North Hatley (Quebec) may be a small Canadian village of about 675 people, but its idyllic location on the shores of scenic Lake Massawippi make it a big draw for visitors. Travelers to North Hatley are rewarded with picturesque views, historical architecture, and lakeside activities, and when they need a place to relax and recharge, Manoir Hovey, a Relais & Châteaux property, offers a five-star experience. The sprawling Southern-styled estate, which was built in 1899 and is still family-owned and operated, boasts 30 acres of birch forests and lush English gardens, 39 accommodations located in the main manor and exterior cottages, and the new Le Spa Manoir Hovey.
The 9,000-square-foot, three-story spa, which includes three spa suites on the top floor, opened in July 2023. The spa features six treatment rooms, three relaxation rooms, a dry sauna, a hammam, a Saskatchewan pink salt shower experience, a cold plunge pool, and a room designated for manicures and pedicures. The open-air pool deck features a four-season heated pool, jacuzzis, lounging areas, firepits, and a cabana bar. The spa also offers a thermal experience known as Nordic Spa, which uses hot and cold contrast therapy to promote circulation, detoxification, a natural state of relaxation, and overall health. This blended indoor-outdoor thermal experience is open year-round.
The spa’s design is a tribute to the historic Manoir Hovey, incorporating architectural elements inspired by the estate’s original 1899 façade, such as the broad verandas and tall white pillars. “The spa’s location on a sloped lakeside site allows for a gradual discovery of its various areas, offering guests a diverse range of experiences and breathtaking views of Lake Massawippi,” says Melissa Provencher, spa director at Le Spa Manoir Hovey. “Inside the spa, the design focuses on creating a neutral and calming ambience, delivering the authentic tranquil experience one expects from a spa retreat.” In addition, natural materials, such as wood, stone, wool, and rattan can be found throughout. “The artisanal stone wall encircling the four-season pool area stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship,” says Provencher. “Each and every stone was handpicked from the nearby forests and individually shaped. This wall not only serves its practical purpose, but also adds a touch of natural elegance to the surroundings.”
The spa’s menu of services offers something for everyone, as well, including traditional massage therapy, skincare, body wraps, and more that feature products from Eminence Organic Skin Care and Babor. “Our spa’s commitment to innovation has allowed us to incorporate unique spa treatments and therapies not commonly found in the region, ensuring that our guests receive truly distinctive experiences,” says Provencher.
Among the treatments available are the Everlasting Bloom ($170, 90 minutes) organic facial that helps to refresh, tighten, and smooth the skin; the Californian ($145, 60 minutes; $205, 90 minutes) massage that starts with slow and enveloping strokes and continues with gliding pressures that are firmer on particularly tense areas; and the Exfoliation & Body Wrap ($210, 90 minutes), which helps to remove dead cells from the skin with the help of a personalized exfoliant and body wrap, followed by a relaxing scalp massage and an application of body lotion to help leave skin nourished and revitalized, and feeling lighter.
One of the spa’s most popular treatments is the Hovey’s Honey Bliss ($220, 90 minutes) signature skincare treatment, which utilizes a honey exfoliant sourced from on-site beehives, Reishi mushrooms, and other natural ingredients. “The facial is specifically designed to enhance skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellbeing and radiance,” says Provencher. “By incorporating elements of our unique location, we aim to create a spa experience that not only revitalizes the body, but also offers a sense of connection to the beautiful natural surroundings of our region, making each spa visit a truly memorable experience.”
While the spa aims to create enjoyable and unforgettable experiences for its guests, it is also committed to the ongoing development of its team. “We believe that our employees are a vital pillar of our spa’s success,” says Provencher. “In a world where automation and self-service are becoming increasingly prevalent, we hold human interactions in the highest regard. Our team consistently goes above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for our guests. They approach their work with dedication and enthusiasm, finding fulfillment in their roles. As the spa director, I place a significant emphasis on the wellbeing and contentment of our team members. We’ve cultivated an open office environment that encourages our employees to freely express their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.” Some of the ways the spa invests in its team members is by providing ongoing training, cross-training opportunities, and in-house custom training programs to ensure employees have the tools and knowledge to thrive. “We recognize that happy and engaged employees are the foundation of our spa’s success, and we deeply appreciate their dedication and contributions,” says Provencher.
Le Spa Manoir Hovey also provides its employees with free entrance to the spa facilities and 50 percent off treatments so they can experience the services firsthand, contributing to their understanding of the guest experience while helping them stay healthy and relaxed. What’s more, when ongoing training requires models for practice, the spa prioritizes reaching out to employees first before extending the search to external sources. “This approach benefits our employees with complimentary treatments and equips them to communicate the experience effectively to our guests, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved,” says Provencher.
Because Le Spa Manoir Hovey is still new, an employee’s knowledge of its offerings is invaluable to helping to attract new and returning clients, especially as different services and offerings become available. According to Provencher, the upcoming addition of 12 hotel rooms and suites to the property will be strategically designed to enhance the spa retreat and wellness experiences. “These dedicated spaces will allow guests to immerse themselves fully in the serene spa environment,” says Provencher. “We are committed to continually improving and innovating our services to meet the evolving needs of our guests, and these new additions are a testament to our dedication to providing the utmost in spa and wellness experiences.”
SIDEBAR
OWNERS: Stephen and Kathryn Stafford
SPA DIRECTOR: Melissa Provencher
OPENED: July 2023
CLIENT BASE: 60% female, 40% male
SPACE: 9,000 square feet, 6 treatment rooms
PRODUCT LINES & EQUIPMENT: Babor, Eminence Organic Skin Care, Lieberman Tranchemontagne, Milano Software, OPI, Silhouet-Tone, Zayat Aroma
ARCHITECTS: Lamas (Toronto) Atelier Bellavance (Bromont, Quebec)
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Hilary Webster and Melissa Provencher (North Hatley, Quebec)
SPA CONSULTANT: Stephanie Emond (Montreal)