A sunny spring afternoon sounded like the perfect day for a spa visit. A stone’s throw from the city, moreover, is Sento Spa in Lévis. A Japanese-inspired spa where a courtyard, a Zen garden and a haven of tranquility have been designed to soothe the bather.
Discovering the Sentos
And yes, who’d have thought that you could find a little peace and quiet in an urban environment at Breakeyville in the Lévis area, not far from Highway 73 and adjacent to the Rivière Chaudière. Sentos are public baths in Japan, and play an important part in the Japanese way of life. People go there to wash, to get rid of the day’s fatigue, to socialize and to stay healthy. They often feature murals and mosaics, and are sometimes located in very old heritage buildings. In short, they are part guardian of Japanese art and architecture. Although our cultural context is different, the mission of this spa remains fully linked to the spirit of the Sento.
The architecture of the main building, which houses the reception, changing rooms, café and massage therapy rooms, adds to the charm of the place. Indeed, the address is easily recognizable thanks to its majestic Victorian villa. This was my second visit to the magnificent Sento Spa, and each time I’ve left feeling relaxed.
