A word from the captain – Apr 2015

Springtime renewal!

As nature slowly but surely comes back to life in Montreal, so too is Bota Bota shedding its old skin for a new one. For starters, we are pleased to introduce our revamped version of The Porthole. We hope the new look—more elegant and dynamic—will draw you on board.

As Mother’s Day draws near, I am especially delighted to add a new section to our website, one designed with new moms in mind.

Pregnancy is a blessed event in which I found inspiration, as I am also living it myself – yes indeed, a new sailor will soon join the crew ! I have had the great pleasure of working with our wonderful therapists, pinpointing the specific needs of pregnant women and, above all, finding ways of supporting women as they spare no effort to ensure the well-being of their oft long-awaited bundle of joy. Accordingly, we have selected appropriate treatments for each stage of pregnancy, ones that benefit both mother and baby. You will find in this section, for your own use or that of an expecting mother near and dear to you, ideas, suggestions and recommendations for a healthy pregnancy. (Click here)

I truly believe in the importance of touch from the very first moments of a human being’s life. I see touch as a way to communicate with this new person, to familiarize an infant with human warmth, to understand his or her reactions, and even to alleviate some of what ails this little one.And so I am humbled to introduce, starting this May, massage workshops for babies, where parents can learn techniques for promoting sound sleep and relieving colic and other minor discomforts babies suffer. It’s a gift I’m eager to offer my own baby, my partner and myself!

Of course, come spring, we celebrate more than just future moms: it’s a celebration of all mothers! To mark the occasion, Auberge Saint-Gabriel has put together a delicious brunch the whole family can enjoy in our floating restaurant (click here). We also have gift packages sure to please everyone, from organic Earth mothers to doting moms (click here)!

As well, the much-awaited opening of the Bota Bota gardens is fast approaching. The new space will finally be inaugurated late May. Be sure to check out the next edition of The Porthole for all the details!

In addition to all these new developments, we feature articles with spring in mind: the latest trends in shoes and sandals; foot care at home or at the spa; and edible plants to discover and cultivate. And in honor of Mother’s Day, we recommend four mother-daughter travel destinations for a girls’ trip to remember.