Hot soak, cold plunge, rest. Repeat and relax. That’s what I was doing recently at Estello Suites & Spa, a new thermal outdoor spa with stellar accommodation tucked on the shores of Lake Megantic in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The inn is located two-and-a-half miles from the town of Lake Megantic, and is around a two-hour drive southeast of Montreal, where there are plenty of interesting hotels from where to launch your Quebec adventure. Estello Suites & Spa is within the Mont-Megantic International Dark-Sky Reserve, a 3,300-square-mile area inaugurated in 2007 and the first of its kind in the world.
Estello Suites & Spa Rooms and Amenities
There are eight suites and four rooms to choose from at Estello Suites & Spa, all with unique décor and furnishings that range from European to modern to traditional.
Mine was the Rigel Room with a Queen fold-out wall bed (also known as a Murphy bed), kitchen counter with sink, toaster oven, microwave, and mini-fridge. Plus, it was equipped with wine glasses, plates and cups, cooking utensils, cutlery, and a coffee maker (there was also real milk and cream in the fridge).
A flat-screen TV and a fold-out table made good sense in a room that was 230 square feet in size. The bed folded up into a couch if you wanted to make it into a sitting room during the day. There was a generous walk-in shower in the bathroom and comfy robes and slippers. The robes were very handy when I ventured out to try the outdoor spa.
You might think these sorts of beds are uncomfortable, but this design had me feeling like I was sleeping on a cloud.
Each of the suites and rooms at Estello Suites & Spa are different in size and layout. Some suites have full kitchens, bedroom, and living room with pull-out couch. The biggest is 600 square feet. A few have lake views with balconies and patio sets. Most can accommodate between two and four adults. When booking online you’ll note the suite configurations are indicated with a little room plan.
Breakfast Delivered to Your Door
At check-in I arrived rather late, so missed the usual glass of bubbly served to incoming guests at Estello Suites & Spa. Darn! But, I was given a card to hang on my room’s door handle. It had two options for breakfast, which is included in your stay. One was a boiled egg with toast and a berry smoothie.
The other, which I chose, was mixed fruit, hot croissant, butter, jam, and hot coffee. Plus, I could pick a delivery time between 7-8 am and went for 7:30 am. Right on the button there was a knock on my door in the morning at the requested time and I was able to enjoy a lovely breakfast break before heading down to the spa.
For dinner, at an extra charge, there is an option to order ready-to-eat meals from a nearby partner restaurant. The inn can provide you with a menu, plus they have wines on site you can order.
Estello Suites & Spa Thermal Experience
The vibe at Estello Suites & Spa is all about relaxation and well-being. That’s where the thermal spa comes in.
Outdoors, accessible from the garden level, you can find three hot pools, a cold pool, a dry sauna, and a moist steam barrel-shaped unit filled with the scent of eucalyptus. In addition, there is a yurt for relaxing in and two firepits.
All have a magnificent view of the lake. Inside there are two automatic massage chairs, plus an infrared light room with loungers. The garden level also has a fireplace and self-serve herbal tea set up. If you wish an in-person massage, you must make that appointment when you book your stay.
The outdoor, in-ground saltwater pool stays at a balmy 92 degrees year-round. Plus there’s a VIP spa option with a private hot tub you can book if looking for more alone time with a loved one.
Spa Hours and Daytrippers
Access to the spa is included in the room rate and is available from 8:30 am-10 pm, so you can check out the stars in the velvety dark sky as you soak. In addition, Estello Suites & Spa has a day spa option for non-guests for around $50-$60 to enjoy the facility for four hours. The garden level has separate change rooms for day trippers, but they have to bring their robes and slippers (or you can rent a robe).
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
- Search for Great Tours HERE
Estello Suites & Spa Additional Amenities
Guests at Estello Suites & Spa have free access to canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, a dock, and seating by the lake. This accommodation is for adults only, but children 14+ can access the spa with parents on a day pass. Pets are not allowed. Parking is free, and there are three charging stations for electric vehicles.
Estello Suites & Spa Rates
Starting at $165 per night for a room to $345 per night for a suite. Minimum two nights. Prices increase on weekends and during peak seasons. They also have special seasonal packages for activities such as golf, fishing, and yoga.
You can only make reservations at the Estello Suites & Spa directly through their site (all in French, use Google to translate). However, if they are fully booked, or you want to explore other hotel options in Quebec, you can check out the listings on Expedia.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Eastern Townships Tourism arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
