Scientific journalist, author and fashion blogger from Montreal - Journaliste scientifique, auteure et blogueuse mode de Montréal
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Just about 10 minutes from Montreal sits a hidden gem of restorative sensory bliss, and I just felt compelled to tell you about it. My friend Darren and I spent just four incredible hours at Strom Spa of Nun’s Island (Ile des Soeurs in French) on his recent trip to Montreal. I could have stayed there much longer.
Feeling a bit low on energy after working hours, I needed a place to recharge. Spa near me into our BFF Google gave us a number of options. We chose Strom Spa of Ile des Soeurs based on the stunning pictures of the environment – fields of tall grass, a serene lakeside scene and beautiful stonework adorning a cascading waterfall and whirlpool. The website listed an extensive suite of services, from massotherapy to face and body treatments. I’m sold, and this is before I’ve even seen the menu.
We enjoyed the Thermal experience as well as the food, which was surprisingly good for a spa (I wouldn’t expect an elite spa to have the resources to indulge an elite kitchen as well). The food and beverage selection keep to a high standard like the spa services. There is something for everyone – vegetarians and all – and the dishes seem authentic, natural and appropriately indulgent.
I took my time in the outdoor whirlpool with the cascading waterfall and beautiful stone structuring.
Darren took some beautiful pictures of the waterfall and created really awesome geometrical-type falling patterns. I loved putting my hand in it!
I also took a walk through the tall grass and down the deck to the lake.
The beautiful natural scene gives you a good chance to do some thinking, gather strength and inspiration, and just reposition yourself back into a positive, thankful mindset.
Next time, I want to try their massage, face and body treatments and perhaps their yoga class, which are available on Wellness Mondays (see the links for more details). This summer, they have special activities and promotions for their 10 year anniversary, including music special events such as the Ode to summer, music tour.
If you live nearby, you might want to check out their Summer packages, B&B Sundays, Fridays under the stars and family Brunch too. You might very well see me if you go on the right day! The owners are right to hide a great spot like this away from the city. But I know about Strom Spa of Nun’s Island now, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me from going back there whenever I need a recharge ever again!
Photography of me by Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman
Yes, finally! We have some nice weather, and it is a lovely place to enjoy a summer day. I’ve heard the experience is quite nice also in Winter though. Thanks for stopping by my site Tony.
I’ve never been to a spa like this, but it looks soooooo relaxing. Hats off to his shutter speed selections with the waterfall and the fire pit. A visual treat. I’m sure you soaked it up well. A true recharger. Hugs.
Oooh Alan, you have no idea —Strom is pure love! Can’t wait to go back. So happy that Darren enjoyed it too, even if he had to work a little. Hehe… Sending back a huge hug your way.
Kudos to Darren for such nice images. When we think of spas here in the US, it tends to be day spas that are heavy on massage, manicures, skin treatments, etc. I’m sure we have spas like you went to but I’ve not found them (or looked very hard). I have been to some nice geothermal spas in Iceland (the famous Blue Lagoon) and El Salvador. The tie just melts away there.
Darren did a super job with the photos didn’t he? The Strom spa here in Montreal is pretty awesome, but —Wow! You have experienced spas in Iceland and El Salvador. That is soooo Cool, Chris. Thanks for your lovely comments BTW.
As you say, 10 days is better than nothing and we have to make the most of it. I have tons of beautiful memories that will keep me smiling until a next visit. Keep well Margit. xoxo
I had a wonderful time and now I got many souvenirs that should keep me smiling for a while. Although I miss him already. Sending huge hugs your way! xoxo
Great photos Darren! The spa looks divine. I’ve been to one that was similar, in the South Island, and it was great but we didn’t have enough time to really enjoy it.
So true. We had our son with us, and thought initially we were just visiting hot pools after a day visiting the glaciers. I really should go back, now we’re empty nesters.
Hello Marie! Nice to see you here. Darren is indeed a versatile artist and as you say EXTRAORDINAIRE in every sense of the word. He is the kind of person who deserves to get to know better. So glad my path has crossed his. How are you? Hope things are going well on your side of the pond.
