Balnea
4
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Perched on a mountainside, BALNEA overlooks a natural reserve of breathtaking beauty. Discover an ode to nature, an enchanting sanctuary and exceptional architecture that inspires and rejuvenates, all this less than an hour from Montreal, in the heart of a large private estate. On the program: nature immersion, thermal experience, open water swimming, treatments inspired by techniques from the most exotic corners of the world, eclectic relaxation areas, healthy and creative fine cuisine, hiking, yoga, SUP yoga, Shinrin Yoku and much more. A true icon of Quebec spas, BALNEA reinvents the art of relaxation and well-being.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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27 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- Catherine DMontreal, Canada36 contributionsLoved it so much !My boyfriend and I went there during a week day. We had booked the morning session that lasts from 10 AM to 1 PM. It was just long enough for us to disconnect and relax. We have been to many spas and this is amongst our favorite ones. We loved the fact that we could swim in the lake. The water of the lake is so clear, it was warm and the algae are at the bottom, so do not be worried of them bothering you when you swim to the floating deck in the middle. I loved the view from the highest jacuzzi. The only down side is that I did not feel super comfortable going in the saunas while there were other people inside of them not wearing their masks. So if you are like me and want to avoid being with too many other people, try to use the saunas first thing in the morning. All in all it was fantastic !Hello, We are so pleased to hear that you loved your experience to the spa. We do love a good swim in the lake as well. We understand your concern about the saunas, but be reassured that all the measures implemented are in conformity with the government recommendations. Looking forward to welcome you again!Written December 2, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2021Travelled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2021
- Villalab7 contributionsMagical winter retreatAbsolutely breathtaking...the views over the frozen, snow-covered lake and surrounding hills on a day when it felt too cold (-12 F) to go skiing were superb. It was almost a religious experience to slip into the steaming outdoor pools and just gaze at all this beauty. I got there early (10 am opening) and enjoyed sharing the facilities with relatively few people; it definitely got busier at noon. I didn't have any services, just enjoyed the saunas and relaxation rooms (favorite was the Moroccan hall) in between trips to the outdoor pools. 500% would do it again although I live in Texas so don't know when I'll be up there again. The staff I interacted with were very pleasant and helpful. I would have stayed longer (I had an all-day ticket but only stayed about 2 hrs) but I find it uncomfortable to stay in a wet bathing suit for too long. I would bring an extra suit next time to just to be able to change out of the wet one and enjoy the inside spaces some more. Final word: I loved the incense and essential oils that were used throughout the spa but some people with sensitivities may not tolerate them well.Hello, Wow, what a wonderful comment! We have to tell you that we also love the cold, snowy days at the reserve. We will pass on your kind words to the whole team. Thank you for your visit and we look forward to welcoming you back!Written July 11, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2023Written March 4, 2023
- MissElevate1 contributionFirst Time - Need more staff presence and cleaning protocols or products for us to useWhat a beautiful location and staff were polite when you saw them. Staff looked very young and I was surprised that no one took our temperature. No disinfectants available to clients. Did not see staff going around to disinfect. I had to ask for a cloth and spray bottle myself and they asked me if it was dirty then I reminded them that someone was sitting there. We had to asked for our lounge chairs to be cleaned and even when we did that they only did one chair and partial. It would be nice to know the temperatures of the baths and have staff walk around more often as people were super loud and speaking the whole time but there wasn't any staff to ask them to lower it down so it wasn't very peaceful. I can see the potential however management and cleaning protocols were not visible. So unfortunate as it was my first time was so excited.Hello MissElevate, First of all thank you for your kind words about our location and employees. The temperature of all customers and employees is taken upon arrival at the site. It is a camera, there is nothing to indicate that it is the temperature taking if the employee has not told you anything. At the time of your visit, we were still offering the Nature Immersion experience. Being a package offered on 2 times slots, the disinfection period was from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m., in order to not disturb the customers on site. We take note of your recommendation regarding the temperature of the baths. We will also make sure to follow up closely for the tranquility on the site. We are once again sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!Written September 14, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2020Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
461 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
98
Average
36
Poor
31
Terrible
29
Sarah K
9 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Friends
Beautiful, serene and relaxing. One of a kind experience. We were surprised at the signs for whispering and silence, but it was no problem. There is plenty of room to find a spot if you are with friends and want to whisper. The views are amazing.
