A stunning new retreat and spa is opening near Ottawa and it comes with breathtaking views. Tucked away amidst the rugged forests of Quebec, the retreat "offers a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate their spirit," according to the website.
The year-round venue is currently open to private groups and retreats and will be fully open by April 18, 2024. It's located just an hour from Ottawa, making it an idyllic spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Dubbed Calumet Falls, the wellness retreat is perched by a majestic waterfall of the same name. The towering cascade is "Canada's highest private waterfalls" and it's a breathtaking backdrop for spa rituals.
Calumet Falls Retreat & Spa.Calumet Falls
You can enjoy a variety of experiences such as salt baths, mud baths, sauna, hot tub, cold tub, a steam room and meditation while drinking in the heavenly views.
Calumet Falls also offers overnight stays in a suite or luxury villa.
Marc A. Le Gris, a representative for the retreat, told Narcity that unlike other spas which borrow concepts from other countries, Calumet Falls is uniquely Canadian.
"It's pure Canadian nature, we didn't copy anybody's concept. The waterfalls are Canadian, they're the highest private waterfalls in Canada."
Two people in a hot tub by a waterfall.Calumet Falls
"The sentiment that the waterfalls bring you, it's like an instant stress relief," he said. "It doesn't matter if you don't know how to meditate or you're shy about meditation. You get to the property, get [to] the bottom of the falls, and everything that doesn't work in your life just vanishes."
Another unique feature of the retreat is that there is limited space.
"We only accept 20 people at a time to ensure that our guests have an enormous space to themselves to relax and rejuvenate," Le Gris explained.
A person doing yoga by a waterfall.Calumet Falls
Calumet Falls does not offer exterior beauty treatments like manicures and pedicures. Instead, the services focus on inner wellness. You can expect experiences like yoga and meditation alongside the mud baths and massages.
You can also look forward to an infinity pool with incredible waterfall views.
"[It's] the most unbelievable saltwater infinity pool in Canada," said Le Gris. "It's all black and has a mirror effect where the falls actually continue in the pool. So it's kind of like if you're swimming in the waterfalls and that the waterfalls are passing through you."
People meditating with waterfall views.Calumet Falls
Day visits and overnight stays can be booked on the Calumet Falls website. The retreat and spa starts at $119 for 3 hour access and the rooms start at $299 a night.
With breathtaking waterfall views and dreamy spa experiences, this wellness retreat lets you totally unwind in Canadian nature.
Calumet Falls
A person reading a book by a waterfall.
Price: $119+ per person
When: Slowing opening to the public starting March 8, 2024
Address: 2130 Rte. 148, Calumet, QC
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.