Montreal, Old Montreal, Port of Montreal
Full Disclosure: Bota Bota has in no way paid for this review, and I in no way am being compensated for this review, I just love it there! And a little bias; I live in Montreal.
Fighting the panic attack I had the night before, I bravely met up with my book club women to go to Bota Bota! Since it had been my idea, I was prevented from backing out at the last minute, plus they were meeting at my place so that we could go in one car.
Bota Bota is a converted barge on the mighty St Lawrence River (Fleuve St Laurent) nestled outside a harbor in the Old Port of Old Montreal. It actually floats, but is so stable that you cannot feel the water lapping under it because it is securely anchored to the pier, which then connects to a meandering ramp that starts from the busy bicycle path that parallels the street above. On the way we passed these colourful, quirky and quaint converted container restaurants that evidently close up to their natural state of ‘box’ when we finally piled out at the end of our evening. This was going to be fun! We already felt like tourists in our own city.
Down the ramp we went, each of us in our own way feeling a little victorious about stepping out of our comfort zone of money prudence (except for another who’s little win was actually doing interesting things outside of her family life routine). The first thing we see is a cute man up on a deck in a white bath robe watching us. Well, bathrobes (and men) here we come, I thought!
In this modern state of bliss, they take good taste and Zen sensibilities without appropriating other cultures to enhance their décor. I was in love! A designer might be able to explain all their nuances and tricks of the trade, but I responded to it viscerally.
There are benefits to this type of “Nordic Water Circuit”.
This is from their site!
THE BENEFITS OF NORDIC BATHS
- Assists in the elimination of toxins
- Helps restore skin elasticity and tone
- Stimulates the cardiac system
- Improves circulation
- Reinforces the immune system by promoting white blood cell production
- Releases stress and tension
To enjoy the full benefits of thermal therapy, it is very important to follow the circuit’s clearly defined steps. Start on the Promenade Deck or the Sunshine Deck for a 10 to 15 minute session in the dry sauna or steam bath. This will raise your body temperature, dilate pores and flush out toxins. Next, take a courageous dip (head included!) into one of the cold baths or under the cold shower to get your heart pumping and close your pores. The final step in the Nordic bath circuit involves stretching out in one of our many relaxation areas.
http://botabota.ca/en/
But I will reveal an even deeper reason for following their model. The rapid cooling once you’ve melted yourself, narrows your blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and gives your internal thermostat—the thyroid gland—a healthy workout. It give it a chance to work hard at regulating your body temperature. The expansion of blood vessels from heat (vasodilation) increased your circulation.
Toxin Removal:
"Jumping into the cold plunge pool after sitting in a whirlpool, sauna or steam room is a great way to jump start your lymphatic system," says Maggie Wagner, spa director at Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole. "As the blood vessels vasoconstrict and vasodilate, this acts as a pumping system to move toxins out of your body more quickly."
http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/content-hub/best-spas-around-the-world
http://www.active.com/health/articles/basic-bliss-water-circuit-therapy
Here are some other benefits associated with this system of Hyrdotherapy:
- Treating arthritis
- Skin ailments
- Improved circulation
- Increases white blood activity
- Reduction of inflammation
Montreal International Fireworks Competition:
” The largest pyrotechnics competition of its kind in the world, the Montreal International Fireworks Competition has been going strong since 1985 and remains one of this city's top attractions. In 2014, the Montreal Fireworks Competition is held June 28 through August 2, 2014.”
http://montreal.about.com/od/montrealevents/a/fireworks_mtl.htm
http://internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com/en/
Yes, Boto Boto stays open later on Wednesdays and Saturdays, leaves the upper deck open so that those that want to watch the fireworks from the Hot Tub, on a lounge or bean bag chair listen to the music that is being broadcast from the site collectively be charmed. It was a bit too far for pyro tastes, but it was still an extraordinary fun end to the evening!