Written June 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your lovely comment. Indeed, by visiting BALNEA, you will experience the importance of silence, peace and quiet. Silence is required in most of our facilities. It is however possible to whisper on the outdoor West deck located near the Lounge. It is also possible to discuss at the LUMAMI restaurant.
Thank you for your visit and we look forward to welcoming you back!
Written July 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Villalab
Dallas, TX7 contributions
Feb. 2023
Absolutely breathtaking...the views over the frozen, snow-covered lake and surrounding hills on a day when it felt too cold (-12 F) to go skiing were superb. It was almost a religious experience to slip into the steaming outdoor pools and just gaze at all this beauty. I got there early (10 am opening) and enjoyed sharing the facilities with relatively few people; it definitely got busier at noon. I didn't have any services, just enjoyed the saunas and relaxation rooms (favorite was the Moroccan hall) in between trips to the outdoor pools. 500% would do it again although I live in Texas so don't know when I'll be up there again. The staff I interacted with were very pleasant and helpful. I would have stayed longer (I had an all-day ticket but only stayed about 2 hrs) but I find it uncomfortable to stay in a wet bathing suit for too long. I would bring an extra suit next time to just to be able to change out of the wet one and enjoy the inside spaces some more. Final word: I loved the incense and essential oils that were used throughout the spa but some people with sensitivities may not tolerate them well.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Wow, what a wonderful comment! We have to tell you that we also love the cold, snowy days at the reserve. We will pass on your kind words to the whole team.
Thank you for your visit and we look forward to welcoming you back!
Written July 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
danlabrosse0
Foster, Canada2 contributions
Sep. 2022
The site is amazing especially in the fall , in the Sauna with a view between the mountains . Were else can you swim on a private lake
Written February 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Heather, thank you for taking the time to write these kind words.
We are more that the experience met your expectations. We agree with you, the colours of the fall and the access to the private lake are definitely worth a visit.
We wish you a lovely day and look forward to welcoming you again soon,
The BALNEA spa + réserve thermale team
Written February 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marin S
1 contribution
Jan. 2023
I’ve visited a few times and love the place. However, my spouse and I’s latest visit was truly sad.
We purchased 2x massages and access to baths for $380 and when we rsvp’d over the phone we confirmed the rate.
Upon arrival, we checked in and got our stuff. However, when leaving, we were charged 47$ because of a fee change that was hidden from us over the phone and at the counter.
We told the receptionist we were not happy about the way this was handled and the receptionist was kind enough to go get a supervisor.
Unfortunately, the supervisor, Annick Duval, met us with heavy confrontation and a snarky attitude. She insisted she would not let us leave without paying the fee and that we had to wait for her to go and listen to our calls placed to Balnea for reserving. We waited 20mins at reception and Annick Duval came back, with the same attitude and with no trace of empathy of willingness to discuss.
We paid and left. However, the lack of professionalism and sneaky business tactics Balnea shows is utterly unacceptable.
This is a beautiful business. My hope is that no other client ever receives the same service as we did today.
We purchased 2x massages and access to baths for $380 and when we rsvp’d over the phone we confirmed the rate.
Upon arrival, we checked in and got our stuff. However, when leaving, we were charged 47$ because of a fee change that was hidden from us over the phone and at the counter.
We told the receptionist we were not happy about the way this was handled and the receptionist was kind enough to go get a supervisor.
Unfortunately, the supervisor, Annick Duval, met us with heavy confrontation and a snarky attitude. She insisted she would not let us leave without paying the fee and that we had to wait for her to go and listen to our calls placed to Balnea for reserving. We waited 20mins at reception and Annick Duval came back, with the same attitude and with no trace of empathy of willingness to discuss.
We paid and left. However, the lack of professionalism and sneaky business tactics Balnea shows is utterly unacceptable.
This is a beautiful business. My hope is that no other client ever receives the same service as we did today.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Marin,
As we already discussed, we listened to both calls you made in preparation for your visit in which you asked about the next available dates for a massage for 2 people.
During your first call, our agent specified that your gift-certificates had no expiry date, but had a monetary value.
During your second call, our agent mentioned the $185 fee for a massage package and asked you to bring your gift-certificates for them to be deducted from your total invoice at the end of the day.
