Reviews & opinions
13. Nov, 2008 
32 Comments
We want to hear from you!
You went to Spa Eastman in the past year? How was your stay?
Spa Eastman recently received the honour of a Reader’s Choice Award from Spa Finder magazines but, what about you? What do you think about Spa Eastman since you’ve been there?
How was the place?
How was your room?
How was food?
What treatments did you get? How was it?
Was it a relaxation stay? A Weight Loss Program? A Raw Food Cure? Was it to your expectations?
How was the ”french atmosphere”?
Was it really relaxing? Fun? Energizing? Instructive?
Have you changed something in your lifestyle since you return?
Would you recommend it to your friends?
You don’t have to answer all of these questions if you don’t feel like it or if you don’t have time for it. You may only want to write what you liked best, or less. Whatever you feel like saying about your stay… is important because it can help other travelers to make their own choice.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Spa Eastman’s Team
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Dear Spaaah Eastman!
My husband, 15-yr old daughter and I just spent five delicious days with you over our Thanksgiving Holiday. We taught a Self-Discovery Program on yoga and Qi Gong. We found the accomodations so cozy and inviting, squeaky clean and luxurious, the food exquisite, par excellence, and the ambiance restful, healing and uplifting.
I had a scalp massage with Ann-Marie that was literally Heaven on Earth! I’ve had a lot of body work before and this was it – the cat’s meow! The massage with Michel was also excellent, healing, and very present. My daughter loved her treatments – a California massage and a moor mud wrap and exfoliation, followed by a therapeutic bath. My husband very much enjoyed his Aqua-Mouvance and Therapeutic massage.
We loved the variety of food, although were a bit disappointed not to have a choice of Turkey, mashed potatos and stuffing or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving Dinner. Perhaps that could be something your kitchen adds to entice Americans across the border. I have a gluten-sensitivity and found the wait staff very accomodating, as well as the kitchen. One can find anything from meat and potatos to moderate macrobiotics with daily portions of seaweed. I love that the fruit offered on the buffet was always ripe! That’s hard to do. Likewise, the salad bar was always fresh and enticing – always some new tidbit to discover. It would be helpful to list on your hot buffet which dishes are gluten-free though. I was so glad the duck with the red wine reduction sauce was gluten-free – soooo good!
When we returned, we felt on cloud 9 for the rest of the week. We definitely recommend this to our friends, students and clients.
We loved that we got to pick the movie in English all three nights and we were the only patrons in the “movie theater” – all we needed was popcorn!
The staff are fantastic – from the gift shop clerk – Marie-Paul, to the bodyworkers, to the front desk and owner, Jocelyna. Everyone went out of their way to engage us, welcome us, assist as needed and smile. What an incredibly positive environment! Many thanks. We’ll definitely be back – this was our third visit, but the first time in winter. So lovely to see the snow gently falling, take a steam bath, then walk out into the snow to lower our steaming bodies into the freezing pond (and pretend we’ve always done it and don’t feel like screaming).
My daughter and I did have one less than excellent treatment – she had a pedicure and I a manicure from the same person, who is apparently new at the job. It took much longer than anticipated and wasn’t the best quality. But everyone is on a journey, so we don’t expect perfection.
Many thanks for the opportunity to give a review. I promised Jocelyna I would!
; ) Lisa
Hi, I spend several days at Spa Eastman a couple of years ago. Believe me, i can still see the place in my mind’s eye. My room was perfect with a lovely fireplace. the room was spacious with a private bathroom. I had views to the lake and low mountains in the distance. In terms of your question about the French atmosphere. I would like to hear more French songs as I move about the spa. You should have up on a notice board the “phrase of the day” in French with English translation. Guests could test themselves using the phrase. More French films in your theatre…although I myself do not know much about how many films and what sort of films you show…but more of a good thing is always good!
