by Véronique Alarie
If the crowds and noise of the city make your head spin, and you can’t help but compulsively check the cottage rental websites, here are 6 chill places in Montreal where you can relax and unwind until your next big holiday rolls around. [Image photo: iStock/PeopleImages]
Montreal is brimming with a selection of luxurious day spas. However, if your schedule is super busy, freeing up a big block of time needed to lounge at the spa can be tough. Why not set your sights instead on Le Bath Room, open until 10pm each night, and treat yourself to a massage or a stress-relieving soak in their salted baths.
At un pas vers Soi, you can choose from an array of ways to help get you back on track. That includes skincare and massage treatments, or classes such as yoga, Pilates, stretching and meditation. If you're struggling with a nasty case of the winter blues, this is the paradise you've been longing for!
How about a bit of yoga (including Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Mother-Baby, etc.) with your coffee? That's exactly what Belém Café & Yoga offers, with its friendly little yoga studio attached. While you’re there, why not sample a vegan smoothie or their signature Açai Bowl smoothie? It’s packed with açai berries, blueberries, bananas, almonds, hemp, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut. Namaste!
Love cats? Then you'll feel right at home at the Café Chat L'Heureux (Happy Cat Café), where you can feed your face and stroke a floofball friend while you're at it. "Being around cats has a positive effect on humans. Several studies show that it helps to reduce anxiety," says owner Clément Marty when asked what the place is all about. Duly noted!
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In Britain, tea time marks the end of the afternoon and provides a breather before evening begins. Sound interesting? The Cardinal Tea Room, with its delightfully Victorian decor, savoury scones, muffins and variety of hot and cold drinks is just the place if you're looking to adopt this delightful English tradition. And since there's no Wi-Fi (yes, really!) you have no choice but to disconnect!
It's hard to resist the allure of the beacon that is the Bibliothèque Marc-Favreau. Opened in 2013, the library was specifically designed and equipped for visitors to allow them to stay there all day long: there's a terrace café where you can eat your lunch, organized workshops throughout the year, and 72 plush chairs where you can read and make the most of the Wi-Fi 'til the cows come home.
Our mental and physical well-being should always be a top priority. That’s why there's nothing more comforting than knowing there’s likely a peaceful haven in the city near your home where you can recharge and rejuvenate – even if only for a few hours!
