Ah, summer! It’s gentle, a little stifling, and it smells like lake water, pine needles, and scorching asphalt. And when it’s over, the return to real life and the cool autumn nights can be quite a shock.
The sun sets earlier and earlier, temperatures drop, we go back to work or college, and before we know it, we’re exhausted. A full-time job robs us of those moments when, on vacation, we’d stare off into space, read a book, reflect on life, or chat with friends for hours about both trivial and profound things.
To unwind (on our own) or reconnect (with our friends and partners), let’s treat ourselves to the luxury of an afternoon at the spa this fall. Right in the heart of Montreal, because we’ll only have time for a quick break, and we won’t want to ruin the relaxation by getting stuck in traffic for hours on the way home.
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OUR FAVORITE SPAS IN MONTREAL
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FOR A SAUNA, A COLD PLUNGE, AND A LITTLE SOCIALIZING (OR NOT) — RECESS SAUNA SOCIAL
In the fall of 2025, Recess opened a social sauna in Montreal, in the post-industrial neighborhood of Griffintown, in partnership with Aesop. A “social sauna” is like a spa, but a little cooler. And the Recess spa is very, very cool.
With simple lines, soft lighting, and avibe reminiscent ofa 1970s experimental film, the relaxation brought on by the hot-and-cold contrast of the communal bath invites meditation.
You can come for a silent session, a guided session, or a “social” session where you can chat while your body rests after the hot-cold circuit.
Where? Recess Sauna Social, at 217 Young Street
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FOR TOTAL UNWINDING—THE SCANDINAVIAN SPA
It’s the spa scent you catch when you walk through the Old Port—it smells like eucalyptus, warm air, and mindfulness meditation.
It’s a great place to recharge your body and mind after (or before) a busy week, leave your cell phone in the locker room, and clear your head for a few hours.
You can also get a massage there—with oil, water, or hot stones—for those who are very anxious and those who want a little luxury.
Where? Scandinave Spa, at 71 Rue de la Commune Ouest
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TO RECONNECT (WITH NATURE) – BOTA BOTA SPA
Bota Bota’s new pavilion opened on July 15, 2026, and was designed to let light and nature flow onto the boat. The expansion adds nearly 2,000 square meters to the floating spa. The pavilion, designed by Sid Lee Architecture, is almost transparent—with lots of glass, open spaces, and fresh air.
The pavilion overlooks the city on one side and the trees on the other, and it’s going to be packed in the fall. Watching the leaves change color behind the window while we sweat out toxins—that’s the height of chic.
Where? Bota Bota Water Spa, at the intersection of McGill and Rue de la Commune West
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