I could go on and on about the food. Never have I stayed at a place where absolutely everything about the food I loved, and love but at Spa Eastman. I only wish I lived closer to Spa Eastman so I could run right over for a pick-me-up day at the spa. And yes, my visit to Spa Eastman changed my life to a certain degree because my visit afforded me to see a part of Canada I did not know anything about. Although my visit was for vitality and peace and quiet I did use the gym and one of the pools for a short time. I especially enjoy walking about the kitchen gardens and the flower gardens. It’s a joy to see where some of the fresh food originates.
I’ve got more to say but will have to come back to you in the New Year.
To Lisa and Georgina,
First thing I want to say to you two: thank you for sharing your experiences. We really do appreciate it. And for my part, even though my stats show me my readership, it’s always fun to have feedback; otherwise, I get to feel a little lonely!
Lisa, I’m glad you enjoyed your experience and we all look forward to your next visit. And I’ll share your suggestions to the Chef for American Thanks Giving dinner 2009! Jocelyna did her inquiry about the person who gave you your treatments. The girl had the appropriate training and experience and she had successfully passed the tests but, indeed, not only was it her very first day at the Spa (after a 3-week training) but it also was her very treatments… we believe that she also was impressed of having to take care of our special guest speaker and her daughter… We are very sorry to hear that these treatments were not as fantastic as they should have been.
Georgina, I love this idea of “the phrase of the day”! I’ll make sure the Spa Director reads it!
Hope to see you two in 2009!
Lucie
Went to the Spa Eastman in Montreal. Got a Brazilian wax by a woman who was NOT qualified. She kept going over the same spot over and over again (experienced people KNOW that you do not put wax and rip the hair FIVE TIMES from the same spot). Took forever to heal, was red and raw for a very long time. Let’s just say that I went for a wax to get a sexy look and my nether region look far from sexy… more like raw meat. Was not impressed…. pain I can handle quite well, but this was unacceptable
Dear A,
The director of Spa Eastman Montréal would like to know more about your experience to make the appropriate follow up but we just can’t get in touch with you as you did not leave nor your name, e-mail, nor the date of your visit or the name of the aestetician… Would you be kind enough to write to me please? Do it through this blog and give me your e-mail address or a phone number where we can reach you. Don’t worry, as I told you in my previous message yesterday, I’ll be receiving your comment directly and it won’t be published on the blog. You could also give a call to Jackie, the Spa director, at 514 845-8455; she would be happy to hear from you.
Thanks for your help,
Lucie
My husband gave me a gift certificate to Spa Eastman Montreal for my birthday. The prices at the spa compete with other posher spas in Montreal so I expected a decent, clean place. When I went on to the Spa Eastman Montreal website and saw the location, I had my first inkling of what the spa would really be like – the building it is in is rather shabby and downtrodden. Still, I hoped that perhaps the interior of the spa itself would be better than the building. Unfortunately, this was not the case – as soon as I walked in, I had the immediate sense that the place was not terribly clean and not well maintained. It was very dark and the colours are an awful mix of fall foliage, a far cry from the modern, clean lines of newer, fancier spas. The facilities don’t seem to be terribly clean, the bathrooms were in poor shape, not only due to poor cleanliness but also there was paint chipping, cheap decor and all around unattractiveness. The massage itself was ok (just) – although I couldn’t help but feel like the masseuse was scrimping on the oil or cream in order to save costs. It was not particularly pleasant to be massaged with little cream or oil. After the massage, I was shown in to what they call a “Relaxation Room”. The room consisted of what appeared to be chairs, but I could not tell exactly as they were literally each covered in a white sheet. The only reason I could think of was because they were horrid chairs underneath and were trying to keep them hidden. They looked really weird with the white sheets and, the way the sheets were draped, it was not clear where the indentation for the seat was. Bad. Also, they give you a fleece robe to wear. To my mind, fleece is not a fabric that is easily washed and the idea of wearing a robe that may or not be washed between each and every customer, is most unpleasant. As well, they also give you plastic flip flops to wear and I am certain these are not sanitized between customers, as I saw that mine were immediately put back in the pile, once I relinquished them. This is what I call a surefire recipe for athlete’s foot. Bottom line: the place is expensive and for that price, you would expect and should expect a much cleaner and nicer establishment. The general sense of uncleaniness and darkness made it very difficult to enjoy the experience and the worst part is that I still have money left on my gift certificate and it is non-refundable.
