on in order to take advantage of future growth, to buy in a place where there is a lot to be built so as not to pay top dollar.
Maxime Rondeau, entrepreneur and owner of M Resort & Spa
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Maxime Rondeau and his family enjoy their 45,000 sq. Ft. Property all year round.2, but they give way to customers as soon as they arrive.
The latter advises doing business with an involved developer, who will accompany the buyer in a developing project, then help him check all municipal by-laws (access to water and sewer services, type of construction authorized , etc.).
Passionate about real estate and the pleasure of sharing his knowledge, he created the web series Our tailor-made house, showing the different stages of a construction project. “It is this series that gave birth to M Resort & Spa. I believe that you cannot accomplish anything on your own. I teach others, and they teach me; that’s how we evolve, ”says the one who already has another project in mind, in addition to launching a new free platform to sell or buy land, Landigo, which will be online from November 30.
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