Bota Bota and the Power of Aluminum Gangways for Floating Spas
This article highlights MAADI Group’s contribution to one of Montreal’s most iconic floating destinations, Bota Bota Spa-sur-l’eau, through its expertise in aluminum gangways for floating spas. If you’re looking for spa services or booking information, please visit Bota Bota’s official website.
Nestled along the St. Lawrence River in the scenic Old Port of Montreal, Bota Bota is a one-of-a-kind floating spa housed on a converted ferryboat. Since its launch in 2010, the spa has become a wellness destination offering visitors a serene escape with a waterfront view. The experience begins before guests even step aboard—thanks to custom-engineered aluminum gangways designed and built by MAADI Group.
Why Floating Spas Like Bota Bota Need Aluminum Gangways
MAADI Group, a leader in aluminum engineering for marine and architectural applications, was commissioned to design and fabricate gangways that connects the mainland to the floating spa. The solution needed to be elegant, corrosion-resistant, and able to withstand both high foot traffic and harsh winter conditions year after year.
The result was high-performance aluminum gangways for floating spas—specifically engineered to meet the site’s unique technical demands. The gangways remain stable despite changing water levels, requires virtually no maintenance, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the overall site.
Design and Engineering: Creating Resilient Spa Access Structures
Designing a permanent gangway for a floating spa required a deep understanding of environmental loads and structural behavior. The gangways had to accommodate fluctuating water levels and ice accumulation on the St. Lawrence River, especially during Montreal’s harsh winters. MAADI engineers applied finite element analysis (FEA) and 3D modeling to optimize the structure’s geometry, weight distribution, and support points.
The final design includes a non-slip walking surface, drainage systems, and load-bearing capacity that comfortably handles peak pedestrian traffic—even during events or high-volume weekends. Every weld was performed in accordance with Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certification, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Celebrating 15 Years of Trusted Aluminum Gangway Performance
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Bota Bota continues to rely on MAADI Group’s engineering expertise. The gangways still look and perform as well as they did on day one, illustrating aluminum’s long-term advantages over traditional materials like steel or wood.
This project is a testament to the durability, safety, and beauty of aluminum structures in waterfront environments—especially in an iconic setting where guest experience and reliability are paramount.
“We’re proud to have contributed to one of Montreal’s most unique landmarks,” said Alexandre de la Chevrotière, P.Eng., CEO of MAADI Group. “This project shows how aluminum engineering can combine form and function for long-lasting impact.”
Overcoming Site and Weather Challenges with Modular Aluminum Gangways
One of the key challenges in this project was ensuring the gangways would remain fully functional through Montreal’s extreme winters. The gangways’ design needed to resist the forces of ice expansion while preserving its flexibility and alignment with the floating platform. MAADI engineers incorporated specialized expansion joints and thermal allowances into the structure to maintain alignment without compromising stability.
Installation logistics were another factor. The gangways had to be transported into a tight downtown site with minimal disruption to the public and surrounding businesses. MAADI’s modular approach made this possible, with pre-assembled segments delivered and installed in a single mobilization window.
A Benchmark Project for Aluminum Gangways in Floating Spa Design
MAADI Group’s work at Bota Bota is just one example of how aluminum gangways provide practical, long-term value in challenging environments. The company’s gangways are used across North America in:
- Public waterfronts
- Marinas
- Industrial ports
- Floating hotels and spas
Each gangway is designed for maximum safety, ease of access, and visual integration with its surroundings.
What Sets MAADI Group’s Aluminum Gangways Apart
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, MAADI Group offers custom-engineered aluminum gangways tailored to each project’s environment, use case, and architectural requirements. From finish and railing options to anchoring systems and utilities integration, every gangway is designed with long-term functionality and aesthetics in mind.
With corrosion-resistant materials and minimal maintenance requirements, our aluminum gangways are ideally suited for floating installations that face constant exposure to water, salt, or freeze-thaw cycles. This makes them a sustainable and economical choice for developers and property owners who want infrastructure they can trust.
Discover Our Expertise in Aluminum Gangways for Floating Spas
To learn more about the custom aluminum gangways designed for Bota Bota spa, visit the project page or contact us for a personalized quote. We’re proud to deliver marine infrastructure solutions that are as enduring as they are elegant.
