The coastal road in Gaspésie, particularly between Percé and Gaspé, offers unique and striking scenery at every turn. In St-Georges-de-La-Malbaie, in the Pointe-St-Pierre sector, there's a distinctive spot that has changed its purpose and name over the years. The place is known to the region's older residents, but not in its current form. Nordet opened the doors of its Thuya Spa in June 2019 and began its innovations by refurbishing 10 guest rooms according to well-considered ecological principles.
All of this is part of a larger project to establish an ecotourism centre in this sector belonging to the city of Percé, halfway to Gaspé.
Formerly known as the popular "Motel Bond", it was built over fifty years ago by Henry Bond. In addition to living on site with his family, he found the time to create a very popular bar that left its mark on many lives. The two new owners, Jeffrey Samuel-Bond and Steven Bond, are in fact Henry Bond's grandson and son.
The Motel Bond, which gave rise to Nordet
Jeffrey Samuel-Bond, founder and owner of Avolo Plein Air since 2010, fulfilled a childhood dream by buying back this family motel in the winter of 2019 to create an ecotourism centre in Saint-Georges-de-Malbaie. Steven Bond, who lived in the Motel Bond in his youth, now resides in the United States. There, he owns an IT consulting firm and is a shareholder in the Nordet project, also serving as a mentor.
For the curious, Nordet is in fact a synonym for wind from the northeast, a nice nod to the reality of Pointe St-Pierre!
Nordet today
Relaxation at its peak
The spa shares the owners' ecological values, with its four pools (three hot, one cold) and sauna all made of Canadian red cedar and requiring only minimal treatment products to keep the water clean at all times.
Thermotherapy in the spotlight
Thermotherapy involves using temperature variations, typically between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius, to relax and soothe the body's muscles and joints. The body normally maintains a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. When exposed to these temperature variations, blood vessels dilate and contract, releasing endorphins, among other substances, which are responsible for the feeling of well-being.
The thermotherapy cycle typically consists of about 15 minutes in the heat, a quick plunge into cold water, and then a period of relaxation. Repeating this cycle several times allows you to reach an exceptional level of relaxation.
The changing rooms feature showers made of recycled ceramic from a local company, the body products are organic, and over 90% of purchases were made from Québec suppliers. Finally, at Thuya Spa, the facilities also include a relaxation area with a wood fire and two outdoor areas, making it the first Nordic spa in Gaspésie.
As a reminder, in 2021, Nordet secured a spot in the national finals of the Défi OSEntreprendre for the category Doing Business Together, a new category recognizing entrepreneurs who stand out through the evolution of their procurement practices.
A variety of services
Nordet is also about accommodation, offered for overnight stays only, or in spa packages. Several rooms, suites, and even a fully equipped chalet are available, all with an eco-friendly approach. Many improvements have been made to the former motel in recent years.
Outdoor activities are also offered. The website of Nordet makes for a well-documented display of them, including sea kayaking.
It's worth mentioning the Bond Café, a food counter and breakfast buffet now available, serving brunch every morning until 11 a.m. The menu features salads, thin-crust pizzas, tapas and Asian soups, pastries, and other snacks. Several beers from Gaspésie microbreweries and organic wines are also available.
Over the coming years, its promoter explains, new services and ecotourism activities will appear, notably in addition to the spa, which will expand and add facilities and services.
Le Nordet – Spa Thuya
nordet.ca
1600 route 132 est, QC-132,
Saint-Georges-de-Malbaie, QC G0C 2X0
(418) 645-2223