SPA - EASTMAN by Medical Spas Review

BECAUSE THE EXPERIENCE WILL CHANGE YOU FOREVER SPA EASTMAN

Convincing bankers to ﬁnance expansion took time, but by 1999 Spa Eastman was ready for the international market.With a new three-story lodge, Dubuc introduced programs and facilities that matched the standards of the International Spa Association. And the Destination Spa Group, whose members include Golden Door, Canyon Ranch, and Rancho la Puerta. “We were a destination spa without realizing it,” says Dubuc, who gained recognition for astute management practices. The economic impact of Spa Eastman has attracted attention from the Quebec government. In addition to creating staff positions for 106 people, the spa generates income from tourism, attracting international visitors. Another beneﬁt has been support from Tourisme Quebec for regional marketing programs in which Spa Eastman led the organization of a network of spas throughout the province, enhancing services for consumers and elevating industry standards of professionalism.

n a rural corner of Quebec, there is a sophisticated retreat where you will ﬁnd much more than simply a lovely room and ample pampering. At Spa Eastman the experience begins as soon as you turn onto the driveway leading to the main building. The landscape demands you to take a deep breath and relax.

Majestic trees, colourful ﬂowers and abundant gardens remind you that you won’t need your cell phone or

European flavour is what makes the region a

you’ll find Spa Eastman in the heart

destination of choice. On top of that, the

of the Eastern Townships. Breath-

region offers some of the best cycling in

taking views, lush rolling hills, crystal-clear

the province of Quebec. Whether you are a

blue lakes and checkerboard farms are typical

competitive cyclist or out for a leisurely ride,

of the Eastern Townships, or the ‘Cantons-de-

the Eastern Townships will be sure to satisfy

l’Est’ as it’s known by French inhabitants. The

the cyclist in you. Cycling trails, marked and

Canada had no destination spa in 1977 when Jocelyna Dubuc held her ﬁrst retreat on a farm near Montreal.

region begins 80km southeast of Montréal

unmarked, as well as mountain biking , there’s

That rural health retreat became Spa Eastman, a world-class destination spa. Dubuc’s vision was a place

and finds itself conveniently located near

no lack of choice.

where life could be enjoyed naturally and mindfully. The trendy concept of wellness did not exist; exercise,

the Vermont and New Hampshire borders.

nutrition, and woodland hikes were – and are – the attraction.

Above all, the Eastern Townships is known

Surrounded by vistas of distant mountains and

for its hospitality. A visit in any of Eastman’s

farms, Dubuc’s health haven retains a woodsy charm

Now a 326-acre haven for the health conscious, Spa Eastman introduced European bodywork, organic

nearby towns and you can enjoy bakeries,

and unique personality. The original cottages are

skincare and organic meals and wines for a new generation that requires both wellbeing and pampering.

vineyards, antique shops, art galleries, and

often requested by returning guests who prefer

Here you experience naturopathy, thermotherapy, and kinesiology in a natural setting.

even world class restaurants or simply walk

simple accommodations. Adding layers of luxury,

along the streets and admire the beautiful

new suites atop the main building appeal to

Victorian houses. Country living with a distinct

sophisticated travelers.

been there. The minute you enter the lodge you’ll wonder why you waited so long. Upon the ﬁrst treatment you’ll know that you won’t be waiting very long before your next visit. Every single detail of your stay is carefully crafted within Spa Eastman’s mission: Innovation, the passion of its employees, personalized service in a truly regenerating environment as well as essential teachings on wellness and prevention, enable guests to take the ﬁrst steps in the active process of improving their overall well-being.

nly a short drive from Montreal and

laptop for the duration of your stay. The main lodge ﬁts perfectly in Eastman’s landscape as if it had always

SPA EASTMAN

TAKING SPA TO A NEW LEVEL

estled in foothills of Mount Orford, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Spa Eastman is on the old stagecoach road

that once linked Montreal–Boston–New York. Morning mist rises from a landscape that is half-wild; half manicured hiking trails and country cottages. The main building provides views of gorgeous gardens that harmoniously blend with the luxuriant nature of the Eastern Townships. Paths lead to a swimming pool and pond, a small bridge adding a Japanese perspective to the landscape. Perfect for meditation or yoga. The interior design is inspired by nature. Pure lines, minimal furniture and décor enhance the ambience of a contemporary ski lodge. Some guest rooms feature a ﬁreplace and individual-control air conditioning. In the bathroom, a whirlpool bath has samples of Spa

BUILDING EASTMAN-LES-BAINS A project called Eastman-les-Bains celebrated the 35th anniversary of Jocelyna Dubuc’s dream in 2012.

top ﬂoor have water themes and glass-walled

baths to enhance the view.

