Quebec | Canada | 21 Hotel Quintessence While Tremblant thrives on large-group energy, nearby Hotel Quintessence offers a far more intimate setting for executive retreats and leadership gatherings. On the shores of Lake Tremblant, the Michelin Key property features 30 oversized suites and remains the area’s only five-star luxury boutique hotel, making it especially well suited to C-suite meetings and full-property buyouts. The atmosphere feels intentionally residential rather than corporate. Conversations unfold naturally over lakeside dinners, while small groups can meet privately in spaces such as the Salon Philosophe, the Winebar or the expansive living room of a Deluxe Suite configured for executive sessions. “Given the boutique nature of the property, we are frequently prioritized for full buyouts, allowing groups to enjoy complete exclusivity and a highly personalized experience throughout the hotel,” says Delphine Elefante, director of sales and marketing. “One of our signature experiences is the combination of luxurious lakeside suites with in-room fireplaces and breathtaking views of Lake Tremblant, along with the hotel’s exceptional dining experience.” The concierge team can arrange everything from helicopter tours and dog sledding to private culinary experiences, while the restaurants and nightlife of the Tremblant pedestrian village remain just a short walk away. Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix Region: Charlevoix If you’re curious about how Cirque du Soleil helped spark the modern circus arts movement, look no further than Baie-Saint- Paul. In the early 1980s, an eclectic troupe of jugglers, dancers, fire breathers and musicians known as The Stiltwalkers of Baie- Saint-Paul, performed in the town’s streets, eventually evolving into what would become one of Quebec’s most influential cultural exports. Planners can tap into that same creative energy at Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix, whose striking multi-function venue was intentionally designed to accommodate circus performances. The space hosts up to 250 guests beneath soaring 40-ft. ceilings and is fully equipped “with all the anchoring and bells and whistles to be able to put on circus shows and other functions,” says general manager Susan Wilkinson. The property features 145 guestrooms, two restaurants, a Nordic spa and seven meeting rooms, making it especially well suited to leadership retreats, creative workshops and strategy sessions. On-site group activities range from art classes and wine tastings to cooking and mixology workshops, while trails lead toward the St. Lawrence River and the resort’s working farm supplies Highland beef, lamb, herbs and produce to the kitchen. Seasonal touches—such as winter ice bars built beside outdoor firepits—add further personality to events, while the surrounding Charlevoix region lends itself naturally to culinary tours, vineyard visits and ski excursions. Photos (from left): GouvQc/Jeanne Rondeau-Ducharme/Olivier Langevin; Hotel Quintessence; GouvQc/Dominique Lafond WINEBAR, HOTEL QUINTESSENCE HÔTEL & SPA LE GERMAIN CHARLEVOIX “Away from the city lights, people tend to be more real. Nature does that, and sitting around a crackling fire on a dark night can really get them connecting on a different level. That’s what people are looking for.” —Lily Perry, director, destination development, Quebec, Cantrav Services Inc.
