scandinave les bains spa

My first spa experience, more than 10 years ago, was at the Roman baths at Baden Baden. It’s hard to beat rarified Black Forest air, 12 pools and steam rooms, and maternal German masseuses who joyfully rub, slap and pummel your cares away.

Sure, I try new spas, but halfheartedly. I have found them too social, too beauty-oriented, too superficial.

So imagine my surprise when I entered the new Montreal spa, Scandinave les Bains, and something in the minimalist, slate and glass reception area called up a long lost image in my brain - an archeological dig, a half-forgotten memory of the original Roman bath ruins. The place actually reminded me of Baden Baden.

This subliminal effect is a tribute to Montreal architects Saucier + Perrotte, who used wood, water, daylight and stone to transform a 20,000 sq ft former warehouse into a temple of inordinate calm.

Curved tiled walls, smooth expanses of slate and glass, and the textured stone walls of Old Montreal coexist with panels of natural light, flowing water, and ipe floors.

Treatments include a spacious and sleek jacuzzi pool, a Finnish dry sauna, a eucalyptus steam bath, two bracingly cold rinse stations, and several relaxation areas. There are 11 sleek massage rooms, a juice bar, and a waterfall that kneads shoulder muscles while creating a comforting white noise.

The prescriptive nature of Scandinave les Bains resembles that of its European counterparts, and this is in part where it differs from many contemporary spas. Hot is followed by cold, which is followed by rest on a beanbag recliner or a heated bench. Then you begin again.

Silence, too, has its place: talking above a whisper isn’t allowed.

My experience, in a nutshell: I started in the dry, cedar-lined sauna. The treatment relaxed my muscles - but did little to quiet the mind. Next, the shock of a quick plunge in frigid water had me gasping and screeching (ever so quietly), then breathing deeply - calming the chatter in my brain.

Resting, I closed my eyes, pulled the hood of my rented robe over my head, let the outside world disappear, and thought of nothing, until called for my hour-long Swedish massage (sublime). Then it was back to hot, cold, rest.

Suffice it to say that I can’t wait to go back. Baden Baden has found its equivalent, closer to home.

If you go: Bring a bathing suit (and robe).  71, rue de la Commune O, 514 288-2009, open 10am-10pm daily.

best wordpress design awards

WPWebHost is awarding the best WordPress Designs in 5 categories: Clean & Minimalist, Retro & Vintage, Grunge, Hand-Drawing Style and Modern & Elegant, and Montreal by Design is participating in the contest, in the Modern & Elegant category. A participating blog needs to be an original design or a completely modified theme. In our case, we have completely modified an existing theme, its color theme, look & feel, and we added special features like the slideshow, additional page templates with intros, and more. Public will vote for the best! Come back and we’ll let you know how to vote for us!

agnès varda at ex-centris

It’s not that I don’t like art - I do. But I love seeing original version films in a state-of-the-art independent film house more. Double that sentiment when the building is an architectural treasure.

So imagine my disappointment when I learned that March 19 will be the last day to see a movie at Ex-Centris.

Or that was what I first understood. Apparently, there has been some confusion. After years of supporting auteur and independent films, Ex-Centris is suspending its regular programming.

The key word is regular programming. Cinéma Parallèle will continue to operate, and the facilities will be used for a variety of projects ranging from theatre-style performances to new media productions, as well as cinema presentations that go beyond the traditional experience.

The facilities were designed from the start to offer more than film presentations - and their imminent transformation into multidisciplinary exhibition spaces will accommodate musical performances, interactive installations, and various combinations of stage performance and new technology.

That’s great, but I love movies. So to celebrate the ongoing presence of Cinéma Parallèle, I went to the premier of Agnès Varda’s new visual memoir, Les Plages d’Agnès.

The documentary opens with 80 year old Varda setting up mirrors in the sand. You look into other people’s lives, she says, and you uncover landscapes. Look into her life, and you find beaches.

Whether that’s because she’s always lived on the water (Varda even commuted to the Sorbonne in Paris by boat), or because of the imaginative powers that water evokes, I don’t know. But the opening was original and beautiful.

The film followed her life from childhood, in scenes that were at turns touching, funny and surreal. We met the loves of her life, and the artists who influenced her.

Best of all, the film put Varda’s career in the larger context of art and culture from the 50s to the present. It took us back to the plages de Paris in 68, to protests of the early women’s movement, and Black Panther rallies.

I would probably not have seen Les Plages d’Agnès if not for the impending changes at Ex-Centris. But I’m so glad I did. It’s fitting to welcome a new era of with a look back at what’s come before.

the artist’s montreal, october 23-25, 2009

Experience Montreal from an artist’s perspective!

Six artists and art lovers joined us for a stimulating weekend of looking, learning, and conversation.  Here are a few comments, followed by a description of the trip.  We haven’t yet set another date for The Artist’s Montreal - but let us know if you’re interested!

