Frequently Asked Questions | Spa Informations | Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau

PROMOTION | From Monday to Thursday, book a 90- or 120-minute massage or treatment and get 30 free minutes. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions
General
Am I allowed to take pictures on board?

Cell phones, cameras, and photos are prohibited on board to help you completely disconnect. However, we acknowledge that the spa experience can also be a social one. That’s why, on Thursdays, we exceptionally accept the use of cell phones and cameras under certain conditions.

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What bathrobes sizes are available on board?

We offer three different sizes: small/medium – large/XL – 4 XL

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Does my gift card have an expiration date?

Gift cards do not have an expiration date, however, one year after the date of purchase, they will be honoured for their monetary value. If you purchased a boarding pass for a treatment or package, the issue date written on your card refers to the year during which the merchant cannot charge a supplement in the event of a fare increase. In good faith, we are extending the base year by the number of weeks the spa will be closed. Note that you can use the value of the gift card to pay any invoice to Bota-Bota.

If you have purchased a package and what is included in it is not available at the moment, you can use the value of your gift card to settle any invoice at Bota Bota.

You can purchase gift cards at our boutique, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., but also by phone or on our website.

Canada Post has long delivery times, which can affect the receipt of your gift card by post. Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can send you a copy by email.

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Is it possible that the water circuit may be closed du to extreme weather (extreme cold, heavy rains, etc.)?

The water circuit is accessible at all times except on Christmas Day, December 25th. Being a Nordic spa, temperature differences can add to the thermal experience. On the other hand, if thunderstorms occur, we have a legal obligation to close the outdoor portion of the water circuit up to 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

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Where can I park my car?

The Grand Quai at 200 de la Commune West houses a public parking near the Bota Bota. Please see the contact page under the section Getting there  for more details related to the different means of transportation.

However, we encourage you to use other means of transportation. Bota Bota is easily accessible by public transport. We are located 10 minutes from Square Victoria metro station (Exit St-Jacques street) and close to several BIXI stations. We are also accessible by bus, lines 715 and 61.

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Do you have special promotions for birthdays?

For our newsletter subscribers, a relaxing thought (with a gift!) will be sent to you the day prior to your birthday.

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Do you offer accommodation?

Unfortunately, we only have treatment cabins. However, we have many hotel partners nearby: please see the Accommodation Packages section for more details. Please also note that this type of booking must be made through the hotel you choose. They will contact us to book your treatments.

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Does the Bota Bota boat leave port?

No. Bota Bota is permanently moored in the Old Port of Montreal. It is not a cruise boat, but rather a ship designed to transport you without moving. As a matter of fact, the engine room was completely gutted and transformed into our locker room!

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Do you partner with influencers?

In order to provide the best experience of relaxation, silence should remains onboard and cellphone should stay in the locker. Thereby, unless a rare exception of partnership, influencer are not allowed to create content at the spa. Please contact 514 284 03333 for any request.

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Do you give sponsorship?

Bota Bota receives numerous sponsorship requests. Only major sponsorships related to our marketing objectives and meeting the following cumulative criteria will be considered:
– In connection with well-being in an obvious way;
– Ensures high visibility (web media coverage, print, radio or television, newsletter, social media, major blogs, etc.);
– Focus directly on our target audience.

Bota Bota offers only in-service contributions. All sponsorship of monetary nature will be automatically refused. Please note that sponsorship applications will be processed once every two weeks. Please complete the sponsorship application form.

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Visit
Does the time spent in the restaurant count towards the duration of my stay in the water circuit?

Yes, the time spent at La Traversée is calculated in your access to the water circuit. If you wish to take full advantage of the 3 hours of access to the water circuit included in your reservation, all you have to do is change, empty your locker and hand your bracelet back to our exit counter, indicating that you will continue your visit to the restaurant.

Please note that the Bathe & Taste, Foodie Drift and Galleon foodies packages already include an additional 30 minutes to allow you to have your meal at La Traversée without having to empty your locker.

