Last September, Stéphanie Kitembo needed to get out of Montreal for a few days to recharge her batteries after a difficult event in her life. Her choice immediately fell on the Val-Morin convent, in the Laurentians, where she treated herself to a four-night stay. “I came back well rebuilt,” says the yoga therapist. It did me so much good that I’m treating myself to this again in June! »
The one who teaches yoga, particularly to people living with severe disabilities or in prisons, really liked the yoga classes included in the stay. “They are offered every day in a yurt in the middle of the woods, by high-quality teachers. Classes are included in the stay. The place is also very beautiful. There is a lake, a swimming pool… You can go hiking or cycling. »
Another advantage according to Stéphanie Kitembo: being able to prepare your own food. “There is a dining room with a large refectory table which invites discussion with other guests if desired. There are also teas available to guests. Summer is great because you can picnic outside…” Frozen meals prepared by a caterer are also offered.
“It’s a more economical formula than elsewhere, which is really great.” The catch: individuals who want to stay in this former convent of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary only have access to the rooms from Monday to Friday. And not every week. Weekends are reserved for groups and retreats.
It was first of all the geographical proximity to Quebec City that convinced Johanna Pételle to treat herself, six years ago, to a stay at the Center de l’Hêtre. She was won over by the center located in Lac-Beauport. “I went there winter and summer and slept in almost all of their facilities: the log cabin, the yurt and the transparent domes. With the stars, at night, it’s magnificent…”
Unusual accommodation is part of the DNA of the Center de l’Hêtre, which also has a tepee, a minichalet and a hemp house. “Every time, I go back there to disconnect in every sense of the word,” says this daycare educator. I take long walks. At night, there is an illuminated route on which you can walk in silence. A total mental release…”
The Center de l’Hêtre also offers several services and facilitated workshops: forest meditation, massage therapy, coaching, ecopsychology. The center also aims to attract more and more customers looking for rejuvenation.
But workshop or not, the site allows a very beneficial “nature bath” according to Johanna Pételle. “I go to the center quite regularly just to be in nature, to experience introspection, to find myself. There is a lake where we can canoe, a beach… In winter, they lend us snowshoes. And in the accommodation, there is everything you need to cook our meals. »
Since its opening in Old Quebec in 2015, the Monastère des Augustines has welcomed many travelers eager to slow down the pace. Méline Garnier is among them. “I passed through the Monastery twice,” says this marketing manager in a company specializing in finance. “The first time was in 2023 for a yoga retreat. I needed to disconnect. I immediately felt great. The rooms are comfortable. There is an enveloping silence in the corridors, which offers space to think. It’s a gentle place… And silent breakfasts are a great idea. »
She continues: “When I learned that the Monastery was offering a new signature retreat in February 2024, I signed up straight away. I was certain that the experience would be timeless. »
Indeed, the Monastery has hosted a number of guest retreats in its history, but the team has set up an in-house retreat – “like a wellness 101 course,” according to Méline Garnier – which offers participants an experience combining heritage and well-being. Here, the place and its history are at the heart of the activities offered.
Méline Garnier enjoyed slipping into the chapel to hear the nuns singing. “The museum is also super interesting. Introspective tours of the building are offered; we can write down our thoughts in a notebook. I fully intend to return, whether for a retreat or just an overnight stay. »
When Bernard Dagenais needed to find a little serenity, he headed towards the abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, in the Eastern Townships. “I went there four or five times for stays of two or three days,” says the recreation technician at a high school. “I go there to relax in silence. In the buildings, no one speaks; there are no phones ringing. It’s a real disconnect. And even outside, it’s very quiet. »
Besides reading, one of his favorite activities during his stays is attending religious ceremonies, notably the 5 p.m. vespers, where the Gregorian chants of the monks resonate in the chapel.
“It’s magical to hear them sing. I have a fairly religious background. In secondary school, it was pastoral care that kept me alive. But even a non-believer who does not attend masses will find peace at the abbey. You can walk on paths along the orchards. There are places to reflect or gather. There are no televisions in the rooms. The outside world does not exist. It’s definitely a place to refuel. »
At the abbey, guests are asked to make a donation (around $80) to cover the cost of accommodation and meals. “We eat really well,” says Bernard Dagenais. Everything is homemade. » Please note: women who want to stay on site will sleep in a neighboring building, the Villa Sainte-Scholastique. Man or woman, however, you must book a room in advance: the wait is generally between one and three months.
Guylaine Arseneau and her partner Marcel Chassé do not hesitate to drive 10 hours from their home in northern New Brunswick to treat themselves to stays at Spa Eastman. “It’s the best spa in North America,” says Guylaine Arseneau. They really have a holistic approach. They take care of your physical body, your mind, your heart and your soul. There, we forget everything. It’s like we’re on a new planet! We see it: all the customers are slowing down! »
One of the aspects that distinguishes Spa Eastman, located in the municipality of the same name, is its catering service focused on invigorating cuisine. “It’s light, tasty and well presented. You don’t feel bloated when you leave the table. I even brought a recipe book home to extend the experience! »
The couple has visited Spa Eastman three times in recent years. Each time, it was to participate in a retreat. “During our first stay, we were able to explore a new interest we had in meditation,” explains Ms. Arseneau. “In addition, you can experience hot and cold baths, treat yourself to massage therapy or participate in the many workshops offered every day.” These workshops – yoga classes, conferences or anti-stress walks, for example – are offered free of charge. Including to those who take the one-day retreat package. Note: it is no longer possible to visit Spa Eastman solely for thermotherapy.
