Whether your ideal spring break involves kicking back and relaxing at home or a spontaneous getaway, we’ve got a few awesome plans fit for every budget. While this time of the year is more like reading week for university students, we strongly encourage a well-balanced break, so bring your books to the spa or to the warmer climes for some fun in the sun if you have to. After all, it’s been a rough winter and you deserve a break!
Home Away from Home
For those of you who took full advantage over the holidays and have to pass on tropical travels this time around, take a weekend to cozy up and unwind at Hotel William Gray. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, this new boutique hotel offers an impressive array of amenities, contemporary style, and curated culture to comfortably host guests.
Immerse yourself in the city’s finest, from grabbing a coffee at Montreal’s best kept secret, Café Olympico, to shopping limited-edition men’s and women’s brands at Off the Hook (OTH). Not to mention taking a seat at the grand communal table and absorbing the majestic atrium; it may just be the best space to catch up on some studying over a cap and bomboloni (aka stuffed doughnut, need we say more?).
However, Hotel William Gray is not just a pretty place to catch up on sleep, get your caffeine fix, and shop unique finds; it’s also home to the upmarket grill Maggie Oakes. Top Chef Canada contestant, Chef Derek Bocking, brings his expertise and creativity to the table with local and seasonal ingredients, so you can eat your way through one of Old Montreal’s new favourite culinary destinations.
421 Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6
(514) 656-5600
Trek to the Spa to Unwind
Have you ever been to nirvana? It lies just one hour outside of Montreal and it’s called Balnea Spa. Sure, spring break partying is fun and all, but some rest and relaxation can always do the mind and body well, especially at this time of the year.
Make an entire day out of your trip to Balnea Spa. Disconnect from all digital distractions and reconnect with yourself. Start your day off by recharging your body with an invigorating yoga class. Next, you will need some fuel to continue with your day, so head to Lumami for a nutritious bite and unique gourmet experience. Then head over to Balnea’s wide-range of relaxation areas including panoramic saunas, exterior baths, and lounges. To cap off your more-perfect-than-perfect afternoon, enjoy a deep tissue massage.
Students rejoice and enjoy $10 off the thermal experience or 10% off regular package rates (excluding Saturdays).
319 chemin du lac Gale, Bromont, QC J2L 2S5
(450) 534-0604
Adios, Montreal!
With guidance from travel expert Anthony La Para of Voyages La Para, we’ve got the top spring break getaways for those longing to soak up the sun and join in on the party.
Mexico’s March break capital, Cancun, may be cliché, but when spent at the recently renovated Riu Caribe, there’s no denying it’s the perfect stay. Located at the seaside of the pristine Playa de Cancun, this all-inclusive hotel offers everything from exceptional Mexican gastronomy and bar service, eclectic aquatic sports, to an incredible animation team who captures the true essence of spring break. To top it off, sun-seekers and partygoers will not break the bank choosing this getaway.
For those willing to splurge a little more, Breathless Resort and Spa in Punta Cana is the epitome of paradise, welcoming adults only. Escape to a beachfront haven for an unlimited and refined luxury experience, including limitless gourmet dining and bar service, daytime activities and nighttime entertainment, themed parties, and much more. Although a little pricier, the partying goes from day to night (on repeat) on-site; therefore, you’ll be minimizing your off-site budget on commuting, club entrance fees, and bottle service (and suddenly, we’re stumped on which we’d choose!).
999 Rue Saint-Antoine O, Montréal, QC H3C 4M7
(514) 871-9030