Glad to drop in. Looks like a wonderful adventure. I’ve also visited your recent fashion & nature post, really liked your vintage yellow coat! Yes, very well thanks! Stop by our side of the pond sometime.
I would love to go back there with you. Just found out that they have a coconut scrub and honey and flower wrap plus a massage with moisturizing citrus scented cream. Sounds good to me.
Wow what a spa! Now I know where I must visit while in Montreal one day looks so picturesque and delightful in so many ways Love love the images Glad you found somewhere to relax Have a wonderful week ahead Dominique xoxo Cris
I loved these photos from the moment I saw them. You and Darren did an awesome job on capturing the experience. I think we should have an official Fashioned By Nature meeting here. 😊 You are truly radiant my friend. I hope you have an amazing birthday, too!! 💕💗😍 Much love and big hugs sis!
Thank you so much Lisa. Agree! Let’s have a FBN meeting at the Strom. It will be a silent meeting though. The silence is part of the Strom experience. Lol That’s not a big problem for us. Our thoughts are always so aligned. Love you sis!
It is so nice to chill out in the spa like this once in a while, and I’m sure it makes you feel completely rejuvenated which in turn stimulates creative & innovative ideas for the upcoming editions of When Fashion and Nature Collide.
Have a wonderful week!
Daughter has school today for extra classes and guests coming over the weekend, so nothing much.. just usual Indian platter..
Have a nice weekend Dominique!
Oh Alison, we had such a wonderful time at the spa. Can’t wait to go back and I will get a massage the next time. Sorry for taking so long to reply. I took a long break from social media, because I had urgent problems to deal with, including computer stuff. Things are better now, but I am still trying to fix everything. I will do some catching up on my blog reading soon. Thanks for your patience. Cheers!
The photos are truly exquisitely beautiful! You look like a mermaid! And I think that first picture should be made into a painting – not by me though, I’m nowhere near painting portraits of that kind, let alone water which is one of the most tricky things to paint.😁
Darren did a great job with this pic. I love this photo so much. Surprisingly, it was very easy to pose for him in bathing suit. We had a very good time at the Spa. You underestimate yourself, Sarah. I’m sure you would do an amazing job. Your artworks always reflect a lot of thoroughness and detail. I particularly like the effects of light and shadows that you managed to recreate.
Aww – thank you for this lovely compliment about my paintings, Dominique. 🙂 I think any artist always tends to be very critical with themselves, and I’m no exception. In fact, I know exactly where my limits are, but try to push them every so often – practice makes perfect, right? 😉
It is like everything else in life… It takes talent, practice and determination. You have been blessed because you have it all and so much more Sarah. xoxo
The place looks so beautiful and amazing. I love the waterfall. You took amazing pictures. Everything is looking pretty good. Have a lovely blessed day 3C.
Hello Tashnee. It is always a pleasure to see you here. This spa is awesome. Darren captured in his photos the aspect of well-being that one feels in this place. Have a great weekend too my friend. xx
Summer has found the Great White North. Great post.
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Yes, finally! We have some nice weather, and it is a lovely place to enjoy a summer day. I’ve heard the experience is quite nice also in Winter though. Thanks for stopping by my site Tony.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been to a spa like this, but it looks soooooo relaxing. Hats off to his shutter speed selections with the waterfall and the fire pit. A visual treat. I’m sure you soaked it up well. A true recharger. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Oooh Alan, you have no idea —Strom is pure love! Can’t wait to go back. So happy that Darren enjoyed it too, even if he had to work a little. Hehe… Sending back a huge hug your way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kudos to Darren for such nice images. When we think of spas here in the US, it tends to be day spas that are heavy on massage, manicures, skin treatments, etc. I’m sure we have spas like you went to but I’ve not found them (or looked very hard). I have been to some nice geothermal spas in Iceland (the famous Blue Lagoon) and El Salvador. The tie just melts away there.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Darren did a super job with the photos didn’t he? The Strom spa here in Montreal is pretty awesome, but —Wow! You have experienced spas in Iceland and El Salvador. That is soooo Cool, Chris. Thanks for your lovely comments BTW.
