Last weekend, I stayed at the Beatnik Hotel for a relaxing getaway, and since Balnea is literally just down the road, it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally experience it. The setting, the vibe, and the proximity all lined up beautifully, making it an ideal addition to my weekend escape.
About Balnea
Balnea itself is truly in a category of its own. Located in Bromont in the Eastern Townships, the spa is surrounded by nature and designed with incredible attention to detail. The combination of architecture, landscape, and calming ambiance immediately sets the tone for a deeply restorative experience the moment you arrive.
Balnea offers a wide range of services to enhance relaxation and wellness. Guests can enjoy multiple outdoor and indoor thermal pools, a variety of saunas including Finnish dry saunas and eucalyptus humid saunas, cold plunges, and a solar room where you can relax with your feet in the sand while listening to subtle sounds of the ocean. The spa also features massage therapy, body treatments, and wellness programs, making it a complete destination for rejuvenation, whether you are visiting for a few hours or a full weekend.
My experience
As it was my first time at Balnea, my experience began the moment I arrived. The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful. They clearly explained everything, from how to set up my locker with a personalized code to where to change towels during my stay. Once ready, I headed straight outside to their infinite hot pool to take in the magnificent view. With an outdoor temperature of only 3 degrees Celsius, the contrast was perfect, warm enough to fully enjoy the pool while cool enough outside to make the immersion even more enjoyable.
Next, I headed to the sauna for a 15 minute session. Finnish saunas, with their dry heat, promote blood circulation and help eliminate toxins. After that, I plunged into freezing cold water for a short moment and instantly felt the benefits of the hot and cold contrast. I repeated this cycle throughout my three hour visit and each time felt just as refreshing.
Balnea also features a solar room where you can relax to subtle sounds of the sea and waves while resting your feet in the sand. After several cycles of hot pool, sauna, and cold plunge, I eventually fell asleep in one of their comfortable lounging chairs. Later, I visited their eucalyptus sauna, where the humid heat contributes to skin hydration and stimulates the respiratory system, a perfect way to round out the experience.
One thing I quickly noticed is how quiet and peaceful the entire environment is. Guests truly respect the silent zones, which elevates the experience and makes the whole stay even more restorative.
In conclusion
It is rare that I take the time to go to a spa, but this visit to Balnea was absolutely perfect and exactly what I needed after a big cycling season. It is, in my opinion, an essential activity during the off bike season. Balnea is not just a spa, it is a complete reset.
You can have more information about Balnea here:
Note: All images used in this article were provided by Balnea Spa to preserve anonymity of the guests.
