UNPLUG IN A SNOW GLOBE

Shake up your travel: The off-the-beaten-track surprise convergence of a “super dome,” a wellness retreat and a sushi restaurant at Bel Air Tremblant Resort in Quebec

by Dara Klatt

The domes at Bel Air Resort

There’s something strangely wonderful about Bel Air Tremblant Resort. Nestled on 543 acres of land, this mountain refuge is located just a few minutes from the famed Mont- Tremblant ski resort in Quebec, Canada. Along with a lush forest and 10-acre lake, the Bel Air has the added twist of an animal farm, dog sledding, popular sushi restaurant,
onsite spa and much more.

What truly sets it apart, however, is its luxury take on winter glamping. High-end “super domes” offer a distinctive experience in the heart of nature, with stylish, modern interiors and oversized windows with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. When the powder falls from the sky (this is Canada after all and snow happens quite regularly), you can snuggle away zen-like in your own inspired snow globe next to a crackling fire.

Each dome rental is tucked away at a comfortable distance from potential flu-filled guests. Bright and spacious, the super dome features up to 700 square feet of open living space, a 15-foot ceiling, and large bay window. It boasts an open kitchen area with a dining table for two, king-size bed, gas fireplace and stand-alone bathtub. Outside is a deck with a barbecue grill, a private Jacuzzi and a sauna.

Stylish interiors and over-sized windows of the luxury domes at Bel Air hotel in Mont Tremblant

Without a 4×4 vehicle, guests can walk five minutes to or from the clubhouse (which has a spa, gym and game room) for an experience in itself. Pro tip at night based on experience: make sure to wear boots with traction and carry a flashlight to walk the pitch black, blindingly dark road back. (Don’t worry, in the winter, the bears are hibernating in their dens … or so I was assured).

IMMERSIVE WELLNESS EXPERIENCE

In an effort to slow down and get back in touch with nature, the resort has partnered with C’est la Vie Wellness & Retreats for curated wellness experiences (offered again April 23-27, 2023). The “learning and transformative journey” led by founders Armelle Mesguich and Karen Letayef features nourishing plant-based food, exercise and activities, lectures and social connections with others.

C’est la vie co-founders Karen Letayff and Armelle Mesguich 

From morning celery juice and breathing exercises to yoga, dance and cooking classes, and from daily massages to guided hikes through the slopes of Mont Tremblant, the goal is to recharge and reset mind, body and spirit. Letayef is an artisan baker who prepares plant-based and gluten-free items such as mango/banana/ spinach/coconut smoothies; banana bread with oat-free flour and vanilla; colorful vegan wraps made of chickpea flour, fresh spinach and pea butterfly powder; and morning oats with cinnamon, cardamom, almond milk and raspberry puree.

Healthy breakfast at C’est la vie wellness retreat

SUSHI IN THE WILDERNESS

Ekki Sushi Tremblant at the Bel Air Resort

As they would say in Canada, Ekki Sushi Tremblant at the Bel Air Resort is “une expe?rience extraordinaire!” Presented vibrantly beautiful with yellow, orange, purple and red flowers, the dishes served in this modern restaurant with scenic views are thoughtful and flavorful. Fish is shipped from Japan to Montreal and then to Bel Air Resort, which helps to explain why the restaurant is proudly referred to by locals as a little piece of Japan in the Quebec mountains, and why it earned Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice award. Make sure to try the O-Toro fatty tuna, the nigiri tuna and hiramasa amberjack.

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