Bota Bota - Catch the wave

[Jenna Bee]

Visited Bota Bota - a relatively new massage and spa, situated at the base of McGill street and De La Commune in Old Montreal, right on the water.
It is a renovated boat, designed on 4 floors with 2 larger hot tubs, 3 saunas, 1 wet steam and a couple of cold pools, along with massage and spa facilities.

The boat itself it wonderfully designed and all looks first class and very clean. There is an entrance fee just to use the pools and the sauna with additional charges for the massage and treatments.

I had a 60 minute massage that cost a cool $90 (plus remember they charge tax on everything, however you can get a receipt for group insurance). Audrey was my therapist and she is certified by one of the massage associations. The massage was done as to my preference ie strong with stretching and her technique was very good. The massage is done naked however you are covered by a sheet below and one above at all times removing it from the areas that she is working on. This is purely therapeutic with no teasing expected or received.

Bota Bota is designed around quiet and relaxation and everyone is encouraged to keep the volume of conversation low. It is a high end oasis that is best used to spend multiple hours enjoying the lounge chairs, the saunas, a massage or treatment, then more relaxing to cover pretty well the whole day.

I enjoyed the experience, because it was a nice change in a unique setting. I won't be returning so quickly because the cost is high and I tasted its unique appeal. I was there on a Friday and the boat was full but did not feel crowded. I expect that on the weekend, there would me many more people. Reservations for a massage would be required whenever you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rt-F0E3PM0