By Loukia Zigoumis
Don’t you just love getaways that are close to home but feel like you’re in another country altogether? That’s one of the many reasons to pack an overnight bag and road trip to one of Canada’s greatest cities: Montreal. Montreal’s rich history and vibrant culture make it one of North America’s most beautiful cities to visit—where centuries-old architecture meets cutting-edge creativity.
What to do
Montreal, a city full of French charm and European energy, is a year-round travel destination for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, families, museum and shopping lovers and those looking to explore a city with great history. In the winter months, the city transforms into a snowy wonderland, with much to do both indoors and outdoors. From the iconic food scene to the hundreds of festivals that take place throughout the year, like Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs and Igloofest in January and February, the city is buzzing with things to experience.
Explore historic Old Montreal and wander through the centuries-old streets lined with timeworn buildings, unique coffee shops, artisan boutiques and award-winning restaurants. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and explore Mount Royal Park. You can also enjoy Montreal’s famous food scene by visiting the Jean-Talon Market and trying a local bagel. Want to stay indoors? Check out the beautiful Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and shop till you drop at the new Royal Mount Shopping Centre, the number one shopping centre and entertainment venue in the city, complete with a large food hall, restaurants and bars.
Where to stay
There are plenty of family friendly and luxury hotels in Montreal, but the new Four Seasons Montreal earns a special shoutout for offering an all-around five star luxurious hotel experience, from the excellent service to the stunning rooms and amenities, in a perfect downtown location. Not only do you get an incredible hotel stay, you get to enjoy world-class dining and a Forbes Five-Star Spa with direct access to high-end shopping without ever having to step outside of the hotel. The service and the attention to detail at Four Seasons Montreal are unmatched.
The rooms are spacious, modern and offer floor-to-ceiling windows for the ultimate skyline views of downtown Montreal. Stylish interiors feature beautiful pastel-coloured furniture and large marble bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, plush robes and Byredo toiletries. Closet space is ample, while bedding and pillows are ultra comfortable. There’s even an ipad on the night table that allows guests to adjust the lights and temperature, without ever needing to get out of bed. (You can also place your in-room dining order on the ipad. It’s available 24 hours a day).
Other in-room amenities include a chic circular bar shelf with cocktails, shakers and glasses, a fully stocked bar with beer, wine, water, soft drinks and snacks, along with Lavazza coffee and a tea kettle. A crystal wall separating the washroom and bedroom allows for added privacy with a modern touch. There’s even a yoga mat in each guest room.
Once you’ve ventured outside your private accommodation, check out the Forbes Five-Star Guerlain Spa. A blissful sanctuary, it offers treatments including facials, hair rituals and massages. You can also shop from a wide variety of Guerlain products, from makeup to skincare.
Before or after your spa appointment, you can also take advantage of the spa’s hydrotherapy room, featuring the city’s only Kneipp Hydrotherapy Experience. There’s a refreshing wading pool, too.
After your spa time, visit the sixth floor, where you’ll find the property’s beautiful marble-trimmed indoor pool, a steam room and sauna and plenty of comfortable couches and chairs. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness centre, designed by Canadian celebrity personal trainer Harley Pasternak.
Need to indulge in some shopping? Head over to Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, which is attached to the hotel.
Where to dine
Dining at the Four Seasons is an experience in itself. Marcus Restaurant offers innovative dishes fusing local ingredients with global flair. The restaurant itself is stunning with a vibrant, cosmopolitan ambiance. You can enjoy a traditional sit-down dinner and order off the menu or level up to savour the Chef’s Counter experience, dished by executive chef Jason Morris. Every dish is created with seasonal ingredients, prepared live before your eyes and tailored to your preferences. An optional wine pairing is curated by chef sommelier Alexandra Guay to complement each course.
Four Seasons Montreal delivers a truly 10/10 experience, from check-in to check-out, thanks to its superb location, excellent service, luxurious rooms, five-star dining and spa experiences.