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What is the restaurant's seating capacity ?

Our restaurant possesses 42 places inside and 22 places on our floating terrace when temperatures permit it.

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Can I take a drink on board?

It is possible to consume wine, cocktails or mocktails ordered at the restaurant. If temperature is warm enough, we open a bar in the Garden section to enhance the pleasure of lounging. Since the Bota Bota is a place of relaxation and also for security reasons, we limit passengers to 2 drinks per visit since alcohol and waters circuits do not go well together.

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Can I bring my own food or drink at Bota Bota?

Since we possess a restaurant on board, the food, drinks and alcoholic beverages coming from the outside are forbidden. The variety of our menu will suit all appetites and budgets. Please consult our Restaurant section for more details about our food options. Of course, we encourage you to bring your own reusable non-glass water bottle to carry your water with you.

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What should I bring with me to Bota Bota?

Have a swimsuit made out of an appropriate water resistant material, beach sandals and a non-glass water bottle ~ preferably reusable ~ that you can fill in our water fountains. The Bota Bota team is committed to making the spa as eco-friendly as possible, so plastic bags are no longer provided in the locker room. We invite you to bring your own plastic or reusable bag for your wet swimsuit. Just like at a hotel, you will be asked for a credit card number upon arrival to cover any additional expenses on-site. In this case, payment will be processed at the end of your visit.

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What swimwear is accepted at Bota Bota?

We accept any swimsuit made in a material suitable for water. This directive was put in place for health and safety purposes.

If you have any doubt or you need more details, do not hesitate to contact our agents at 514-284-0333.

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Can I bring my own bathrobe?

No, you can only wear the bathrobe that is provided to you at your boarding. It is includes in the price of the water circuit.

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What is provided during my stay?

The price of the water circuit access or our treatments include the loan of a bathrobe, a towel and a locker with a key. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturizer, hair brushes, dryers and flat irons are also available in the locker room. Sandals are not provided but are mandatory.

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Is it possible to pay part of another person's bill who is onsite?

If you are not onsite, you can contact our agents at 514-284-0333. If you are not onsite and if it is possible for us to respond to your request, you will be required to complete and return a credit authorization.

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When will the payment of my visit occur?

We offer the option of express check-out, which speeds up the process of departure. In order to proceed with an express check-out:

  1. A pre-authorization on your credit card of $50 per person will be charged.
  2. When you exit, we ask you to leave your wristband in the designated place.
  3. You will receive by email, within hours of your visit, a copy of your bill with the amount adjusted to the services received.

Note that a delay of 2 to 3 business days may be necessary for the pre-authorization to disappear from your bank account. Do not hesitate to contact us at info@botabota.ca or call us at 514-284-0333 for any questions regarding billing.

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Treatments & Massages
Are your massage therapists registered?

Yes, all our massages are performed by registered massage therapists (RMT).

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Do you provide insurance receipts?

Yes, all our massages are performed by registered massage therapists (RMT) and provided with an insurance receipt. Please check with your insurer beforehand if any special conditions must be met for your reimbursement request to be accepted. For example, the Certified 1000 hours massage was created to meet the very specific requirements of the Canada Life insurer. In case of loss of the receipt, please contact our reservations center at: 514-284-0333 or reservations@botabota.ca

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Are there any contraindications for the water circuit and/or massage therapy?

Those with heart problems, hypertension, angina and diabetes, as well as pregnant women, should consult their doctor before visiting the spa. Pregnant women must have completed their 13th week of pregnancy in order to receive a prenatal massage.

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What beauty product lines do you use for treatments?

Bota Bota has chosen Éminence products, a range that is well known for plant-based ingredients, and Babor. This last line uses only renewable resources and raw materials from organic agriculture. At Bota Chic, we use the Spa Rituals line and Artistic Color Gel.

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Do the spa treatment prices include the tip?