Since your massage packages were initially bought on December 7, 2021 for $165 each and our costs are now of $185 each, you were charged the difference between both costs. This practice is in correlation with the mention at the bottom of our gift-certificates saying that prices are subject to change without notice and is not something uncommon.
It is unfortunate that you misunderstood this information during both phone calls.
As for your experience at the front desk, I was informed that you threatened to leave without paying and were not open to listening to what our supervisor was trying to explain and even added she was not so good of a supervisor.
You should know that Anik made sure to follow our procedure and listened to both of the calls you had made in order to make sure we had told you about the current $185 massage package fee. We stand behind how she handled the situation and stayed respectful despite the tense atmosphere.
Regards,
Written February 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marshall D
Burlington, VT23 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Couples
My wife and I had a lovely experience at Balnea. The spa is beautiful, the staff are friendly, and the overall experience was excellent!
Written December 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Marshall,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are more than pleased that you enjoyed our customer service, the site and the overall experience.
Looking forward to welcoming you again soon,
The BALNEA spa + réserve thermale team
Written February 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WendyL
3 contributions
Nov. 2022
Amazing and beautiful! We were blessed with fabulous weather so we spent the greater part of our time outside. I only wish we'd booked more time there! If you are asthmatic there is incense in many locations including the locker room. Beware the grounds are quite steep if you have a disability or difficulty walking. But the place was clean, well kept and a felt like a little slice of paradise. I'll be back!!!
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.
We are more than pleased that you enjoyed it.
Looking forward to welcoming you again soon,
The BALNEA spa + réserve thermale team
Written February 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TJ
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Friends
Terrible customer service. They let you sit on hold for 15 minutes then they tell you they can’t answer your call and to leave a message - which they never do.
So I emailed instead and tried to use a pass I bought to support them in their time of need. Again they always find an issue - you can’t book it for that day. Ok I’ll book it for a day on the calendar. Then o you have to book weeks in advance. Why??? It’s not supposed to be so stressful trying to get to the spa.
I really liked this place and had raved about it in the past. Stay away. And do not purchase any promotions.
So I emailed instead and tried to use a pass I bought to support them in their time of need. Again they always find an issue - you can’t book it for that day. Ok I’ll book it for a day on the calendar. Then o you have to book weeks in advance. Why??? It’s not supposed to be so stressful trying to get to the spa.
I really liked this place and had raved about it in the past. Stay away. And do not purchase any promotions.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Our call agents usually return voicemail messages within 24 hours, but in the actual context of labour shortage, it can unfortunately take a little longer sometimes. However, we do return all calls. Without any further details, it is hard to know why you did not hear back from us. We would need to investigate.
As for the pass you have on hand, it seems to be one of our promotional passes for a spa access. If that's the case, these promo passes are offered for free during some specific promo campaigns and can be used according to a validity calendar indeed. It is not possible to book a visit using those, even 2 weeks ahead. You simply need to show up on a valid date and you'll be able to access the site. We recommend that you arrive early in order to guarantee your seat.
Regards.
Written October 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camille C
1 contribution
Jul. 2022 • Couples
I purchased a morning e-ticket online and received a call for a massage appointment. They offered me 3pm and I asked if my husband could stay later until after my massage. They said on the phone it was fine and when we arrive to get an extension for the day and pay the difference. We arrived 30 min after opening and they told us they couldn't do that. My husband asked again later in the day but they would not even look at their screens and told him coldly no. The stress of figuring out what to do from 1-3 stressed us out. My sister had also gone with us that day and by the time she checked out it was closer to 2 because there are only 5 showers and 5 bathroom stalls, so there was a line up in the changeroom. The reception basically shamed and threatened her despite the line in their super small changeroom with very little changing space for multiple people. Since everyone who comes in the morning only has from 10-1, it's expected a large amount of people in the changeroom at once.
The only reason this is 2 stars and not less, is the massage therapist was amazing and the grounds are beautiful. It was not busy and they could have allowed my husband and sister be extended until 4 because of my massage but they gave no flexibility. For a place an hour outside of Montreal, there's no compassion for anyone making the trek there.
