StoneHaven Le Manoir : Laurentians Paradise

Recently added to the Relais & Châteaux family, StoneHaven Le Manoir is a new hotel in the heart of the Laurentians, more precisely in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, that will bewitch you with its warmth and its fantastic decor straight out of the ’30s.

It was during a visit organized by Tourism Laurentians that I had the opportunity to stay in the former residence of Mr. Douglas Lorne McGibbon, a rich Montréal businessman who made his fortune in the rubber industry. With a careful and meticulous eye, Mr. Georges Coulombe, president of Gestion Georges Coulombe, was able to restore the charm and historical aspect of this 1908 sumptuous residence after more than two years of considerable renovation. A refined and unique atmosphere perfect for gentlemen in search of absolute tranquility.

An Exceptional Quality of Service

As soon as I arrived, I felt that I was indeed in an exceptional hotel. The staff calls you by name, so they know who you are. The porch entrance is just perfect. Valet parking is, of course, available. 

In addition, the warm welcome I received from the StoneHaven Le Manoir team, with Maxime Parra, Ambassador of the establishment, and Caroline Lemieux, Clefs d’Or Concierge, was impeccable. No matter how unusual your requests, they will be able to answer them in a snap. If you want to know more about the history of the hotel, Mr. Parra will be happy to give you a tour of the hotel and answer all your questions. Did you know that Mr. McGibbon built the first major sanatorium in the Laurentians, the Laurentian Sanatorium, now the Jacques-Duquette Pavilion of the Laurentian Hospital? A great philanthropist, he donated this institution to the community following his death from tuberculosis in 1927.

The Rooms at StoneHaven Le Manoir

StoneHaven Le Manoir offers a total of 34 rooms and this number will soon increase to 51 once the renovations to an adjacent old building are completed. These rooms are unique, in a quiet environment inspired by the past. Having been carefully decorated by the owner, we also find inside them refurbished antique furniture and beautiful chandeliers.

The bathrooms are spacious and comfortable. To awaken our senses, we can use a variety of Molton Brown products and some rooms are also equipped with bathtubs. Finally, we must not forget the high-end bedding signed Marie l’Oie which will ensure you sleep in the best way possible. Let’s just say that this history-rich room will provide all the bedtime story you need to relax.

Te restaurant: Delicacy on the Plate

Masterfully directed by Mr. Éric Gonzalez, former chef of L’Atelier Joël Robuchon in Montréal, the restaurant offers a culinary experience that perfectly blends the classics of French cuisine with the freshness of local products. We find, for example, Rougié duck from Marieville and M. Émile salmon from Percé.

The finesse with which the chef and his brigade execute their dishes is simply incredible. Every flavour is present, the taste is there, and when we let the team choose the plates and the pairings for us, it is simply magic. The variety of dishes is impressive, either in the morning or in the evening, and the quality of service is just perfect.

 

If you love Ruinart, you will be delighted to know that it is the house champagne by the glass. I also recommend that you visit the wine cellar during your stay, it houses some more than magnificent products.

Also, the team at StoneHaven Le Manoir is currently preparing two restaurant experiences, one more intimate and one more grandiose, but I’ll let them tell you all about it when the time comes.

What to do at StoneHaven Le Manoir?

While the library filled with books and board games has certainly been my go-to with a glass of whisky in hand, the resort also offers a hot tub and steam room that can accommodate us year-round and the outdoor pool is only accessible during the summer. With its English charm and in-house pianist, the establishment is the ideal setting to experience traditional tea service on an enchanting Sunday afternoon.

Providing a variety of treatments, the Maison de beauté Félix Forest and the spa pavilion of the hotel will bring you a great inner calm. Are you more of a sports type? Don’t worry, there are countless spots where you can practise your favourite activity. Whether it’s skiing in the many mountains of the region or perfecting your swings at the Royal Laurentian Golf Club, there’s plenty to keep you happy. You can also enjoy the fresh air by hiking the many trails surrounding this enchanting site and finish your visit by exploring the sumptuous Italian garden built at the same time as the establishment.

All in all, it was a wonderful stay at this high-end institution that opened in 2019. It comes very close to offering the ultimate hotel experience in the country and I can only praise the excellent work of the StoneHaven Le Manoir team. Congratulations!

Reserve your stay now!

P.S. Personally, I would add a retro runabout style boat or a sailboat for the guests to take a ride on the lake and the whole thing would be even more exceptional

Article originally published in Gentologie Magazine Issue 10