No. The tip is left to your discretion. However, to simplify group payments, please calculate the tip in advance. We recommend leaving a tip of 15%.

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Can I purchase products used during a treatment received on board?

Éminence, Babor and Spa Rituals products are on sale at our store which is located near the reception desk. We also sell swimwear and beach sandals

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Is it possible to book a treatment without doing the water circuit?

Yes, it is possible.

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Do you have any recommendations for future moms?

Pregnant women must have completed their 13th week of pregnancy in order to receive a massage, which must be adapted for pregnancy and specifically requested at the time of booking. For more details, visit our Prenatal massage section or call 514-284-0333 to speak to one of our agents.

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Can we get manicures and pedicures on board?

The Bota Chic space dedicated to nail and foot care is currently closed.

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Purchases & Bookings
How do I reserve?

BY TELEPHONE You can reach our reservation agents between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 7 days a week, by calling 514-284-0333.

ONLINE Simply click on BOOK either in a treatment or massage therapy page or for a specific event or in our booking section. In addition, certain treatments can only be booked by telephone.

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I'm a foreign and I would like to book my treatments. How can I do it?

If it is possible to contact us by phone at + 1-514-284-0333, you can book your treatment with one of our agents. It is also possible to book online. However, if you already booked your treatment online and would like to make a change to this reservation, you can contact our agents by email at the following address: reservations@botabota.ca.

It is unfortunately impossible to book your treatment by e-mail since we need your credit card information in order to proceed with the booking.

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What is the cancellation policy?

To modify or cancel your reservation, please contact us by phone between 8am and 8pm at 514.284.0333

TREATMENTS & MASSAGES

Full refund for cancellation or modification made 48 hours prior to your appointment.

  • A 50% refund can be issued for any cancellation made between 4 hours and 48 hours before treatment time.
  • No refund possible for any cancellation made less than 4 hours before treatment time.
  • No refund possible in case of a no-show.

 

WATER CIRCUIT

Full refund for cancellation or modification made 24 hours prior to your appointment.

  • A 50% refund can be issued for any cancellation made between 4 hours and 24 hours before your appointment.
  • No refund possible for any cancellation made less than 4 hours before your appointment.
  •  No refund possible in case of a no-show.

 

That is the reason why we require the full payment upon booking your appointment.

Our cancellation policy is built to ensure a revenue to our massage therapist if a client doesn’t show up. A confirmation email is sent and if this email is not answered, we will call the day before the appointment.

Events are non-refundable.

Please note that in the event of a thunderstorm, the baths will be evacuated for 30 minutes, for your safety. No refund can be allowed for this incident beyond our control.

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Is it possible to pay in advance my visit?

We require the full payment in advance, by credit card, in order to make a reservation. Please note that tips and restaurant consumption are extras and will be paid on spot.

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Do I need to make a reservation at the restaurant?

We do not accept reservations at the restaurant. We work with the “First come, first serve” philosophy.

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Do you offer packages for two?

We have several packages for two. All our packages can be adapted for several people, please contact our agents at 514-284-0333 for more information. If the chosen package includes one or more treatments, we recommend that you book at least one week in advance.

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Is a reservation necessary?

FOR THE WATER CIRCUIT (access to the relaxation areas, the floating terrace, whirlpools, steam bath and saunas) reservations are mandatory, online or by phone 514-284-0333.

FOR TREATMENTS, we strongly suggest that you book at least one week in advance. Please be aware that we are doing our best to accommodate last minute requests. It is possible to make an appointment for your care online or by phone. Some availabilities do not appear online and some treatments cannot be booked online; do not hesitate to call us and speak to an agent at 514-284-0333. On the phone, a credit card will be requested as a guarantee of payment. Online, the amount for the treatment must be prepaid by credit card at the time of booking.

FOR EVENTS, it is usually possible to book online or by phone. The purchase price of the ticket (s) will be charged to your credit card at the time of booking.

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Are children allowed onboard?

