MONTREAL: SPA SAVANNA
by Jon Guidroz
The Spa: Spa Savanna – Montreal, Quebec
Environment: This 4,000-square-foot day spa is located in a historic stone building in the city’s west end, a short walk from the Lionel-Groulx subway station or a brief cab ride from Old Montreal. The décor and ambiance is inspired by the grasslands of Africa. Inside the spa are large framed photos of Africa’s landscape and wildlife complemented with other safari accents like large reeds and flowing gossamer drapes to segment the rooms. There’s a comfortable and balanced feel to it all.
The Experience: While vacationing in Montreal, my girlfriend, Julia, surprised me with a couples massage (they call it a “companion massage”) at Spa Savanna. I’ve had plenty of massages but have only been to a spa once so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The experience kicked off with some standard spa hospitality: my shoes were replaced with slippers and, after completing a health form, I was shown around the facilities. I placed my belongings into the locker and, after a brief shower, threw on a plush robe and stepped into the aromatherapy steam room. The steam room wasn’t switched on before my arrival and I had to wait a few minutes for it to get hot. I was disappointed but fifteen minutes later my muscles were loose and my mind slowed to the pace of Spa Savanna’s calm atmosphere. I made my way to the Lalapanzi lounge.
Except for the massage, the Lalapanzi was my favourite part of this spa experience. A Zulu word meaning "lie down and get rest," this relaxing and inviting space let me hydrate with cucumber-infused H2O. Under soft light in ultra-comfortable lounge chairs, I waited for my girlfriend to join me. Once she arrived we held hands, pulled a soft blanket over our legs, and took some deep breaths. A few minutes later our therapists arrived, introduced themselves and showed us into the couples’ massage room.
My mother is a massage therapist so I’m a tough client to please on the massage table. However, the massage I experienced at Spa Savanna was of the utmost quality. The service was personable, comfortable, and tailored. For example, I was booked for a relaxation massage but when I told my therapist I really wanted a deep tissue massage targeting pain in my upper back and shoulders she suggested a therapeutic massage instead. Her hands cut through my tension like candle wax. She reacted to my breathing and body language instantly and often without a word spoken. Julia was just a couple feet away enjoying her relaxation massage.
When the massage was finished the therapists excused themselves, we re-robed and were shown back to the Lalapanzi lounge where two delicious slices of cake and cups of herbal tea were waiting. The after-glow of a good massage was perhaps the most intimate moment of the entire experience. We were never rushed and always made to feel welcome. But, when we were ready to go, they gladly called a cab for us to facilitate our re-entry into the real world.
Spa Menu: A full menu of treatments include facials, scrubs, wraps, relaxation and therapeutic massages and esthetics such as manicure, pedicures, waxing and make-up application.
Accommodations: Spa Savanna is a day-spa so there are no accommodations but Old Montreal, just a 10-minute cab ride away, is home to plenty of excellent hotels. We stayed at Hotel Nelligan (in Old Montreal) a boutique hotel I definitely recommend.
What to eat: There is no spa menu, but the couple’s massage includes a dessert and a light lunch is included in a full-day package.
What I liked best: The Lalapanzi lounge really did impress me. I loved the relaxing atmosphere, comfortable chairs, and soft lighting. I could have sat there all day and, had I brought a book, they would have been asking me to leave after closing time.
The Cost: A 60-minute relaxation massage is $140 Cdn. for two. Ninety-minute massages are $195 Cdn. for two. (Editor’s note: Please keep in mind that these were the prices at the time our writer visited, please check current prices with the spa before you go.)
Beyond the Spa: There is not much in the neighbourhood except some basic shops catering to everyday needs.
Words to the wise: Arrive early and give yourself ample time to enjoy a tea in the Lalapanzi. Maybe even bring some reading material because the magazine selection was slim. Also, make sure the steam room is given enough time to heat up before you jump onto the cold tile!
For more information: www.spasavanna.com