Kelledstyle

Can you believe that summer is almost over? I hope that you made the most of your time during this season! That being said there is still one month to go before fall and I would like to share with you my recent trip to Eastern Townships. 

I have to admit that I literally have a crush on this region since it is the third time this year that I visit this part of Quebec. Back in February, I’ve been to Eastman for a yoga retreat and later in March to Bromont for a spa getaway with my mother. Last weekend, I experienced the Dinner Cruise Escapades Memphrémagog summer package offered by Estrimont Suites & Spa located in Orford. 

How to start to describe this incredible journey? First of all, everything is thought for you to spend a pleasant moment. When you arrive at the parking lot located in Magog, a shuttle picks you up and drives you at the Quai MacPherson where the Grand Cru luxury yacht is waiting for you. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure because the boat leaves on time. 

Aboard the Grand Cru, guests are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and are assigned to their table. I was sitting at table number 1 on a comfortable bench close to the windows from where I could admire the scenic viewpoints of the magnificent Lake Memphremagog. Despite the light rain, I was seduced by the beauty of this lake and felt that time had stopped. 

The cruise is offered with a gourmet 3-course meal featuring a diverse choice of food. If you have special requests regarding food allergies, intolerances or vegetarian diet, you have until 3 days prior to the departure to mention it when making your reservation. I started with the quinoa salad without the feta cheese and goat cheese croutons then I had the tofu and fresh vegetable stir fry with rice noodles, and conclude with a fresh fruits salad. Should I mention that it was delicious?

Before returning to the pier, the rain stopped and we enjoyed a water show with sound and light telling the story of the legendary Memphremagog monster. It was funny of course and a nice way to end up such a beautiful evening.

The Dinner Cruise Escapades Memphrémagog summer package also includes a night at Estrimont Suites & Spa in a spacious suite with fireplace, full-equipped kitchenette, private balcony, and BBQ. The suite has everything you need to feel like home. With the map of the region in hands, I was preparing my list of outdoor activities for the rest of the weekend and I did not have the chance to make a good use all the appliances included in my suite excepted the Nespresso coffee machine!

Even during the weekend, I love to wake up early and exercise before having breakfast. Lucky me, the gym at Estrimont Suites & Spa opens its doors from 5 a.m. so I went for a quick 30 minutes training session then I enjoyed the hot tubs at the indoor pool.

The breakfast is also included in the package and is served at Restaurant Avenue 44 located on the main floor. Offered in buffet style, the breakfast features a fruit table, a variety of pastries and slices of bread, a juice bar, and regular breakfast food such as beans, potatoes, scrambled eggs, and meat. It was easy to prepare a healthy breakfast with all those choices. I made a big bowl of fruits mixed with nuts and seeds, and add a portion of potatoes on the side. 

After the breakfast, I relaxed by the outdoor poolside surrounded by green spaces with an exceptional view of Mount Orford. It felt so good to take the time to have a rest and to do nothing. I was able to connect with my inner self and evacuate the stress accumulated over the week. I really took advantage of the pleasures of water with the hydrotherapy circuit including among others whirlpool baths, a Nordic shower, a relaxing yurt, and an infrared sauna.

Here are 3 things you should know about the infrared sauna:

• 20 minutes sessions are recommended, do not exceed this time;
• Drink plenty of water before and after your session;
• During your session, wipe off excess sweat to stimulate your metabolism to sweat more.  

In extra, I extended this moment of absolute relaxation at the renowned Amerispa health and beauty center located on the main floor. Thanks to a team of well-trained professionals, you can indulge yourself with a range of massage therapy, body treatments, and aesthetic treatments. I experienced the Grapefruit Granita Exfoliation, which is a 50 minutes body treatment. 

The blend of shea butter and fine sugar granules soften the skin while grapefruit and eucalyptus essential oils stimulate and purify the epidermis. Following the application of the exfoliant, I had to take a shower before the esthetician performs a light modelage to hydrate and nourish my skin. At the end of the treatment, my skin was so soft and bright.

Before leaving the Eastern Townships region, take advantage of being there to taste the unique local products. Ideally surrounded by the mount Orford and the Lake Memphremagog,  Au Vignoble d’Orford is a charming vineyard offering guided tours and tastings activities. 

During the guided tour, I enjoyed the panoramic view and the smell of nature while learning about the history of the vineyard and their working techniques. The ground is labored manually and there is no use of pesticides on the plants. Following the harvest season, they are able to produce four types of wines including Red, White, Rosé, and a fortified wine named the Forté, which is the one I enjoyed the most. 

As mentioned on Instagram, I was honored to celebrate 1 year of plant-based diet aboard the Grand Cru luxury yacht. Whatever you want to celebrate with your family, friends, or solo, I invite you to experience one of the summer package offered by the Estrimont Suites & Spa. Enjoy 😉