Andrea,
First of all, even though your comment is not all pleasant to read, I still want to thank you for having taken the time to share your opinion. There’s always place for improvement everywhere.
You are right, Spa Eastman Montréal is located in an office building right in the heart of downtown Montréal. We’ve questioned its location more than once but decided to stay there for 3 reasons: the proximity to the metro station; the proximity of the business center, making it easier for workers to find relaxation close to their work; and the view, the magnificient view we have from the 16th floor on the peaceful scenery of Mont Royal. We just can’t get to sacrifice this.
I also agree with you when you say that the place is not as modern as fancier spas. Spa Eastman Montréal was one of the first day spa in Montréal, opening its doors back in 1990, before day spas started to be trendy. We’ve always made a point on insisting on the therapeutic effects of our treatments, like we’ve always done in Eastman. Of course, since day spa industry bloomed in the past few years, there are now numerous brand new fancy spas all over Montréal, which make Spa Eastman Montréal look more ancient than ever. At our last renovations, ten years ago, there was no prestigious spa designers yet to help us with this challenge.
Good news is major renovations are just about to start at Spa Eastman Montréal; these upcoming changes should give it all the glamour it deserves.
There are a few points of your comment I need to clarify.
-The painting may be old in some places, you don’t have to worry about property: cleaning services come in every night and clean the entire spa.
- If the Lafuma recliners are covered with a sheet, it is exactly a matter of property and cleanliness: it gives us the occasion to change the sheet between every client.
- Concerning the flip flops, they are, of course, disinfected after every use. For some unfortunate reason, you seem to doubt it: we’ll make sure that the “before” and “after” flip flops baskets are clearly identified so no one can fear a mistake.
- The robe have been chosen precisely because this fabric dries quickly, as we keep washing them after every use (a few times a day in some occasions!).
- Finally, I find it really sad for your experience that you did not mentioned the “lack of oil” to your massage therapist. To your request, more oil could have been use. But you must know that depending on the technique, the quantity of oil required may vary: while Californian or Esalen massages use more oil, Thaï, Amma or Shiatsu use none. Depending on the technique, the serious massage therapy school teach their students to use just what it needs to ease the movements. At the end of a massage, the skin is supposed to have absorbed the oil. If the skin is oily, there was too much oil. It sure is not a matter of cost.
I am very sorry that you did not enjoy your visit. We do have politicies about our gift certificates but there may be a solution. Unfortunatly, you only signed with your first name and did not leave us an e-mail address so we just can’t get to reach you!
Jocelyna Dubuc
President of Spa Eastman
I’d just like to point out some mistakes in Jocelyna’s post; “sacrify” in 9th line should be “sacrifice”, and “politics” in the last paragraph should be “policies”.
Accuracy is everything, it just bothers me a lot. Thanks.
Thanks David.
Hello!
All my friends are waiting to hear how my first experience was so they’d come too- so instead of calling them ALL up, I figured they can just read this!
Today I went to Spa Eastman for the first time to get a californian massage, and was welcomed by a very kind receptionist. I did not know what to expect when I entered the spa, but as soon as I entered the dimly lit, warm room with a candle’s flare dancing in the corner of the room, I felt relaxed already. The music selection and the mood in the room was just perfect.
