Late in November we travelled to Mont-Tremblant, a sprawling ski town that sits cozily in the Laurentian mountain range of Quebec. The destination is popular with visitors of all sorts including tourists, celebrities and sports enthusiasts alike coming from all over the world to experience some of the best ski (and après-ski) conditions in North America.
DJNL was in Mont-Tremblant back in November for a very special occasion. Two very close friends (Ok Allison, one “friend” much closer than the other.) were getting married and I was asked to be their officiant. Never one to step away from the spotlight, I said “I will” to presiding over their “I do’s”. While in Tremblant for the wedding we stayed at the luxurious waterfront Quintessence Hotel, located directly on Lac Tremblant. Billed as a boutique hotel, the Quintessence features 30 luxury suites, a restaurant, a wine bar, a full spa at Spa Sans Sabots with year round access to an outdoor heated whirlpool and an infinity pool.
We arrived at the Hotel late Friday afternoon and the wow factor started with the lobby. A large stone wood structure, the lobby was warm and inviting. The smell of firewood wafted through the softly lit space while outside over the lake, the sky darkened from sapphire to indigo as the sun set on the day. The setting was perfect and seemed straight out of a country Christmas song which was fitting as the place was fully decorated for the Holidays.
Once we were settled away with the front desk we headed up to the room which was jaw-dropping and beautiful. The comfort and luxury of the room was felt in everything from the stone fireplace to the private balcony that looked out over the lake. Inside the room featured plush sofas, a large king-sized bed with crisp sheets, a large bathroom that opened out onto the rest of the room and was stocked with bath products by Aveda. The room was perfect.
About an hour after arrival we headed down to the restaurant for an early dinner. We were meeting our friends later and wanted to take advantage of our surroundings. The restaurant and wine bar, like the lobby feels very old world. The lighting is low, the seating featured warm furs to ensure the cold doesn’t bite. Outside the restaurant, on the terrasse, a tree had been erected and draped with white lights that added an air of holiday spirit to the evening. We ordered wine and food from the menu, some of our favourite dishes being a delicious squash soup, mushrooms in pasty and of course their amazing desserts. After a quick visit up the hill to see our friends and say hello we sauntered back to the hotel where we warmed by a fire in the hearth and sipped on wine.
Our second day at the hotel meant more exploring. After a hearty breakfast in our room we ventured out into the outdoor heated whirlpool that was like a steamy, salt-filled heaven on Earth. I didn’t venture into the pool after that though it is recommended for various health reasons, I am not that crazy. Instead we drifted back inside into the eucalyptus sauna that helped clear out anything that could have ailed me. If it wasn’t for the pending nuptials, I would still be in the sauna.
Being in Mont-Tremblant for a weekend is a great getaway from the craziness of the city. It’s close enough that it’s drivable but its far enough away that you feel disconnected from all your stress. Staying at the Quintessence Hotel was even more stress free than I bargained for which was all the better. The fire crackling in the giant fireplace in the morning was like being in a warm bed on a cold winter morning. I didn’t want to leave.
For more on the Quintessence Hotel, visit their website here.
Image credit: David Major-Lapierre
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