For nearly five decades, Spa Eastman has been one of Canada’s pioneering wellness destinations. Nestled in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, the resort offers something increasingly rare in today’s market: a fully integrated experience where accommodations, cuisine, movement, nature, and self-care are all designed to work in harmony.
During a recent three-day stay, I immersed myself in the property’s all-inclusive wellness program, from gourmet anti-inflammatory cuisine and guided fitness classes to mindfulness workshops and restorative thermotherapy. I was also one of the first guests to enjoy the newly renovated rooms in the main Pavilion.
My first impression came from a thoughtful, unexpected gesture. Running late due to Montreal rush-hour traffic, I received a call from Jessie at reception just to make sure I was okay; they were worried I’d miss dinner. When I arrived, Jessie personally escorted me to the dining room. It was a refreshing start. I felt like my well-being mattered more than simply getting a credit card on file.
After an exquisite meal and an amazing sleep, I woke up refreshed and ready to explore. Spa Eastman has a reputation for being unpretentious, and it absolutely is, but I was also struck by the sense of freedom at the resort. There are no drill sergeants prodding guests into activities; your experience is entirely up to you. You can feel this in the “peaceful urgency” with which guests move toward their next class, a thermotherapy session, or the dining room.
The resort offers a wide variety of classes for both body and mind. During my stay, I tried Essentrics, a combination of stretching, Pilates, and strength training, for the first time. The class had about 12 participants of varying fitness levels, and the instructor did a great job ensuring everyone participated safely. I also made time for aqua fitness and yoga. All the classes were well attended, providing a lovely sense of camaraderie among fellow guests.
The mindfulness classes were particularly insightful. It’s always wonderful when everyone in a group is engaged, which was certainly the case here. It’s worth noting that classes are held in French (with a translator app available) or are bilingual, depending on the instructor. It takes a little getting used to, but the content is worth the extra effort. I attended sessions on the “Chemistry of Happiness,” “7 Essentials to Rejuvenate Your Memory,” and “Gaining 20 Years of Quality of Life,” leaving with several practical tips to continue my wellness journey at home.
While the food and location are stellar, thermotherapy really ties the whole experience together. The four “hot” installations help relieve mental fatigue and muscle tension, while the two “cold” options are designed to support circulation and immune health; you can even jump in the lake! The area also features a relaxation room with comfy lounges, perfect for a catnap. Because the facilities are spread across the resort, the property rarely feels crowded; instead, it feels like a private, indulgent sanctuary.
Speaking of indulgence, I’m still thinking about the food three weeks later. Meals are included for most guests, and owner Jocelyna Dubuc believes the healthy menu helps guests better process and integrate the day’s experiences. The chef specializes in Tonique cuisine, gluten- and dairy-free, with no refined sugars and many vegetables sourced from their own garden. Each meal features table service with common starters followed by a choice of six entrées. My favourites included marinated prawns with fennel seeds in a shellfish cashew bisque, seared tuna with a sesame crust, and an extraordinary grilled octopus.
Breakfast and lunch were just as visually tempting as dinner, making every meal feel like a special event. While the core menu is healthy, special coffees are available at breakfast for an extra charge, and wine or cocktails are available during lunch and dinner.
I’ve been fortunate to visit some fabulous spa resorts across North America, but few experiences stay with me this long. There is something about Spa Eastman that sets it apart, perhaps it’s Jocelyna Dubuc herself. Having opened the resort in 1977, she has spent decades evolving the programs to meet modern tastes while staying true to her core values. She still roams the grounds, listening to guests’ stories. She especially loves the hour before dinner, when guests laze about the public spaces, napping or deconstructing their favourite parts of the day.
By day three, I felt like I was at a “grown-up summer camp” and didn’t want to leave. My body felt great, physically and digestively, and I was enjoying deep, restorative sleep. To my surprise, my brain felt a surge of creative energy I hadn’t realized I was missing. Spa Eastman makes it easy to design your own perfect retreat, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a group. It would even make a fantastic corporate retreat, and some packages even include a daily spa treatment!
My time at Spa Eastman still resonates. I’m practising my memory skills, eating more vegetables, and keeping those creative juices flowing. The lack of pretension allows you to make the stay exactly what you need. Whether you want a wellness bootcamp, a spiritual retreat, or a bit of both, you’ll find it at Spa Eastman.
To experience Spa Eastman yourself, visit Spa Eastman, or call 1.450.297.3009.