I informed the lovely therapist, Tityana, that I feel a lot of stress in my upper back and neck. She massaged that area wonderfully, I couldn’t remove the smile on my face. However, I was disappointed to feel that she massaged the rest of my body in an excessively gentler way.. I don’t know if that’s what a californian massage is supposed to be like, maybe I should have picked a less gentle massage? I don’t know, but I needed to relax my tense body by really massaging the muscles, and I was a bit discouraged for leaving, still feeling tense
Anyways, it wasn’t AMAZING – but it was nice visiting the lovely spa, that really had extremely polite massage therapists, who made me feel comfortable all the time..
Thank you,
Nadine
I would like to commend Spa Eastman for excellent customer service. I recently wrote a review of Spa Eastman’s downtown Montreal location wherein I expressed my disappointment at my experience at Spa Eastman Montreal. Subsequent to that review, I was contacted by Spa Eastman’s customer service representatives who were sincerely interested in my feedback and in making sure that I have an enjoyable experience at the spa. The customer service reps at the spa made contact with me on several occasions and in no way was my feedback shoved under the rug or lost on someone’s desk. I definitely feel that the customer service reps were very professional. I would recommend the Spa Eastman in the Eastern Townships to a friend, based on reviews I have read, as well as the Spa Eastman in Montreal once it is renovated.
I have been extremely impressed with Spa Eastman’s customer service since I wrote my review. Not only did they take my feedback seriously, but they are very clearly committed to ensuring that the customer has a positive overall experience.
I feel it is only right to now amend my review of the spa in order to commend them for excellent customer service.
Bonjour Andrea,
I am glad to read your comment Andrea. As you can see, for Jocelyna Dubuc (Spa Eastman’s Pres. & CEO), client’s comments are really important. The only things she cares about is improving her clients overall well-being… and their satisfaction!
Lucie
Well, it’s been two weeks since my husband and I got back from 6 days at Spa Eastman and as always, it was an incredibly wonderful experience. I simply adore Spa Eastman – I truly wish I could live there year-round. It’s been about 5 years that I have been coming to this spa and I am more in love with it than ever. The weather outside was cold, then rainy, then snowy – in other words the usual Quebec climate but indoors it was charming, warm, friendly and relaxing as it always is. Ms. Dubuc and her staff know exactly how to make their guests feel comfortable, relaxed and reassured that they are in good hands. As soon as we drive into the entrance of the Spa, an overwhelming feeling of peace envelops me and for my time there I just revel in its bliss.
The treatments I selected were fabulous (mineral pack for the feet, massage by my favorite masseur Yves, reflexology (was so relaxed – could hardly stay awake), stone massage. facial aromaplasty and hand care. The food was all organic and really good (mostly vegetarian) – they had changed the chef since we were there last and so we got to sample new recipes. During the day, we went for fitness walks and de-stressing walks with our eyes closed and holding on to our partner; we also went snowshoeing and I used the gym when it was raining. After supper which we shared with friends we made, we first went for a walk and then attended conferences on the ecology and recycling; natural products to care for body; essential oils and their healing benefits; a presentation on a music piece of Tchaikovsky (Pathetique) and how it was created and how it affected us; and sensual writing. Snowshoeing and walking on the beautiful grounds plus exercise followed by spa treatments, great healthy food, and body and mind healing conferences – now that’s what I call being pretty close to heaven. Thank you Ms. Dubuc for your vision in creating such a heaven and your continued efforts to keep the Spa a place where one can seek refuge from life’s stresses, find relaxation, and gain knowledge about how to keep one’s body healthy both physically and mentally. My husband and I hope to come back as soon as we can.
“I am so happy here! J’aime la Spa Eastman!”
These were the words that I found myself saying over and over again during my recent stay there in February of 2009.
Yes, I fell madly in love…Madly in love with the warm and caring staff, the angelic therapists, the elegant, peaceful facilities, my cozy and private L’Ermitage, the stunning x-country ski trails and the delicious and nutritious cuisine. (The duck was by far the BEST I have ever tasted!)
In addition, I had the great pleasure of attending an evening workshop with Mikael Zayat, President/Founder of the Alliance des Producteurs d’huiles essentielles du Quebec. We spent a most memorable evening discussing and experiencing his magnificent essential oils. Truly, one of the highlights of my stay.
