The ‘monastic stay’ sounds more new-agey than austere, intended for visitors to unplug and relax.
Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec City isn’t an ordinary nunnery—these ladies invite God into their hearts and travelers into their home. The Augustinian order of nuns have made their home into a lovely wellness haven with everything for visitors from spiritual workshops to an organic restaurant.
General Director Isabelle Duchesneau was brought in to help the nuns confront diminishing numbers of members and visitors to the former cloister. Of the reinvention, she says, “We knew we couldn’t solely be dependent on government funds and donations forever. So, we had to develop a business model with revenue-generating components. We knew there would be a museum and archive center, but we wanted to push it further, while maintaining the values and the heritage of the sisters.”
Guests can stay in nun “cells,” or rooms “restored in the spirit of monasticism” which feature a twin bed and antique desk, or contemporary quarters with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. But the main service of the hotel revolves around holistic well-being: activities like yoga, meditation, and massage. Holistic health and nutrition consultations are available as well as breath and posture workshops round out your stay. Praise be!
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