Tucked away in the picturesque countryside of Canada’s Eastern Townships, lies Spa Eastman - a short drive from Montreal and close to Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire. Set on 326 acres with views of Mount Orford, the property is stunning with a lovely pond, indoor and outdoor pool and many scenic walking trails amid the lush landscape. This wellness retreat considered the best in the country, is world-renowned for its unique approach to optimum health. The philosophy here goes something like this: healing occurs when you are nurtured amid nature’s splendor savoring their distinctive gastronomic cuisine. Naturally I had my doubts having been to countless retreats where I awoke at sunrise, followed by a strict regimen of vegetarian food sometimes without even my beloved coffee.

Founder Jocelyna Dubuc first opened Spa Eastman in 1977 with the therapeutic effect of proper nutrition as a key tenet. Prior to this an illness led her to India and an exploration of how food impacts overall health. Extensive research pointed to the healing qualities of a food regimen that’s local, organic, low in carbohydrates, dairy and gluten free, with animal proteins cooked at low temperature to avoid the production of glycotoxins. These are the ingredients in the renowned ‘ Tonic Cuisine ’ served in the retreat restaurant that allows the body to reach a healthier microbiota and maintain an optimal immune system.

With acclaimed chef de cuisine and nutritional therapist Jean-Marc Enderlin there is no sacrificing flavor for this gastronomic healthy cuisine. To the contrary, each and every meal was so delectable and scrumptious – I felt like I was at a fine dining establishment. And I was!

The ‘Tonic Cuisine’ is colorful and tasty with plenty of tempting choices. (And wine is fine) Some of the delicious dishes, all visually appealing, include breakfast with buckwheat pancakes and caramelized apples; vanilla coconut cream and roasted almonds; avocado toast, salmon gravlax, cashew cheese and cherry tomatoes. Vegetarian offerings delight with dishes like tagliatelle and dill cauliflower roasted Tandoori style with button mushrooms, acorn squash and pesto. Other lunch and dinner options include: flank steak with pureed squash; marinated giant prawns, brown rice noodles; duck breast tournedos with Sichuan berries and ginger; seared tuna with a sesame crust, kale, lemon, galanga and lime leaves; and tantalizing deserts like luscious chocolate pie. Just thinking about the meals induced a state of joy.

The best part – there are actual, noticeable immediate outcomes such as more energy, more efficient weight management and improved sleep patterns. And I felt it. For the long term, this ‘ Tonic Cuisine ’ reduces inflammation in the body, which is the root cause of so many illnesses, and lowers the risk of getting cancer. I remembered meeting with a Doctor of Tibetan medicine at a notable wellness retreat in India. She told me the first thing she asks when a person is ill – What did you eat?

In addition to the culinary aspects, Hydrotherapy - alternately exposing oneself to heat and cold - is a cornerstone of the spa. It resets, restores and balances your system to create optimum health. The thermal circuit starts with heat in a sauna followed by a brief cold immersion and ends with relaxation. This powerful therapy helps eliminate toxins, improves circulation, alleviates mental fatigue, muscle tension, over-all stress, migraines, dermatological conditions and arthritic pain, as the immune system is stimulated.

The Thermotherapy Experience features an Infared and Finnish Sauna, Hammam, Kneipp circuit for cold plunges, hot tubs and plenty of loungers for relaxation. I especially liked the outdoor hot tubs and fire pit in the evening, gazing at the surrounding beauty under the stars. It’s the perfect way to end a day.

A staff of top experts assist each individual with achieving their desired goals, be it weight-loss, managing stress or increasing energy, starting with a naturopathy consultation. The excellent naturopath provides incisive analysis of guest’s conditions and designs a personalized program both at the retreat and for when you return home. During my sound healing session, the frequencies and vibrations of drums, Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes and rain sticks, released blocked emotions and I felt my heart open. Wow.

The extensive spa menu includes energetic body-oriented psychotherapy, acupuncture, reflexology and a wide array of therapeutic and relaxing massages along with body treatments and facials. A host of complimentary daily offerings such as yoga, Qi Gong, somatic breathing, guided nature walks and the acclaimed Essentrics fitness regimen, are part of your comprehensive program during your stay. The skilled practitioners here are noteworthy for their level of expertise along with their strong dedication to helping guests heal and their truly caring nature. And you feel it.

Accommodations range from the cozy stylish rooms in varying categories in the main building to the rooms in the new Oasis Pavilions, crafted in harmony with the surroundings and done in contemporary rustic décor. A short walk up the path from the retreat, these six room pavilions are spacious and eco-friendly. Oasis 1 and 2 are ideal for groups traveling together as they have communal spaces that include a meeting room and generous indoor and outdoor areas. Oasis 3, closer to the main building, does not have theses spaces but it does have individual temperature controls in the rooms, which the others don’t and you have your own patio for communing with nature and taking in the gorgeousness.