At Station Chêne Rouge in North Hatley, high-speed Wi-Fi is available in the clubhouse, but not in the units. The signal is weak in your accommodations, and that’s not a flaw—it’s a design choice. Here’s the philosophy behind this decision, and how it affects your stay.
Unplugging for Adults
We don't confiscate anyone's phone. No locked box, no rules. Our approach is different: we aim to create a place where you don't feel like looking at your screen, rather than a place where it's forbidden.
It creates a simple layout. Your unit, your patio, your fire pit, the trails: this is the realm of silence. The clubhouse: this is the realm of the outside world, with fast Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and coffee. You choose your boundary, and you cross it whenever you want. An important video call on Friday? The clubhouse is waiting for you. The rest of the time, the forest takes over—because it’s more interesting than your news feed, and that’s why we built this resort.
What the Research Says (and What We Observe)
Researchers who study attention describe two modes: directed attention—the kind we use on screens and at work, which becomes depleted—and gentle attention—the kind that nature effortlessly captures. It is the latter that recharges the former. A news feed stimulates; a forest restores. You can feel the difference from the very first evening. To learn more, we’ve written a guide to forest bathing in the Eastern Townships.
Here at our company, we can see it in the data: our customer satisfaction score—measured for every message we receive—rose from 59 at its lowest point in July to 74 among customers at the end of summer. The most common thing people write to us when they return is: “We hardly touched our phones, and we didn’t miss them.”
How to Make the Most of the System
Decide what you’ll use it for before you arrive: “I’ll check my email at the clubhouse in the morning, period.” A clear rule is better than willpower. Download maps and music before you leave. Leave your phone in the cabin when you go for a walk: the trails are marked, and you still have a sense of direction. In the evening, the fire takes the place of the screen. It’s a win-win trade-off—and we provide the firewood. And if you want to keep one foot in the outside world, our guide to remote work in nature shows you how to do both. At Station Chêne Rouge in North Hatley, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montreal, balance is the result.
Yes, high-speed internet at the clubhouse. In the units, the signal is intentionally weak: disconnecting is part of the experience.
Yes: The clubhouse spaces are designed for remote work, with sturdy tables, natural light, and coffee. Many guests work in the morning and take it easy in the afternoon.
Never. Disconnecting is a choice: we set the conditions; you choose the extent.
Our team responds to messages around the clock, day and night, and the clubhouse is just a few minutes' walk from each unit.