It was so relaxing to spend time with my friends and make new friends in a wonderful city. Seeing the art was fantastic. The food was wonderful. I really enjoyed this trip! SD, Florida

Susan’s insights in the museums were most valuable. I would never have gotten that information on my own. SB, Colorado

I really loved seeing the printmaking studio. Partly because that is something we don’t have here, and I really like knowing it exists elsewhere. JM, Vermont

We’ll engage your intellect, your intuition, and all of your senses as we explore the beautiful streets and the world class galleries and museums of Montreal.

What’s special about this trip
• Painter Susan Abbott is a teacher par excellence. She has traveled widely and taught drawing and painting extensively. This workshop will integrate visual inspiration and art history.

• We’ll visit Montreal’s best museums and galleries, where we’ll look at specific paintings together, and learn about the evolution of Canadian art.

• In addition to guided museum visits, we’ll get to know historic and creative elements of Montreal through guided walking tours. We’ll sample wonderful food, art, architecture and crafts.

• We’ll balance group time and independent exploration. Our small group - 5-8 women, each with a single room - gives you your own space, while allowing opportunities for meaningful connections and stimulating conversations.

A sample day

9:00 - 12:00 - Visit the Musée des Beaux Arts, a short Métro ride from our hotel. Founded in 1860, the museum has one of North America’s finest encyclopedic collections. Susan will be our guide as we explore Canadian art, and a temporary expo on the Pre-Raphaelites.

12:00 - 2:00 - Lunch nearby, at Nicocchi - a small, light-filled café known for its Mediterannean-inspired pannini and salads, macaroons, and cookies made with chick pea flour.

2:00 - 5:00 - We’ll take the Métro to Old Montreal, where our walking tour will take in narrow, cobbled streets, fabulous architecture, some of the city’s best galleries, and a market with clothing and crafts made in Canada.

5:00 - Free time, for more exploring, shopping, or a spa treatment. Afterward, continue conversations with your trip mates over dinner. There are many excellent restaurants in this quartier - we’ll suggest options that match your taste and budget.

8:00 - Perhaps a jazz club after dinner - we’ll let you know what’s available and help you get there.

Trip leaders
Susan Abbott graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Maryland Institute, College of Art, and received her MFA from the Hoffberger School of Painting at the Maryland Institute. She went on to study intaglio print making in the graduate department of the University of Iowa under Mauricio Lasansky. She has traveled extensively, painting in Mexico, Central America and Europe. She has taught in the US, Europe and India. Her watercolor and oil paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museum shows in New York, Chicago, Washington, and many other cities. Her work is represented in numerous private and corporate collections in the US and abroad. See samples of Susan’s work at www.susanabbott.com.

Karen Kane owns Paris by Design and Montreal by Design, travel consulting services that specialize in fantastic trips to Paris and Montreal. Her work has been recognized by the NY Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, Montreal Gazette, Houston Chronicle, Delta Sky Magazine, and National Public Radio. On this trip, Karen will take you inside Montreal, the world’s second largest French speaking city. She’ll lead you to her favorite parts of Montreal, introduce you to some of her favorite people, work with you to personalize the independent time in your itinerary, and teach you everything you need to know about Montreal culture.

What’s included
• 3 days and 2 nights in Montreal
• A single room in a quartier that is home to the largest concentration of artists in Canada
• Daily breakfast, two inspirational lunches, and a fantastic group dinner
• Two experienced leaders, providing guided museum visits and guided walks that get you off the beaten path and allow you experience Montreal’s creative culture in many forms
• A personalized notebook, including additional Montreal addresses of particular interest that will help you discover arts venues, restaurants, shopping, and more
• Museum entries and Métro tickets
• Recommendations for and help arranging optional activities, including performances, a spa appointment and the like

Not included
• Transportation to Montreal, airport transfers
• Personal expenses
• Passports and travel insurance

Cost and registration
Cost is $980 per person, single occupancy, if registered before June 15, 2009. Cost is $1,099 after June 15.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and we expect this trip to fill quickly. Minimum group size is 5; maximum is 8. A deposit of $500 is required to reserve your place in The Artist’s Montreal.

Are you interested?
To register, or for a detailed itinerary, contact Karen Kane, at 800 430 5436, or email karen@montrealbydesign.com. For art-related questions, contact Susan Abbott at sa@susanabbott.com.

montreal for chocolate lovers

Where can you find the best chocolate in Montreal?

Our mouth-watering itinerary starts in the Latin Quarter, winds through the Plateau, and ends at the Jean Talon Market. This tour includes 12 chocolate stops, and lots more interesting sights to see along the way.  Our written directions make finding your way effortless.

•  Discover fine chocolate in many forms: hand-dipped, molded, in crêpes, pastry, ice cream, hot chocolate, and more

• Watch chocolates being made

• Visit the city’s first and only chocolate lounge

• Find the best chocolate for kids

• Learn which bonbons make the best gifts (and for whom)

• Taste, taste, taste

Click here to download the first three stops on the tour FREE!

