“Typical Fairmont,” says Phillip Siou. “Very good facilities.” He’s speaking of Fairmont Le Château Montebello. “It’s famous,” he says. “The whole thing is a log cabin.” He and his family traveled to this Fairmont property, which sits on the banks of the Ottawa River, near the village of Montebello in Quebec.
Hosting over 200 rooms in chalet style, this impressive red cedar log resort opened in 1930 as a chateau inspired by the Swiss Alps. At its heart stands a six-sided stone fireplace rising more than 60 feet to the roof, creating a warmly open rotunda. Fully renovated, the resort stands a stunning example of rustic Canadiana. And it hosts an award winning spa, making it a destination for the record books.
The Siou family drove from Ontario
to enjoy the resort’s many amenities. It was hard to decide what to talk about, first. “The food there is really excellent,” says Phillip. “It’s worth it to go there just for the food!” Phillip, his wife Susanna, and their teenaged son Cameron took full advantage of the cuisine during their stay. There is quite a variety of choice, from the main dining room, Aux Chantignoles, to in-room service, and even specialty dining – perhaps outside on the terrace for a summer barbeque. There was lots of enthusiasm for the menu. “The main dining room had the nicest hamburger Cameron ever had in his life!” he says.
It’s an extensive property. With an 18-hole golf course, hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter, there’s tennis, too, and more.
But, the Sious’ trip to Fairmont Le Château Montebello was specifically to participate in The Land Rover Experience Driving School. It gives drivers the opportunity to navigate technical woodland obstacles on over 65,000 acres. “It’s fantastic,” says Phillip. For their son, it was the experience of a lifetime. “They’re extremely well prepared. There were two staff instructors for the three of us.”
Susanna was impressed, but then navigated her way to the gym, and the heated whirlpool. In her experienced-traveler book, she says, “It’s a truly rustic experience, and the price was reasonable for such quality.” Says Phillip, “They really catered to us well.”
Be prepared for that catering to
continue in Le Spa. If the spa is your
reason to travel, this destination offers a unique experience. Its porch overlooks the river, the marina, and surrounding forest. The spa lounge, Salon La Clairière, is like the heart of a traditional Québec home, cozy around a fireplace, offering the views out onto the natural beauty of the resort.
From facial to pedicure, massage to
body wrap, you needn’t stray anywhere else, not even for lunch. The high standard of dining offered by the resort continues in Le Spa, which has its own gourmet offerings. Enjoy Scandinavian Atlantic Salmon, or Tandoori Chicken Supreme, even a vegetarian delight. From the appetizer through dessert, ease your way through lunch, overlooking views of the Ottawa River.
14 Spa Life E-Magazine Winter 2014
Spa-ing
in Winter Wonderland
By Lauren Nesbitt-Baggerman