Bota Bota
The water circuit: between well-being, tradition and community.
Around the world, there are a multitude of rituals linked to water circuits, as varied as the communities, countries, and cultures that practice them. These rituals offer different ways to achieve well-being, creating unifying moments and exchanges that are appreciated by all.
One of the oldest
Let’s head to sunnier places, to Mexico, with the temazcal ritual, practiced for millennia. The Aztecs, Mayans, Zapotecs, and many other Mesoamerican civilizations used this steam bath in traditional huts to purify their nearly naked bodies and strengthen the spirit for future battles. This medicinal practice involves different sweating sessions, with the temazcal being equivalent to a hammam.
It is widely appreciated and respected within Mexican communities. For them, this ritual represents much more than a simple steam bath: it is a living connection to their ancestors, to the Earth, and to values of purification and healing. Many Mexicans also see it as a way to reconnect with their cultural and spiritual roots, especially in a world where traditions are often an oversight.
In addition to its traditional importance, the temazcal has also become popular in a more modern contexts in Mexico. It is often offered in wellness centers and tourist spots, attracting not only tourists but also many Mexicans who find moments of relaxation and introspection.
This narrow space fosters unity and solidarity among participants, as it is often practiced collectively. This shared experience strengthens community bonds by creating a space for mutual support and collective healing. Going through this ritual together, which can be physically and emotionally demanding, generates a sense of brotherhood and understanding within the group.
© Tia Vidal
In the Land of the Rising Sun
Thousands of kilometers away, in Japan, tradition has it that volcanic hot springs were the creation of Japanese civilization. The salt in these baths had properties that attracted game, leading inhabitants to settle around them. Known as onsen, or “hot springs,” these thermal baths have numerous therapeutic properties and are believed to relieve joint pain, skin problems, colds, and much more.
Onsens in Japan have a deep connection with Japanese culture and community, although they are experienced somewhat differently from the temazcal, particularly because the spiritual dimension is less present. However, onsens are highly appreciated spaces for relaxation and socialization, where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to share moments of collective relaxation. Today, communal bathing remains an important moment for connecting with others, discussing, and strengthening social ties. It is not uncommon to see families, friends, or colleagues visiting an onsen to strengthen their friendships or celebrate an event.
Thus, they represent a space where the Japanese community can reconnect with itself, maintain ties with loved ones, and get closer to nature. It is a tradition that plays both a social and cultural role and continues to thrive despite modern changes.
© Susann Schuster
Rooted in the community
The sauna in Finland and other Nordic countries (such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark) has a strong link with culture and community, much like onsens in Japan or temazcals in Mexico, but with its own particularities tied to Finnish society. In Finland, the sauna is not just a means of relaxation, but a ritual deeply rooted in daily life and national identity. Almost every home has a sauna, and public saunas are numerous, fostering a tradition shared by all generations and social classes.
On a community level, it is a space for socializing, where people gather to share simple and sincere moments. The absence of clothing and the intense heat create a relaxed setting where social barriers fall. This strengthens bonds among participants, whether with family, friends, or even colleagues. In fact, it is not uncommon for important discussions to take place in a sauna, as the setting is conducive to openness and sincerity.
Saunas are also integrated into outdoor leisure: many are located near lakes or in forests, allowing for a plunge into cold water after a session of intense heat, a practice that is part of the experience.
In short, the sauna in Nordic countries is a place of well-being and communion, rooted in national culture, promoting physical health, mental relaxation, and social ties. It remains a central element of community life and, for its inhabitants, embodies a form of hospitality and respect for traditions.
© Clay Banks
Checkmate
Built and inaugurated in 1913, the Széchenyi Baths in Budapest are an important symbol of Hungary’s thermal culture and represent a real community and social bond for Hungarians. This thermal complex is one of the largest in Europe and embodies a long tradition of baths dating back to Roman times, later reinforced by Turkish baths built in the 16th century under the Ottoman Empire. Today, this site and other thermal baths in Budapest attract not only locals but also visitors from around the world, making these places spaces for meeting and relaxation.
It is a place of relaxation but also a community space where people gather to unwind, socialize, and maintain a wellness routine. Thermal baths are enjoyed by all ages, and it is common to see families, friends, or groups of elderly people enjoying the thermal waters together.
The outdoor pools, open year-round, and the chess games in the water are traditions that embody the communal aspect of the baths. They offer a unique place where relaxation, sharing, and cultural heritage blend into daily life, making Széchenyi a symbol of social life and identity in Budapest.
© Unknown source
The water circuit
In Quebec, thermotherapy is an iconic ritual, and the thermal circuit most closely tied to local culture is that of Nordic baths, inspired by Scandinavian traditions. This circuit, which alternates steam baths, cold baths, and rest periods, is particularly popular at Bota Bota.
The various saunas and hammams offer breathtaking views of Montreal, which vary depending on the location chosen on board. The water circuit begins with 10 to 15 minutes of relaxation in one of the dry saunas or hammams while admiring the panorama of your choice. These minutes are precious for the body, allowing muscle relaxation and relief from muscle pain. They are also beneficial for the mind: let yourself be enveloped by the heat and eliminate toxins naturally. Your daily worries gradually evaporate, along with the droplets escaping from your pores.
The thermal cycle continues with a short dip in a cold bath, available indoors or outdoors, offering a varied experience. In winter, when snow blankets the boat, the outdoor experience becomes even more satisfying as you take on the challenge of the icy temperature. This often-dreaded step will make your heart race for just a few seconds while tightening your skin’s pores. These silent shared spaces are essential, fostering moments of reconnection, whether with oneself or with others.
In addition to its relaxation offerings, Bota Bota regularly organizes events, workshops, and cultural activities that strengthen ties with the local community. This includes yoga sessions, meditation workshops, and collaborations with local artists. These initiatives transform the spa into a dynamic space where people can not only relax but also connect, exchange, and draw inspiration. To share this experience with loved ones, Jeudis Reconnexion offer the possibility of speaking quietly aboard or using cell phones under certain conditions, while preserving the experience of other passengers.
© Constance Carpanèse
Ultimately, Bota Bota is much more than a floating spa: it is a gathering and sharing place for the Montreal or foreign community, valuing well-being, nature, and connections. It reflects the spirit of Montreal, combining relaxation and cultural openness in a unique setting.
