Healthy Beauty: Spa Eastman, Montreal

ucked away above the traffic sounds of downtown Montreal with a stunning view of Mount Royal, hidden in an average looking commercial building is a retreat of peace and relaxation. Sister to Spa Eastman in the eastern townships of Quebec, the Montreal location offers a large selection of treatments both standard and rare.

The massage itself was amazing. Choreographed like a ballet, the masseuses reflected each other s movements perfectly.

Spa Director Jackie Levasseur describes the philosophy of the spa as being not one of surface beauty, but of holistic, healthy beauty of spiritual, emotional and physical wellness. (We are about) well being, making people feel good, and healing from inside. Indeed, the spa s focus seems to be, and always to have been, health. For example, when the spa opened thirteen years ago at their Montreal location, their manicures didn t include nail polish, just healthy hand and nail treatments. They only started putting polish on nails because their clients kept asking for it.

Everything about the Spa Eastman relaxes the client. The ambiance is wonderful, with softly scented aromas, warm natural colors and soft chairs, couches and recliners, cool water, teas and juices available for refreshment, stunning views from the huge windows, cozy blankets and robes, and soft music mixed with nature sounds. Members of the staff always speak softly to each other.

Trip to the Ballet and a Facial Fantasy

I relaxed under Fabienne s masterful hands and finally gave up trying to stay awake while my arms and legs relaxed after their massage.

My treatments included the 60-minute Four-Hands Massage (CA$130) and the Aromaplasty Facial (CA$70). After filling out my health statement, I was given a locker to store the library and medicine chest I pass off as a purse. If you wish, the reception desk will keep the key for you. Next I was directed toward the changing rooms, given a robe and slippers, and told where I could hang up my clothes. Modesty is respected: You only need remove what you wish to remove. The treatment rooms a softly lit, simply decorated, and comfortably warm.

After I changed I was greeted by Isabel Courchesne and Beatrice Mukoma from whom I would receive the Four-Hands Massage. The massage table was well padded and the fabrics pleasantly soft. The massage itself was amazing. Choreographed like a ballet, the masseuses reflected each other s movements perfectly. The pressure was even on both sides of my body and I really notice when there is a lack of symmetry in anything! Using almond oil, they went over my back, legs and arms with precision. When I was asked to turn over on my back halfway through the massage, I was given a lavender eye pouch to cover my eyes.

After my massage Mukoma and Courchesne escorted me to the relaxation room. Reclining and tucked in with blankets, I sipped water and tea. I fought to keep my eyes open so as not to miss for a second the view of Mount Royal, lush and green. After resting for twenty minutes, I was introduced to Fabienne Bivigou, who would be giving me my aromaplasty facial.

Aromaplasty focuses on nourishing skin with vitamins and proteins, and on hydrating the skin to leave it smooth, glowing and healthy. My facial also included an arm and hand massage. (Clients can opt for a back massage instead.) After a thorough examination of my face, I was told my skin was very dry on my cheeks and nose. (This came as no surprise since I had been out in gale-force winds two days prior. Traveling by air will also dry my skin, no matter what I do to protect it.) After a refreshing cleansing and exfoliation, vitamin and protein products were applied. I relaxed under Bivigou s masterful hands and finally gave up trying to stay awake while my arms and legs relaxed after their massage.

I finally awoke when Bivigou gently touched my shoulder and said my facial was done. She went over a recommended skincare regime for me and then said it was time to return to the relaxation room. She brought me a nice cup of herbal tea and said I should stay as long as I wished. I left feeling that Spa Eastman is truly a quiet oasis in a chic urban location.

Packages

Spa Eastman offers many la carte treatments as well as a nice selection of packages. Special packages include the following:

The Decl or Program (CA$410) includes a series of five different treatments especially designed to achieve the best results. The treatments help eliminate body toxins and water retention, while firming up and hydrating the skin. Each treatment consists of a beauty massage using Aromessence, a product made of essential oils. A special mask is then applied on the entire body. The client also receives a fifteen minute consultation with an aesthetician and a free Decl or Moisturizing Body Milk.

Exploration packages (CA$80 each) give the client a choice of two-treatment combinations: the algae, Moor mud or clay body wrap with a therapeutic bath, a Moor mud bath with a 30-minute massage, or a leg lymphatic drainage with a pressotherapy treatment.

One-Day Break package (CA$255) gives the client a choice between the Relaxation Program that includes a therapeutic bath, Mineral Miracle treatment, a spa meal, foot care, and an aromaplasty facial, and the Stress-Reducing Program that includes an algae, Moor mud or clay body wrap, rain massage, pressotherapy treatment, a spa meal, foot care, and an aromaplasty facial.

The Trio-Beaut Allegro is a treatment in which two aestheticians work in harmony to provide three treatments simultaneously: an aromaplasty facial, a hand care and a pedicure. The treatment takes about 90 minutes. (CA$145)

For more information and reservations visit their web site at:
www.spa-eastman.com.

You can also buy gift certificates on line and soon they will offer an on-line store.

Other contact information:

Phone: (514) 845-8455
Fax: (514) 845-9326

Spa Eastman
666, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, 16e tage
Montreal (Quebec) H3A 1E7
CANADA