I had only planned to be there for two nights but when it came time to check out I realized that I was not ready to leave!
Fortunately, L’Ermitage was available for a third night.
Still, not nearly long enough.
Spa Eastman is on the top of my list of favorite places.
Next time, I will take my husband with me!
I just got home from a facial appointment at the downtown location and although I completed a comment card onsite, I also feel compelled to write here. I received the facial today and a “Miracle Hand treatment” last Sunday as a birthday gift. Unfortunately I was dissappointed both times. My main dissapointment comes from the facilities and not so much from the therapists. Where do I begin…
-I started off my facial today by climbing onto the treatment bed and it almost collapsed under me. One of the support rods broken so only half of the head of the table was supported. We had to move to another room. I don’t appreciate the woman at the front desk asking me if it broke when i sat on it! IT was already broken but what does it matter? I would have appreciated being escorted to an equally equipped, relaxing room. Instead the therapist made the best of working in a cramped, ill-equipped room and was very helpful.
-The only complaint I have about the treatment is that she got product in my eyes 3 times. I told her each time however she made no effort to change her procedure (perhaps a kleenex or cotton over my eyes when spraying toner would have helped).
-Last Sunday, my Miracle Hand Treatment was performed in a small room where the treatment bed was up against a wall so in order for the therapist to work on my left hand, I would have to reach it over my body and hold it there until she was finished. There were no armrests on the bed and it was EXTREMELY off balance. There was only a small towel placed over my stomach so I left with small bits of product on my shirt.
-The location is LONG overdue for renovations and i am glad to hear they are coming soon. It should not have been left his long. The bathrooms are in extra bad shape.
-Last Sunday I was there with my sister. The robe she was given had a big hole at the shoulder and was threadbare in spots.
-The towel I had over my chest this Sunday had red nail polish on it and a 1 cm hole in it.
Some of these things may be minor but this is a luxury spa experience that Spa Eastman is advertising and it was a luxury spa experience that i was expecting. Both my sister and I were first time visitors and were extremely disappointed. Unfortunately I will not be returning nor recommending this location to anyone.
Melanie,
I am terribly sorry to read about your experience. We are well aware that Spa Eastman Montréal needs serious renovations and we’re really working on it. Some elements about your visit are directly related to the facilities but some are not and we have no excuse for them; it just shouldn’t be. You can be assured that we will take immediate action on what you told us about. My heart stopped when I read about the table and I quickly checked with the Spa Director in Montréal. Fortunately, it wasn’t really broken; one of the leg of the table only needed adjustments but the therapist didn’t know this type of device (which is, of course, unfortunate!).
We’re working with the designers these days and really look forward to share with you what the new Spa Eastman Montréal will look like in the next few months. I hope we’ll have a chance to see you then.
Jocelyna
Hi,
I had my first experience at Spa Eastman, the downtown location in Montreal, today. I went with my supervisor at work. I had the Swedish massage and the masseuse I had was great! My boss was scheduled for a Lymphatic Drainage and the masseuse she had mistakenly thought she was getting a Swedish massage too.
I must say I was disappointed with the receptionists, the girl I had to deal with seemed like she was lost in space. We came in with a 20% coupon and I ended up getting a higher discount when I told her she had forgotten to give me the discount…next, my insurance paper was filled with the regular price, I brought this to the attention of the receptionist and asked her if they had to fix the receipt since it was a higher amount, she said it was ‘ok’ that it didn’t matter. I was a bit taken aback since that would increase my submission to my insurance and I’d be getting more back than what they made off of me. I tried explaining that to her but she just kept saying she didn’t know anything about that…I then proceeded to ask the next receptionist and explain to her the situation and her response was the same as the first one.