Up-to-date, we promise. If you arrive at any of our addresses within a month of purchasing the tour, and the establishment has moved or is closed during the hours we gave you, we’ll refund your money.

Your tour is downloaded in pdf format, and payable through Paypal. Just click on the “Buy now” link.

Price: $14.95 USD

l’express restaurant gets a facelift

L’Express, a Montreal bistro specializing in French comfort food, looks lovely after its facelift this fall.

For weeks, the 20+ year old restaurant front was hidden by scaffolding - which has since given way to smooth walls, fresh cream-colored paint around the narrow entry, and updated windows along the street. 

Ahh, L’Express, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways:

1. Your mirrored and laquered interior reminds me of Paris bistros at the turn of the last century.

2. Your servers, dressed in black and white, continue the mirage.

3. The fact that they know the wine list by heart only endears me more.

4. And your food? the delicate frites…my haricots verts with a lovely balsamic reduction… steak and croque monsieur, BOTH on the menu…the truffes maison…and I’m still thinking about the pot of cornichons set out with mustard…

Your new face only makes me love you more.

If you go: L’Express. Traditional French bistro. 3927 St Denis, Montreal. Reservations advised, 514 845-5333.

cheap eats in montreal

Where can you join the locals for a meal that is unforgettable and inexpensive?

This regularly updated list of markets, shops, restaurants and cafés gets you off the beaten track - while satisfying your cravings AND your wallet.

• In a city with over 5,000 restaurants, Cheap Eats in Montreal leads you to good food at low prices.

•  We share our strategies, filling you in on some of the city’s best kept secrets of eating well.

•  We tell you where to shop for provisions and picnic nearby; how to eat dinner for less than $10; where fine dining is available at half price.

•  Our written directions make getting there a cinch.

Don’t waste another minute on high-priced, mediocre food. Dine, gnosh and nibble your way through the best food values the city has to offer!

Order your copy of Cheap Eats now!

Your tour is downloaded in pdf format, and payable through Paypal. Just click on the “Buy now” link.

Our information is guaranteed. If you arrive at any of our addresses within a month of purchasing the tour, and the establishment has moved, or closed during the hours we gave you, we’ll refund your money.

Price: $14.95 USD.

 

Coming soon:  Cheap Eats II

inspired montreal: 5 days of art, fashion, food and design for women - may 27-31, 2009

Our 5-day guided tour for creative women is the next best thing to living in Montreal!
• We’ll spend much of our time off the beaten path in French-speaking Montreal. We’ll experience the city as the locals do, wandering side streets, meeting people who live and work there.

• We’ll tap the European influences that make Montreal a leading center of fashion and design.

• Our small group - 4-5 women, each with a single room - gives you your own space, while allowing opportunities for meaningful connections and stimulating conversations.

 A sample day

8am - 12noon. Take photos or a walk in the park, or attend a yoga class. Then we’ll begin our exploration of Rue St Denis, with its rich selection of specialty food shops, cafés, and clothing boutiques.

12 - 1:30. Lunch today is at Au Festin de Babette, or Babette’s Feast - the tiny tea shop which inspired this trip. We’ll choose from delightful pastries, imported French treats, decadent chocolates, elegant pizzas, exotic teas, and more.

1:30 - 5:00. We’ll meet an up-and-coming clothing designer, a chocolatier, and an artisan shoemaker as we continue to explore The Plateau.

5:00 - 8:00. Wander a bit more on your own - perhaps following one of the city’s numerous bike paths - or rest, before our night out.

8:00 - 10:00. We’ll take in the multi-ethnic, village atmosphere of Duluth St in the Plateau, and dine at a BYOW (bring your own wine) restaurant. Perhaps a jazz club after dinner.

Trip leader
Karen Kane owns Paris by Design, a travel consulting service that specializes in fantastic trips to Paris, and Montreal by Design - providing insider experiences in Montreal. Her work has been recognized by the NY Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, Montréal Gazette, Houston Chronicle, Delta Sky Magazine, and National Public Radio.

On this trip, Karen will take you inside Montreal, the world’s second largest French speaking city. She’ll lead you to her favorite parts of Montreal, introduce you to some of her favorite people, work with you to personalize the independent time in your itinerary, and teach you everything you need to know about Montreal culture.

What’s included
• 5 days and 4 nights in Montreal
• Your own room in a delightful three-star B&B
• Daily breakfast, five inspirational lunches, and four fantastic group dinners
• Guided walks that get you off the beaten path
• A personalized notebook, including additional Montreal addresses of particular interest that will help you discover arts venues, restaurants, shopping, and more
• Montreal museum and métro tickets
• Recommendations for and help arranging optional activities, including jazz clubs, a cooking class, spa appointment and the like

Not included
• Transportation to Montreal, airport transfers
• Personal expenses
• Passports and travel insurance

Cost and registration
Cost is $1970 per person, single occupancy. A $500 deposit holds your place for the trip. Please contact Karen to register at karen@parisbydesign.com, or 800 430 5436.

Square Victoria

Old Montreal Bakery

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