Bringing all thermotherapy facilities together, Eastman-les-Bains created a Canadian way to “take the

Eastman Experience, a natural line of paraben free Signature products. Three new suites on the

apping into natural springs on the property, the baths wrap around an existing indoor swimming pool: Finnish and infrared saunas, Turkish hammam, Kneipp water walk, icy shower in an aromatherapy “Igloo.”

waters.” This helps guests learn about the beneﬁts of alternating hot and cold, comments Dubuc, as well The three-story wooden lodge houses, 35 treatment rooms, including eastern Canada’s ﬁrst

Watsu

pool

and

Eastman-les-Bains.

as European approaches to natural health and hydrotherapy. Workshops and information sessions provide a framework for using the baths, so that guests get the most therapeutic beneﬁt in a safe, respectful, and calm setting.

The main ﬂoor reception lounge provides a

SPA EASTMAN

wood-burning ﬁreplace and conversation area

Relaxing on pristine wooden benches in the infrared sauna, you learn how heat penetrates deeply, slowly.

leading to the restaurant, down a winding

Then some guests soak in the outdoor hot tub, or cool down poolside. It’s a unisex facility (swimsuits

staircase is spa reception.

required) popular day and night, and free of charge for overnight guests.

SPA EASTMAN

hile the current trend of Nordic spas at Canadian resorts emphasizes relaxation and fun, Spa

Eastman simply continues its mission of always helping people improve their quality of life and health by providing an exceptional experience through its workshops and activities and giving them the key to integrating this new knowledge to their day-to-day lifestyle once back at home. Thermotherapy is a tool for staying well, Dubuc explains. Contrasting heat and cold baths, opening and cleansing the pores, stimulates the body’s immune system.“That is the real value of Eastman-les-Bains.” In Quebec, thermotherapy isn’t widely used as a tool for maintaining or regaining health, notes Dubuc, and some visitors do not understand it. Yet in Germany, Switzerland and in European Nordic countries thermotherapy is a lifestyle. Spa Eastman’s workshops help guests to learn more about the health beneﬁts of Hammam and thermotherapy. Access to Eastman-les-Bains is included in day spa packages with regular programming and meals. There are physical activity sessions led by members of the kinesiology team, guided walks, and workshops on prevention of illness. Each guest gets a specially designed bath bag for the duration of their stay, containing bath towel and robe. Rather than a quick dip, taking the waters Eastman-style is a unique opportunity for renewal in the heart of all that has distinguished Spa Eastman since 1977.

MIND AND BODY FITNESS

pa Eastman provides variety for all ﬁtness levels. From morning walks to evening talks, guests have a multitude of activities to choose from throughout the day. Start early with guided walks into the woods, emphasizing proper breathing, meditation, and movement. In the pool, cardio and stretching

exercise is scheduled. In the movement studio, Zumba, yoga, Essentrics Technique, cardio-boxing, and weight training.

Serious workouts in the gym are coordinated by kinesiologists* who evaluate your lifestyle, then personalize a program. Using a computerized system for measuring physical fitness, your body composition is compared to Canadian standards. Tests for musculoskeletal strength, aerobic fitness, and heart rate show what needs improvement. Personal training sessions can be scheduled or simply exercise with the equipment on your own. This comprehensive approach to wellness also reflects Spa Eastman’s cooperation with community health organizations. The introduction of wellness weeks brought awareness of preventive medicine, introducing consultations with specialists from Montreal, and cross-marketing of treatments at Spa Eastman in Montreal. * The kinesiologist is the specialist of physical activity.

SPA EASTMAN

CLEANSE, DETOX, BEAUTIFY, RELAX

n 2011, CNN Travel and Gayot.com named Spa Eastman among the world’s top 10 detox spas, while SpaFinder honored resident naturopath

Ilona Dowgiallo for the comprehensive approach to wellness. Such honors conﬁrm Spa Eastman’s commitment to support curists during their stay, and at home. Every cure starts with a personal consultation with Ilona Dowgiallo. Beyond her doctorate, her commitment to research and learning, her vast knowledge of medicine, biology and naturopathy, it is her personalized approach that sets her apart for the rest. From the onset you will be convinced and motivated to make lasting lifestyle changes. Of course, Spa Eastman offers a full range of massages from the traditional Swedish massage to the most innovative forms of hydrotherapy. The Watsu is a perfect example of Spa Eastman’s devotion to offering the most effective treatments. In a shallow basin a hydrotherapist will cradle you in warm water while performing

THE HEALTH IMMERSION PACKAGE: 7 DAYS TO A NEW YOU.

pa Eastman has created the ultimate spa retreat: the Health & Wellness Retreat. This unique

gentle movements and stretching. Some have described it as a relaxing dance in which you

