It’s become a destination in itself. Spa Eastman, the 315 acre health and wellness retreat, sits harmoniously within Québec’s Cantons de l’Est (Eastern Townships) region, tucked beneath the St. Lawrence River and the American border states of Vermont and Maine.
Despite its name the spa bears no relation to George Eastman, founder of Kodak. The reference stems from the nearby village of Eastman (population, 1,600) which borders little Lake d’Argent. Pioneer John Eastman’s name was chosen for the municipality sometime between the copper and timber eras of the late 1800’s.
These rolling, forested Eastern Townships have long been a favoured spot for R&R. Wealthy Americans built mansions here in the early 20th century, some of which are now inns, restaurants and yes, spas.
Spa Eastman founder, President and General Director Jocelyna Dubuc is a dedicated visionary who has pioneered European-style professional spa treatments in Canada since 1977 when she opened for business.
Time and success have proved her correct: that the healthy lifestyle encouraged at spas like Eastman and others would become increasingly popular.
In fact, Eastman has grown into quite a health complex with several pavilions (guest rooms) and fifteen kilometres of trails.
Besides the usual activities such as Pilates, yoga and aqua-aerobics, there are several special treatments available as well. All can be booked as packages or à la carte.
My wife and I are both healthy, with no internal or weight problems, are non-smokers, with only mild self-inflicted work stress — all of which posed the question as to what a spa visit could do for us. In a nutshell, it relaxed us.
Our room on the second floor of the Grand Pavilion was clean and simple, offering a sweeping view of the snowy countryside and sunset. Artisan toiletries with natural ingredients were provided by local soap maker Savonnerie des Diligences.
Dress code on the property is relaxed and casual. You are welcome to wear your bathrobe at all times if you wish, even in the dining room.
Temporary construction (long since finished) made access to the outdoor pond difficult during our 2-day stay, so I was able to graciously avoid plunging into the icy water as part of the hot-cold thermotherapy routine. Instead, we opted for the humid warmth of the hammam, periodically dashing outdoors to stimulate mind and body in the brisk winter air.
The food changes as chefs experiment, but it’s always plentiful. Organic ingredients are sourced whenever possible, both on site and from local producers, with the goal of pleasing all diets from curative to gourmet.
The cuisine was not to be feared (as I had feared) combining a wholesome mix of fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, poultry, seafood, organic wines, fruit drinks, coffee, teas and spring water. It’s all part of the emphasis on self-regulation for balance in one’s life.
Our 1-hour full body massage left us feeling mildly rejuvenated. Lis commented on my tousled hair after afterward. “It’s relaxed”, I said, “very relaxed.”
Having just come off a tour of luxury European hotels, we were tough judges of Eastman facilities. Our conclusions: accommodations (ours) were modern and comfortable; food was fresh and healthy with balanced flavours as befits a spa; our massages were excellent and the staff was pleasantly professional.
Altogether, Spa Eastman provides a semi-wilderness retreat with pedestrian access to a pleasant serene countryside – suitable for anti-stress, thoughtful or just plain old carefree walks.
PHOTOS
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Story and photos copyright © Gary Crallé 2013. No commercial reproduction without written consent.
Spa Eastman www.spa-eastman.com
Eastern Townships Tourism www.easterntownships.org
Québec Tourism www.bonjourquebec.com