Koena Spa Escape

Do you ever happen to fall upon something amazing?  My husband and I love experiences so instead of a tangible gift – we often give or plan experiences together.  Koena Spa in Gatineau Quebec was one of those splendid adventures that we experienced recently.

A beautiful day at the spa is what I call heaven on earth… Anonymous

Koena Spa Escape had popped up on a recent search of local get-a-way spa experiences.  We had also heard of a few friends and colleagues trying it out.  So, for Christmas – Santa brought a lovely Koena Spa ‘Zen Escape’ package for my husband (and indirectly myself) to try.  

The Koena Spa Escape Experience:

The spa is located within the grounds of the Chateau Cartier in Gatineau Quebec.  Only about a 15 minute drive from downtown Ottawa – it is similar to another nearby Spa – Nordik Spa in Chelsea Quebec – the only difference is the size and some of its features.  Within the property are several thermal type pools (hot and cold) and saunas to choose from.  Overall, it gives you that same relaxing calm experience, but for a slightly lesser cost. 

The Facilities:

Koena Spa Escape is an serene spa that offers a Nordic-type experience which is inspired by the four elements – fire, air, earth and water. 

• You will find many fire pits and sitting areas situated around the property for your relaxing mood – either outdoors or within special huts – calm will instantly enter your soul.
• Walking around the property, you will take in the freshness of the crisp air filled with cedar and essential oils clearing out your lungs and airways to promote relaxation.  
• The entire spa area is encompassed with beautiful gardens, grasses and natural structures allowing you to take in the earthly beauty of mother nature.
• Lastly, you will be surrounded by the calm and serenity of contrasting hot and cold pools/saunas filling your soul with the healing properties of water. There is also an indoor pool and hot tub area if you prefer not to bare the cold or fluctuating temperatures of the winter.  

Within the entire sanctuary, you will certainly find yourself emersed in peace and relaxation. From quiet relaxation areas, to a variety of hot and cold pools, different dry saunas (some offering rituals) as well as many spa treatment packages and selections available.  We were pleasantly surprised by what was offered.  

Eating Establishments:

Koena has 2 available restaurant options for your liking:

1. Bistro Koena – will satisfy your energy needs with pastries, desserts, salads and sandwiches.  Also available:  a variety of local aromatic coffees and teas, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  
2. Ono Resto Lounge – A culinary escape set within a warm fireplace lit space offering delicious platters, burgers, wraps and seasonal meals, as well as alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails.  

Spa Treatments:

Koena also has available spa treatments (appointments booked in advance) to heighten your relaxation experience.  I had purchased the Zen Package (Packages listed below) which included a massage [for my husband’s gift] so when we arrived – we also purchased the same package for myself.  

You can book from a variety of spa treatments:

• Relaxation/Swedish Massage
• Hot stone Massage
• Deep Tissue Therapy
• Lomi Lomi
• Thai Massage
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Thai Foot Massage
• Therapeutic Massage
• Seashell Massage
• Detoxifying treatments
• Granit Body Treatments
• Classic and specialty facials

Packages Available For Purchase:

• Bubbly Escape
• Out Of The Office
• Gourmet Escape
• Duo Escape
• Zen Escape
• Body Care Escape
• Romantic Stay Package
• Escape Stay Package
• All Inclusive Package

Accomodation:

Koena Spa is located within the Chateau Cartier’s property. We did not have the pleasure of exploring this hotel, but it does offer plenty of room packages for your liking.  

What would an average visit look like?

• Check-in is simple with their fabulous bilingual team.  They will assist you with any additional treatment options and questions you may have.  
• Change into swim suits and wrap up in their monogramed robe.
• Choose from the variety of pool and/or sauna options:  We tend to find a hot area first.  This visit, we chose a sauna which ended up having one of their rituals beginning when we got settled.  The ritual was 15 min in length and consisted of different essential oils/teas being poured onto the hot sauna stones providing a luxury sensation experience clearing our lungs and providing a sense of tranquility.   
• We then would alternate between their cold and warm or hot options following their thermal cycle which promotes relaxation and many health benefits.  
• The Zen Package included a drink – so we headed over to pick out something divine.  A raspberry mojito was our pick and it was scrumptious.  
• For lunch, we opted to try Ono and had a fabulous Turkey Bacon Wrap enjoying it while sitting cozy within their tastfully decorated fireplace setting. 
• By the afternoon, we would check in for our massages in their treatment area to top off our amazing day.

Sidenote: All massages, body care treatments and facials are to be prebooked online or over the phone.

Koena Spa Escape is a great get-a-way either for a day date with your loved one, a girls outing or for a weekend away at the fabulous Chateau Cartier.  

Other near-by attractions include:

• Gatineau Park
• Casino du Lac Leamy
• Parliament Hill
• National Arts Centre (NAC)
• Canadian War Museum
• National Gallery of Canada

If you are looking for a relaxing experience to have a fantastic date day with your loved one, a girls weekend for that upcoming special event, or even a solo ‘me’ day for some well deserved peace – you will not be disappointed.  You will leave not only feeling refreshed and relaxed, but you’ll also have fallen in love with this tranquil piece of heaven that you will be longing to return again to soon.