This prestigious beauty destination of international renown is nestled on the picturesque banks of the meandering Richelieu River, within view of quaint old Quebec-style stone farmhouses and the Mont St. Hilaire. The region is known for its beauty and the bounty of its land, and is the naturally idyllic setting for Hostellerie Les Trois Tilleuls and the Givenchy Spa.
Owner Michel Aubriot, French expat and experienced hotelier, came to the region in the 1970’s with a vision, transforming a 19th century farmhouse into a restaurant recognized the world over for its gastronomic wonders. A luxury hotel soon followed, celebrating the rural charm of the location while at the same time offering five-star accommodation and faultless service. Always on the lookout for ways to enhance the pleasure and experience of his guests, Aubriot expanded his facilities in 2001 to include the luxurious Givenchy Spa, one of only 15 in the world, and the only one of its kind in Canada. Other Givenchy Spas are located in such upscale destinations as Palm Springs, Cannes and Dubai. Aubriot has received accolades for his forward thinking, his dedication to providing a superior travel experience, and his commitment to helping develop the region.
Developed in conjunction with Givenchy Paris, The Givenchy Spa at the Hostellerie Les Trois Tilleuls is a breathtaking expanse bathed in natural light streaming from the cathedral windows and is possessed of a spectacular view of the river. The curved staircase and imposing fireplace serve to accentuate the elegance and grandeur of the space while neutral tones impart an inviting warmth. The main area is dotted with cozy seating clusters and the walls are adorned with prints by Hubert de Givenchy, in tribute to the founder of the Givenchy empire. The 11 treatment rooms are spacious and comfortable with windows looking out onto the grounds or overlooking the river.
The spa’s well-heeled clientele enjoy an unparalleled service. Trained according to the exacting standards of Givenchy Paris, the spa’s staff of 15 therapists are veritable experts. Treatments are customized to each guest’s particular needs and objectives. Personal preferences, health condition and skin type are all carefully considered before treatment recommendations are made. Spa technicians use cutting edge methods and technologies to deliver the highest quality of care, and, wherever possible, the same one or two therapists remain with the guest throughout this and subsequent visits, nurturing a very special relationship and making each guest feel truly special. Treatments are carried out with the utmost care and perfection, and, almost intuitively, the staff maintains the delicate balance between professionalism and friendliness, often so difficult to achieve in such an intimate setting. The emphasis on personalized attention that is at the root of everything Aubriot does is evident in every last detail of a guest’s spa stay.
There are a number of excellent full-day and half-day packages to choose from. However, it is also possible to create customized packages, and staff will go to great lengths to ensure guests get the experience they want and need. The typical spa day begins with a full-body scrub to rejuvenate the skin and help shed accumulated stress. The scrub is then followed with a moisturizing treatment – an essential oil-infused soak in a hydrotherapy tub, a seaweed wrap and/or a moisturizing wrap give the skin much needed hydration. Once these initial preparations have been looked after, one is then treated to one of a number of different therapeutic or relaxing massages. The classic Swedish massage that improves circulation and eases tension; the Lymphatic massage that helps eliminate toxins and reduce cellulite; the Aromatherapy massage with essential oils that is entirely customized to each guest’s individual needs; the Canyon Love Stone massage that uses smooth, warm and cold stones to rebalance one’s energies; or the unique Four Hand Ylang-Ylang massage in which two therapists work in concert for the ultimate relaxing massage. Next comes the treatment facial, a thorough yet surprisingly gentle treatment that deep cleans and oxygenates the skin in preparation for subsequent facial treatments, be they hydrating, firming or lymphatic. The day ends with a pampering manicure or pedicure, and a choice of hair treatment at the spa’s salon. Between treatments, guests are invited to lounge in front of the fire in winter or on the terrace in summer. All half- and full-day packages also include a top-notch meal in the spa dining room, specially prepared by world-renown chef Jean-François Méthot. There is something inherently decadent in eating a four star meal in one’s bathrobe.
Overnight stays are encouraged, as they allow guests to fully experience all the spa has to offer. Seventeen deluxe suites boast whirlpool baths, fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the river. Guests have access to all the spa facilities, including the fully equipped fitness room, the two saunas, the tanning bed, and the jewel in the crown, the salt water swimming pool that is fed with water pumped from the Champlain Sea over 35 metres below ground.
The picturesque setting, luxury accommodation, four-star dining and impeccable service make the Givenchy Spa at the Hostellerie Les Trois Tilleuls a premier relaxation destination worthy of international renown and well worth a visit.
Hostellerie Les Trois Tilleuls/Spa Givenchy
209 Richelieu
St-Marc-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
t. 514.856.7787
http://www.spagivenchy.com/
http://www.lestroistilleuls.com/