A trip to the spa would not be complete without an aesthetic treatment or two. Spa Eastman and Spa Eastman Montreal’s Signature antiaging treatments from BABOR, renowned for its high-tech, botanical formulations and exclusive treatment rituals, deliver a wellness experience that’s rich in luxury and relaxation producing results you can see and feel. If you’re feeling a little frazzled, Spa Eastman can help you ﬁnd your way to deep relaxation with a NeuroSpa treatment. Also known as the Power Nap Station, its calming music and gentle vibrations can help recharge your batteries in as little as 30 minutes. The NeuroSpa relieves physical as well as mental fatigue allowing you to renew your energy and clear your mind. Detox also shows up in hair treatments at Spa du Cheveu, Eastman’s exclusive salon devoted to the scalp. Under the direction of Chantal Brodeur, treatments for the hair are activated with organic essential oils. One of the best treatments is made with the help of a trichoscope, a microscope that is especially designed to analyze the state of your hair’s roots and scalp. The analysis helps to tailor a personalized hair treatment plan that will improve overall health and appearance of hair.

feel weightless and secure ﬂoating in waves of wellness.

spa vacation package offers an immersion in the discoveries of a new healthy lifestyle based on customers’ objectives & needs. It includes a comprehensive health assessment, individual meetings

with the wellness coaches and with a kinesiologist for a ﬁtness assessment. This team of professionals helps the spagoer to develop an action plan based on the observations and recommendations of the wellness coach which will lead to a healthier life and an improved lifestyle. What’s more, to help you maintain your habits at home Spa Eastman has developed “The Pursuit of Health”. Ask for it before you leave and a follow-up is provided by a professional, which will help you to stay motivated and focused long after you’ve left the spa.

SPA EASTMAN

THE HEALTHY GOURMAND

hankfully, dining at Spa Eastman doesn’t mean that you’ll be sacriﬁcing taste. The ﬁne dining is an integral part of the

experience. The dining room offers many possibilities: enjoy a delicious meal alone while quietly contemplating the view of majestic Mount Orford, or, if you’re travelling with someone, tables for two are the perfect spot for intimate conversation. Feeling bold? Sit at a large friendly table with other guests and share your experience and learning. The camaraderie is stimulating, the farm-fresh cuisine a welcome change of pace. Changing perceptions of spa cuisine was the key to making Spa Eastman more attractive for the international market, comments Dubuc. Chef’s Kevin Bélisle and Jean-Marc Enderlin were instrumental in creating this shift towards deliciously healthful cuisine. Before his arrival in 2011, Kevin Bélisle perfected his art in France in many great restaurants. Most notably, he worked with Jean-Luc Rabanel the ﬁrst chef, specializing in organic vegetarian-

arly in 2012, Spa Eastman started collaborating with another Chef, Nutritherapist Jean-Marc Enderlin. At 18 years old, Chef Enderlin went to a classic cooking school in Alsace. Following his education, he made many cultural trips around the world, where he discovered organic and natural products. With this

new found interest, he decided to go back to school and obtained a degree of Nutritherapist at Le Cerden (Centre Européen pour la Recherche, le Développement et l’Enseignement de la Nutrithérapie).

based meals, to be granted stars by Michelin.

With Chef Bélisle they started to establish guidelines ensuring that the kitchen offers meals that are hypertonic,

Since his arrival, Kevin has started a culinary

in other words, have no short or long-term side effects such as heartburn and fatigue. Implementing these new

revolution: embracing Spa Eastman’s mission

guidelines has fundamentally changed Spa Eastman’s meal preparation by lowering cooking temperatures.

and creating a deliciously bold gastronomy that highlights the most demanding principles in

With partner Gerard Marinovich and a team of French and Canadian chefs, they created an organic menu

healthful cuisine. He was named Quebec’s 2013

offering European specialties, local meat and ﬁsh, as well as vegan options, homemade yogurt. The dinner

Chef santé thanks to his knowledge, professio-

menu features choices of venison, lamb, bison, and rabbit as well as sustainable ﬁsh or scallops. The salad

nalism, boldness, and creativity.“Kevin’s desire to

bar has a premium selection of extra virgin oils, sprouts, fermented vegetables, algae, fresh produce from the

seduce clients with delicious recipes that include

garden or the wild inspire the menu. The Restaurant also offers detox drinks.

healthful nutrition has the power to convert even the staunchest foodie into a health conscious gourmand”, says President Jocelyna Dubuc.

SPA EASTMAN

ine dining would not be complete without good wine. Spa Eastman’s Sommelier Patrick Jackson elaborated a comprehensive wine list including wines hailing from California, France and Italy. The list also includes Canadian and Québec «Coup de Coeur». What’s more, 90% of this list is comprised of

organic wines.