After having a wonderful massage, getting a receipt made out properly without hassle shouldn’t have to be stressful. Also, my boss didn’t even get a receipt and now has to wait for it by mail. On top of that my boss had a hard time with her french and when she’d speak in english, the first receptionist didn’t make an effort to answer back in english. I’d expect for a luxury spa that their employees, mainly the receptionists have more people skills.
Dear Sylvia,
I am sorry to hear about your disappointment. The receipt pads are personalized and issued for each massage therapist by their professional association and they have to fill it and sign it themselves. They usually prepare the receipt at the end of your treatment and give it to the reception team. Since this particular promotion you took advantage of is really exceptional (Spa Eastman Montreal never gives 50% discount on treatments like we’re actually doing to celebrate our re-opening) our
therapists are not used to having to adjust the price of the treatments. The value of their treatment is worth the mentioned price and they get their full salary no matter what the promotion is.
We recognize that your request is justified and we will, of course, send you a new receipt if you want us to. You will agree though that we must wait to receive the one you actually have in hand before sending you a second receipt for the same treatment.
We hope this arrangement to your convenience and hope to welcome you back at Spa Eastman Montreal.
Jackie Levasseur
Spa Manager
Spa Eastman Montreal
666, Sherbrooke Street West
16th floor
Montreal, QC
H3A 1E7
Tel.: 514 845-8455
Hi,
I was disappointed with my frist ever massage at the Spa Eastman Montreal 666, Sherbrooke Street West last wednesday. I was so excited before I went now I don’t know if I want to try another Spa. I went for the Lymphatic Drainage massage and it was a waste of time.
After lying down on my back for 60 minutes, my lower back was actually hurting more after the massage. I never had a massage before so I didn’t know what was supposed to happen. I specifically told the therapist that I wanted get to work on my legs and cellulite areas ( ie: back of my legs ). She never turned me over ? The massage was very light, I didn’t feel a thing. I still have no receipt for my insurance because the girls at the front desk were very casual and not helpful. I am not rich so ofcourse I need my receipt for my insurance. The girl at the spa did not speak english at all, so my friend asked for my receipt and finally the girl handed me an envelope to fill out my address for them to send me my receipt? Hopefully that happens. Not a relaxing experience at all.
Dear Monique,
You are absolutely right: lymphatic drainage feels like a very soft massage; but it does have a powerful effect on fighting against cellulite, even if the therapist don’t even touch the concerned region.
This specific treatment does not require oil. The operations made by the therapist can be described as light pumping which is very soft and slow. Because the lymphatic system reside more at the surface then the muscles, the treatment cannot be executed by deep pressure; otherwise, it would compromise the essence of the care which is to help the circulation. Even though this massage is very relaxing, the stimulation of the lymphatic system can be hard on the body.
Due to the technique used for this type of massage, the treatment will change depending on the time length of the drainage. This is why, for a 30-minute drainage, the therapist concentrates mostly on the legs; for a 60-minute drainage, only the front of the body is touched; and for a 90-minute drainage, the whole body is treated. As it was your first massage ever, the therapist should have explain all this to you; it seems she did not. We will make sure clients get appropriate explanations from now on.
Concerning the english abilities of our staff, we have to admit that our new receptionist is not as bilingual as we thought… she’s working on it! Until she gets perfectly comfortable, we make sure that she is never left alone at the desk; as all her colleagues speak both french & english, there is always someone to help.
We also want to confirm that your receipt was sent to you later that same day; as we explained it while responding to a previous comment (here) the receipt can only be prepared by the therapist who gave the treatment and that is why they, themselves, ask the client if a receipt is needed so they can leave it at the reception desk before the client is ready to leave. Unfortunately, it seems that your therapist was already busy with her following treatment when the receipt was requested so the receptionist had to wait for her to issue your receipt. You should receive it pretty soon!
Thanks for sharing your experience. We sincerely hope you will continue receiving spa treatments, be it at Spa Eastman Montreal or at any of the great spas there are around!
Jackie Levasseur
Spa Manager
Spa Eastman Montréal