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What an amazing place in amazing company 💙
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You can say that again! We had such a great time at the Strom Spa, but I wish Darren would have staid more than 10 days. Time flies.
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Oh tell me about it. Ten days are nothing but also better than none. Hugs
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As you say, 10 days is better than nothing and we have to make the most of it. I have tons of beautiful memories that will keep me smiling until a next visit. Keep well Margit. xoxo
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That is wonderful and I am glad you had such a time together. Sending all my best. Xoxoxo
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I had a wonderful time and now I got many souvenirs that should keep me smiling for a while. Although I miss him already. Sending huge hugs your way! xoxo
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I can imagine and here is to the next time. Xo
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A wonderful place to relax 😊🌸🌸
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Indeed! I am planning to go back during my summer vacation. Thanks for reading me, Ribana. 💙
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Sounds really good. Dominique, I need a day in the spa
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Great way to sweat away all our problems! I need to go back soon. I think I could easily get addicted to this.
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You look absolutely gorgeous in the pics 😍
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You are so sweet. Thank you Shalini.
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Great photos Darren! The spa looks divine. I’ve been to one that was similar, in the South Island, and it was great but we didn’t have enough time to really enjoy it.
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Too bad you didn’t have enough time to really enjoy it. You need at least 3 hours to fully get the benefits from the Thermal experience.
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So true. We had our son with us, and thought initially we were just visiting hot pools after a day visiting the glaciers. I really should go back, now we’re empty nesters.
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Yes, you should. Next time, I’ll get a massage too. Keep well Su. xoxo
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You too Dominique 😀
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😀🏵
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Thank you Luisa for reading. Happy Sunday!
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🌹
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You look Fabulous!!! I have never actually been to a spa or any spa hehehehe 🙂
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So you are a spa virgin! Oohh, I hope you will get the chance to have your first experience soon. 🙂
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Yepppp, absolutely..:)
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Hehe… 🙂
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Beautiful photos Dominique, obviously very talented photographer as well as plantsman and artist extraordinaire!
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Hello Marie! Nice to see you here. Darren is indeed a versatile artist and as you say EXTRAORDINAIRE in every sense of the word. He is the kind of person who deserves to get to know better. So glad my path has crossed his. How are you? Hope things are going well on your side of the pond.
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Glad to drop in. Looks like a wonderful adventure. I’ve also visited your recent fashion & nature post, really liked your vintage yellow coat! Yes, very well thanks! Stop by our side of the pond sometime.
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I will. 💙💙💙
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Wow, beautiful as always!
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Hi Tim! Happy to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by my site and saying hello. Thank you for your lovely comment. Hugs.
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Brings back lovely memories and I am delighted with the results. We must go back! Xx
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I would love to go back there with you. Just found out that they have a coconut scrub and honey and flower wrap plus a massage with moisturizing citrus scented cream. Sounds good to me.
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Cor!!!😍
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Hehe… Are you expressing excitement or alarm?
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Depends who administers it. 😊
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Hello Dominique. Good to see you
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Hi Kurian! Nice to see you here. Hope you are doing well. How is the book coming along?
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Ahwww cela semble vraiment agréable 🙂
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Vraiment agréable. Je crois que je vais y retourner demain pour mon anniversaire. Je le mérite bien! 🙂
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Haha tu as bien raison :p et un magnifique anniversaire à toi ❤ ( avec un peu de retard ) gros bisous
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Un gros merci pour ton amitié et ton soutient indéfectible. Bisous. xoxo
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Bisous ❤
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Wow what a spa! Now I know where I must visit while in Montreal one day looks so picturesque and delightful in so many ways Love love the images Glad you found somewhere to relax Have a wonderful week ahead Dominique xoxo Cris
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It sure is a lovely place and just about 10 minutes from Montreal. You would love it Cris. Have a beautiful week ahead too.
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I loved these photos from the moment I saw them. You and Darren did an awesome job on capturing the experience. I think we should have an official Fashioned By Nature meeting here. 😊 You are truly radiant my friend. I hope you have an amazing birthday, too!! 💕💗😍 Much love and big hugs sis!