SHIFTING THE MIX

Recent accolades led to a second cookbook by the Eastman cooks in collaboration with noted Ph.D. Jacqueline Lagacé,published by Fides,available at bookstores throughout Canada and online.“We have created cuisine that merges healthy nutrition concerns with a typical Latin love for the arts of dining,” Jocelyna Dubuc explains.

hifting from ﬁtness to wellness and weight loss has attracted guests who are deeply committed to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Special programs enhance the monthly schedule, or come for theme weeks devoted to raw food, naturopathy, and total immersion in health and wellness

For many years the spa has been offering a cuisine that respects the principles of healthful nutrition:

Living Food weeks were an instant success. Four gastronomic adventures were scheduled this year. Lasting

products with little or no processing, organic ﬁrst cold pressed oils, natural sugars, and regionally sourced

8 days/7 nights, they offer raw food menus based on sprouts, shoots, fruits, and vegetables, plus green

ingredients. The challenge for the cooking staff has always been great. Food critic Leslie Chesterman from

smoothies and wheat grass juice.

The Gazette wrote:“I have never seen spa food this gorgeous or tasted anything as delicious. What a talent! ”

SPA EASTMAN

THE MONTREAL DAY SPA Our Mission for over 21 years: to make you happy, healthy and beautiful in a very short time!

ooking to enhance and improve your well-being, but unable to ﬁnd the time? Look no further than Spa Eastman Montreal. Situated between land and sky on the 16th ﬂoor of a skyscraper, Spa Eastman Montreal offers breathtaking views of Mount Royal, far removed from the hustle and bustle of

downtown. An innovative design concept brings together elements of city and country with inspiration from nature as well as characteristics of Spa Eastman in the Eastern Townships. Offering massage therapy and

SUSTAINABILITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON THE PROGRAM

high-end beauty and body treatments in 10 cabins and 5 stations, the spa also provides consultations in

lend relaxation for the mind, body and soul, guaranteeing that you will radiate with newly found peace. Feel

calm and renewed, as each treatment is performed in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Where else would you

A recent environmental evaluation conﬁrmed that 100% of the organic material was being sent to composting

get a bikini wax and fall asleep at the same time?

instead of increasing the amount of trash. And this ﬁrst quality compost is then used for gardening and grass

naturopathy and kinesiology. Why stop at feeling your best when you can also look it? The treatment offerings at Spa Eastman Montreal

sustainable development program has been implemented throughout the resort. Among the actions adopted: refillable bottles of biodegradable soap; tissue products made from 100 % recycled fibres; compact fluorescent light bulbs were all replaced by led lighting, a much more eco-friendly

solution; natural eco-friendly certiﬁed cosmetics; and their private label Spa Eastman Experience line.

ﬁeld, where no pesticide are used, allowing the Spa to be certiﬁed for green harvest. For managing its forest, A luxury spa staple since 1996, Spa Eastman’s secret to longevity in such a competitive market is found within

Spa Eastman received the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certiﬁcation in 2012 as well as the prestigious

their desire to invest in employee continuing education, which results in superior treatments, superior

Phénix 2008 in the Sustainable Development from Quebec Government.

customer service and an overall stellar guest experience.The professionalism of its team of highly trained and experienced therapists ensures a unique healing environment.

From the beginning, Spa Eastman offered sprouts, organic and local food. Thirty-six years later, at age 66, Dubuc says “It makes us smile to receive awards for our eco-friendly actions; for us, it’s always been our lifestyle!”

According to director Nathalie Roy, the mid-town retreat is popular with young professionals, guests of nearby hotels, as well as celebrities because of its hidden and very private location. Clientele from the Destination

Staying focused on conﬁrmed therapeutic approaches, Spa Eastman impressed a frequent visitor as “the

Spa also visit to follow up with their naturopathic therapies, massages, body and facial treatments.

ideal venue to immerse oneself with intense relaxation, from scalp to toes!”

«We try and make it very convenient for them to do so by having our therapists from the Destination Spa

The ultimate praise comes from hotelier Christiane Germain:“I like going to Jocelyna’s when I feel extremely

work closely with our therapists from our downtown location,» Roy said. “Being hidden on the 16th ﬂoor of

tired and need to contemplate before replenishing myself. But I also enjoy the spa when I am not completely

an ofﬁce building, without any signs showing our location from the street - we like to say we are the best

exhausted, to make the most of its numerous activities.”

kept secret in Montreal!”

SPA EASTMAN

SPA EASTMAN Opened March 1977 Number of treatment rooms: 35 Number of guest rooms: 45 Number of staff: 110 Products: Babor, Decleor, Spa Eastman Experience Signature products & services: Watsu, Eastman-les-Bains and Naturopathy

895, chemin des Diligences Eastman, Quebec, Canada J0E 1PO Telephone: 1-800-665-5272 450-297-3009 www.spa-eastman.com

m o n t r ĂŠ a l

666, Sherbrooke St W, 16th Floor Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1E7 Telephone: 514-845-8455 www.spamontreal.com