Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting a charming spa in Old Montreal, right by the water SCANDINAVE SPA
VIEUX.MONTDÉAL—I’ll confirm the exact name soon!). It was such a cozy, tranquil spot, and I decided to try both a Swedish and a therapeutic massage during my visit.
The first session was a Swedish massage, and I have to say, I felt so comfortable and relaxed throughout the experience. My therapist, a lovely woman, mentioned that I had a lot of tension in my neck, which made me want to go back the next day to address it. So, I returned for a therapeutic massage, which was with a man. Now, don’t get me wrong—he was great and very skilled, but I just found the dynamic a bit awkward. It might sound silly, but I felt that men sometimes hold back on applying enough pressure, thinking it might be too much for women. My girlfriend said she feels the same way, and I can see why!
While the therapeutic massage was definitely focused on relieving tension (especially in my shoulders), it felt more like a full-body treatment, which wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. I really just wanted to target the shoulders and neck, but the experience was still helpful overall in reducing muscle tightness. However, for sheer relaxation and comfort, I’d highly recommend the Swedish massage! It’s more fun, gentle, and perfect for unwinding, while the therapeutic one is more suited for those with specific muscle pain or tension.
One of the best parts of the spa experience was the circuit they offer after your massage. You get two hours to enjoy various water treatments, saunas, and even hot/cold plunges. I did a hot-cold cycle, which felt amazing, although I didn’t spend much time in the cold! Afterward, I really noticed the difference—my skin was glowing, my legs felt a bit more toned, and my shoulders definitely felt less tense. It was such a rejuvenating experience!
So, if you’re heading to this spa in Old Montreal (especially if you’re looking for relaxation), I’d say go for the Swedish massage. It’s the ideal choice if you want to de-stress and just feel pampered. If you need more targeted tension relief, though, the therapeutic one is great, but it’s better if you really have specific pain to address. Also, just a personal preference—I’d recommend booking with a female therapist if you’re a woman, but that’s just me! Both experiences were wonderful, though, and I definitely left feeling like a new person.
The Benefits of Getting a Massage
- Stress Relief: Massage is well-known for helping reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels in the body and triggering a relaxation response. This makes it perfect for winding down and clearing your mind after a busy week.
- Improved Circulation: Massages help boost blood flow, which can improve oxygen delivery to tissues and promote faster recovery from physical exertion.
- Pain Relief: Whether you’re dealing with muscle soreness, tension headaches, or chronic pain, regular massages can target these problem areas and help ease discomfort.
Skin Benefits
Not only does massage help relieve tension, but it also has fantastic benefits for your skin. It improves circulation, which helps with lymphatic drainage and can reduce puffiness and bloating. The stimulation of your skin also encourages collagen production, which helps with skin elasticity and gives it a healthier, firmer appearance. After a massage, my skin was visibly smoother and brighter, and I noticed a clearer complexion. Plus, the circulation boost can help with detoxifying the skin by flushing out toxins, leaving your face and body feeling rejuvenated.