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Thank you so much Lisa. Agree! Let’s have a FBN meeting at the Strom. It will be a silent meeting though. The silence is part of the Strom experience. Lol That’s not a big problem for us. Our thoughts are always so aligned. Love you sis!
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It is so nice to chill out in the spa like this once in a while, and I’m sure it makes you feel completely rejuvenated which in turn stimulates creative & innovative ideas for the upcoming editions of When Fashion and Nature Collide.
Have a wonderful week!
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You are so right Megala. We need to make time for things like that in our life in order to find balance and maximize our potential. Hugs.
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Nice place to relax.
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Oooh yes! I want to go back soon. Thanks for your comment. ❤
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Looks like an amazing place! Beautiful photos. I will definitely check it out when I visit Montreal next time. 🙂
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You will love it. Thanks for reading me and have a gorgeous day!
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This is a lovely place.
http://swarnaz.com
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Thank you Swarna! I read your post and it is lovely. Now, I need to go and make myself a cool non-alcohol drink!
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Great post! Looks like an amazing place.
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ERA, It was awesome! A treat to go in such a place.
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Dominique, you look great 👌 👌, beautiful pictures…looks like you were completely soaked in with the atmosphere.
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You can say that again. The place is a gem! 💕 What a you cooking for us next week?
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Daughter has school today for extra classes and guests coming over the weekend, so nothing much.. just usual Indian platter..
Have a nice weekend Dominique!
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Yummy! Have fun with your family and friends.
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I am sooo in! I would be in that waterfall too, and a massage would have to scheduled 😉
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Dee-Dee I could totally see you in this place. Super relax environment and full of good vibes.
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Hey Lady D – now l know you’re busy, but l had you in mind with this topic for your artiness and fashion chic – so if you find a moment spare – … 🙂
https://aguycalledbloke.blog/2019/06/29/321-quote-me-arts-crafts-and-chic-too/
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you are so pretty! Many tx for sharing such blissful photos 🙂
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Thank you, Da-Al. Darren took the photos. 🙂
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That must have been a really fun and relaxing day, I expect you deserved it.
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Oh Alison, we had such a wonderful time at the spa. Can’t wait to go back and I will get a massage the next time. Sorry for taking so long to reply. I took a long break from social media, because I had urgent problems to deal with, including computer stuff. Things are better now, but I am still trying to fix everything. I will do some catching up on my blog reading soon. Thanks for your patience. Cheers!
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I think we all need a break at times, sometimes chosen and sometimes life just gets in the way. Hope you are able to sort things. 😊
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The photos are truly exquisitely beautiful! You look like a mermaid! And I think that first picture should be made into a painting – not by me though, I’m nowhere near painting portraits of that kind, let alone water which is one of the most tricky things to paint.😁
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Darren did a great job with this pic. I love this photo so much. Surprisingly, it was very easy to pose for him in bathing suit. We had a very good time at the Spa. You underestimate yourself, Sarah. I’m sure you would do an amazing job. Your artworks always reflect a lot of thoroughness and detail. I particularly like the effects of light and shadows that you managed to recreate.
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Aww – thank you for this lovely compliment about my paintings, Dominique. 🙂 I think any artist always tends to be very critical with themselves, and I’m no exception. In fact, I know exactly where my limits are, but try to push them every so often – practice makes perfect, right? 😉
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It is like everything else in life… It takes talent, practice and determination. You have been blessed because you have it all and so much more Sarah. xoxo
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Aww – lots of love and huge hugs your way, dear friend!!! xoxoxoxoxo
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
LOOKS JUST WONDERFUL!!!!! 😀
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Awww You are so sweet! Thank you.
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That looks like a lovely place to wind down
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It sure is Otto.
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The place looks so beautiful and amazing. I love the waterfall. You took amazing pictures. Everything is looking pretty good. Have a lovely blessed day 3C.
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Hello Tashnee. It is always a pleasure to see you here. This spa is awesome. Darren captured in his photos the aspect of well-being that one feels in this place. Have a great weekend too my friend. xx
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🤗🤗🤗🤗
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