No. Bota Bota has a liquor licence restricting the presence of minors on board. Exceptions are authorized for our Pirates Layover and School spring break events. For more information, please refer to our events section.

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What are your accepted methods of payment?

Our accepted payment methods are : credit card (visa, mastercard, amex), debit, cash and our gift cards.

Please note that the surprise effect can not be guaranteed due to the fraud checks that must be made after the purchase.

Please also note that we no longer accept Wayspa cards.

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Do you accept Wayspa gift cards?

As of May 8, 2022, Bota Bota no longer accepts Wayspa gift cards.

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Group
How many people do we need to be considered a group?

Starting at 6 people, your guests and you are considered to be part of a group. Please fill our group form or write to groupes@botabota.ca to make a booking. We will contact you promptly to confirm the details.

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Corporate
Is it possible to organize a corporate event onboard?

Yes, different corporative services exist in order to create the best solution according to your needs. To coexist with our daily customers, pricing will be fixed according to the season, the day of the week, the duration of the retreat and the estimated traffic. Please send your request to our Marketing B2B coordinator : dimitri.ceyrac@botabota.ca

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Is it possible to privatize the spa?

From Monday to Thursday only, for a yoga class or a workshop organized during a corporate retreats, Bota Bota can privatize a space in its gardens or allow an early access to the water circuit before opening.

For any request: charlotte.bocquillon@botabota.ca

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Do you offer loyalty passport for companies?

Yes, we offer a variety of corporate services. Please contact our Marketing B2B coodinator dimitri.ceyrac@botabota.ca for all the details. You can also consult our Corporate Services section.

 

 

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Do you have coporate packages?

Yes, we offer a variety of corporate services. Please contact our Marketing B2B coordinator dimitri.ceyrac@botabota.ca for all the details. You can also consult our Corporate Services section.

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Covid-19
Does COVID-19 impact the use of gift cards?

The value of your gift card never expires. If you purchased a boarding pass for a treatment or package, the issue date written on your card refers to the year during which the merchant cannot charge a supplement in the event of a fare increase. In good faith, we are extending the base year by the number of weeks the spa has been closed during that period. Note that you can use the value of the gift card to pay any invoice to Bota Bota.

If you have purchased a package and what is included in it is not available at the moment, you can use the value of your gift card to settle any invoice at Bota Bota.

Canada Post has long delivery times, which can affect the receipt of your gift card by post. Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can send you a copy by email.

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What to do if you or the person you are with starts experiencing COVID-19 symptoms during your stay on board?

If you experience a COVID-19 symptom, you should immediately notify a crew member.

Procedures are in place and we will tell you how to proceed. We will ensure your safety, while protecting our passengers and our crew from the risk of infection.

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What services, places and activities are accessible?

Our water circuit and massage therapy services are open and available.

During our operating hours, our boutique is accessible and our agents available for gift card purchases.

We have made changes to ensure that the accommodations meet hygiene and distancing rules.

 

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What hygiene and sanitary measures are in place?

We are committed to welcoming you in a safe environment. Hygiene, cleaning and disinfection measures comply with the recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health. We have redesigned our spaces and adapted our boarding process to promote distancing. We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of our facilities. We have removed all non-essential items and implemented sterilization procedures for all useful or essential equipment. We have also modified our procedures and wording to ensure that our passengers comply with the respiratory etiquette and hygiene measures. All the members of our crew have been made aware and must respect a very strict health protocol.

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Which specific measures must be followed?

You must not have any of the COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, loss of smell) in order to come aboard Bota Bota, nor have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the 14 days preceding your visit.

To protect your health and that of our crew, we have established the following requirement for all of our passengers:

  • You will be denied access if you have fever symptoms, dry cough, tiredness or respiratory problems. Take your temperature before setting off for Bota Bota and cancel your visit in case of any symptoms. If in doubt, please refer to the Quebec Government self-assessment tool.
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