The only reason this is 2 stars and not less, is the massage therapist was amazing and the grounds are beautiful. It was not busy and they could have allowed my husband and sister be extended until 4 because of my massage but they gave no flexibility. For a place an hour outside of Montreal, there's no compassion for anyone making the trek there.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah T
Montreal, Canada37 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
DONT BUY THE E-TICKET
I made this mistake thinking it would make my life easier , but unfortunately on the day of my visit we were having car problems which caused us to leave Montreal hours later than expected.
I called to spa to try and refund or change the ticket for another day but the unfriendly girl on the phone basically told me that our tickets where non refundable, and I could not change the date whatsoever. Zero compassion for our situation. We were gonna loose our money.
We did everything we could and eventually were able to go for a few hours at least. The place was practically empty when we got there, I guess they’re desperate for money.
The staff wasn’t helpful or friendly. The facilities were ok. The food is tiny portions and overpriced. There are so many spas like this around. Save yourself the stress and go somewhere else!!
I made this mistake thinking it would make my life easier , but unfortunately on the day of my visit we were having car problems which caused us to leave Montreal hours later than expected.
I called to spa to try and refund or change the ticket for another day but the unfriendly girl on the phone basically told me that our tickets where non refundable, and I could not change the date whatsoever. Zero compassion for our situation. We were gonna loose our money.
We did everything we could and eventually were able to go for a few hours at least. The place was practically empty when we got there, I guess they’re desperate for money.
The staff wasn’t helpful or friendly. The facilities were ok. The food is tiny portions and overpriced. There are so many spas like this around. Save yourself the stress and go somewhere else!!
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
graham c
Montreal, Canada19 contributions
Apr. 2022
Fall from grace! This place used to be my gold standard for spas, but no more. My last two visits have been very disappointing. I literally leave more stressed than when I arrive. It may be that covid-19 has been especially rough on them, but I don't see giving them my money again any time soon.
A small part of the aggravation has to do with the state of repair, with closed sections etc. But the bulk of my annoyance is related to noise.
It's one thing when a spa has a tough day with more rowdy and unruly clients than usual, who have loud conversation in areas designated for silence. I'm sure that happens, but if you're sufficiently staffed such situation can be dealt with. My latest visit to Balnea saw loud (mostly young) groups(plural) of people being obnoxiously loud people ruining the experience for everyone else; like the people in a movie theatre conversing loudly and then yapping on their phone all throughout the movie. Not only were they not dealt with by staff; one of the disturbances turned out to be a group of three young Balnea staff drowning out the Zen music with their loud conversation about their plans for after work, as the sauntered through areas designated for silence.
When your staff is a big part of the problem, don't expect me to come back soon.
That said, if your looking for a spa that doesn't enforce rules about noise, Balnea might be ideal for you.
A small part of the aggravation has to do with the state of repair, with closed sections etc. But the bulk of my annoyance is related to noise.
It's one thing when a spa has a tough day with more rowdy and unruly clients than usual, who have loud conversation in areas designated for silence. I'm sure that happens, but if you're sufficiently staffed such situation can be dealt with. My latest visit to Balnea saw loud (mostly young) groups(plural) of people being obnoxiously loud people ruining the experience for everyone else; like the people in a movie theatre conversing loudly and then yapping on their phone all throughout the movie. Not only were they not dealt with by staff; one of the disturbances turned out to be a group of three young Balnea staff drowning out the Zen music with their loud conversation about their plans for after work, as the sauntered through areas designated for silence.
When your staff is a big part of the problem, don't expect me to come back soon.
That said, if your looking for a spa that doesn't enforce rules about noise, Balnea might be ideal for you.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I take my Eleven year old with me?
AmyMtl
Montreal, Canada76 contributions
Hello,
I am not sure if they have an age restriction but I didn’t see any preteens or teenagers that day.
Happy new year
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Claim your listingBALNEA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Balnea
- Balnea is open:
- Sun - Mon 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Thu - Thu 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Fri - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Balnea:
- (0.59 km) Beatnik Hotel
- (1.02 km) La Boheme - Bed & Breakfast
- (7.31 km) Auberge Le Madrigal
- (10.69 km) Auberge West Brome
- (7.60 km) Hotel Vallea Bromont
- Restaurants near Balnea:
- (0.02 km) LUMAMI cuisine nature
- (1.14 km) Le Gourmet
- (3.62 km) Canael Boulangerie-Patisserie
- (7.87 km) La Maison Chez Nous
- (6.01 km) Bistro le 633