As temperatures rise, the call of nature getaways becomes irresistible. And why should we resist, when just an hour and a half drive from Montreal, in the picturesque Eastern Townships, lies a true hospitality gem: Manoir Hovey. This Relais & Châteaux hotel boasts a 5 Diamond Restaurant (one of only five in Canada), serene lake views and a dream spa, making it the perfect nature retreat and a foodie’s paradise.

We arrived at the manor on a sunny afternoon, just as the leaves were unfurling and the surroundings were in full bloom against the backdrop of the sprawling Massawippi lake. Spring in Quebec is a vibrant display of colours, and this beautiful country retreat offers a prime location to enjoy nature at its finest. My mom loves nature just as much as I do and, as it was just before Mother’s Day, we thought our stay would be a perfect way to pre-celebrate the occasion.

We were warmly greeted, checked in and offered a tour of the 125-year-old manor. I adore places with history and personality, so I was paying close attention to some of the quirks that historical buildings acquire with time. One of my favourite rooms in the manor is the original library with its fireplace, inviting air and even some first edition books! I earmarked said library for a later, more intimate exploration, preferably by the fireplace and with a book in hand.

A cascade of flavours: Le Hatley Restaurant

The highlight of our stay was, undoubtedly, the food. Each meal felt like a journey in itself, with acclaimed French Canadian Chef Alexandre Vachon’s creations living up to their hype. The Discovery Menu is a culinary adventure that must be experienced in order to be understood. From the beautiful presentation of the dishes to the hidden flavours that will sometimes take your taste buds by surprise, yet always come together harmoniously, every dish is a piece of the story. We chose the Omnivore Discovery Menu (there is also a vegetarian option), which offered a balanced and flavourful mix of sea urchin, trout, duck and bison, followed by two delicious desserts. The dining experience can and should be enhanced with the wine pairing option, whether it’s a full-bodied red, an effervescent white or a rare variety. Wine lovers, you’re in for a treat! The manor’s sommelier has curated over 5,000 bottles from 22 countries to perfectly complement each flavourful dish on the menu.

We were told that the secret is in the freshness of the ingredients. Chef Vachon curates fresh, local and sustainable dishes inspired by the region’s forests, fields and lakes, and the Canadian producers who harvest and forage them. With 60% of the ingredients sourced from Quebec and 90% from Canadian producers, the menu changes with seasons, making each visit unique. My mom and I were thrilled by the experience, being among the first dining guests to arrive and the very last to leave. Fortunately, our room was only a two-minute walk from the restaurant, where we could light up the fireplace and sink into the comfortable king-sized bed in a blissful haze.

The rooms

The manor features 39 rooms, each with its unique personality inspired by nature. These rooms are decorated with luxurious finishes, vintage artifacts, local artwork and nature-inspired colour palettes. We stayed in one of the Spa Suites: bright, airy dream rooms with lake views, located in a quiet area above the manor’s spa. If you require some lively sounds, you only have to open the balcony doors and enjoy a full birdsong symphony.

Perfect for the ultimate relaxation getaway, each suite includes a fireplace and a dream bathroom. I fell in love with the golden accents, luxurious bathtub and personal touches. Make sure to enjoy breakfast in the room – it’s decadent.

Our days mostly went like this: eat, sleep, soak up the sunshine by the infinity pool, eat again, get pampered at the spa and repeat. While Le Hatley offered a classy dinner affair, lunch by the infinity pool offered a different kind of indulgence. We highly recommend trying the Abenaki poutine, the fresh oysters and delicious cocktails.

The Spa experience

The Manoir Hovey Spa offers a peaceful haven for both day visitors and hotel residents with a variety of signature treatments and a wonderful thermal experience. The thoughtfully designed thermal circuit includes the lakeside infinity pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, steam room and access to the lake, complemented by a cold basin and relaxation rooms with panoramic views of Lake Massawippi. This serene ambiance invites guests to unwind and reconnect with nature in a truly immersive experience. Featuring state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor thermal amenities and beautiful relaxation spaces, the spa offers a rejuvenating retreat seamlessly integrated into its natural backdrop between land, water, sky and towering pine trees.

I indulged in the Body Exfoliation and Wrap, a 90-minute treatment that left my skin soft and radiant. Utilizing Ground Wellbeing products, this treatment included exfoliation, a white clay mask and a deeply relaxing massage, finishing with the application of a soft body lotion. It left my skin happy and hydrated, and ready to work on my tan by the pool. My mom chose the Hovey’s Honey Bliss Facial, a 90-minute treatment featuring honey from the hotel’s on-site beehives. This facial gently exfoliates, enhances skin elasticity, and improves overall well-being and radiance. Both treatments use high-quality, socially-conscious products, ensuring a luxurious and eco-friendly experience, and our skincare therapists were professional and talented.

Last but not least, Manoir Hovey’s reputation for exceptional service is well-deserved. During our stay, every interaction with the hotel, spa and restaurant staff reflected a dedication to outstanding hospitality that sets a new standard. From the warm welcome to personal touches, such as little notes with the next day’s weather forecast or sweets left in our room (happy sweet tooth), the attention to detail was remarkable. The estate itself is a lovely escape into quiet luxury, nature and exceptional culinary experiences. Surrounded by such beauty, every moment felt like a pause from the ordinary and we cherished every second. It’s safe to say, we’ll be returning to this enchanting retreat again!

Images are courtesy of Manoir Hovey & Andra Balaci.