When you’re a Parisian, you can’t travel to Asia so often… It’s not exactly next door. So how do you satisfy your craving for Asian massages? Looking for a luxury spa in Paris, of course!
In the capital’s top establishments, the quality of care is on a par with that of Bali or Shanghai. Larger spas also feature an indoor pool and hammam. But which one to choose? It all depends on taste! We took a tour of the capital’s various palaces to compare their spa offerings. We’ve selected four that particularly struck us.
Le Sense, A Rosewood Spa at the Hôtel de Crillon: The most refined of all
At the heart of the Hôtel de Crillon is an exceptional spa, designed by interior architects Tristan Auer and Chahan Minassian. Brilliantly managed by Marlène Belvalette, whom we interviewed here, it boasts a fitness room, three treatment rooms, three beauty areas including one dedicated to men’s beauty, and a hairdressing salon designed by David Lucas. It also boasts a swimming pool and a pleasant new wellness area with steam room, infrared sauna and detoxifying salt wall.
We’ve written a full article on the Hôtel de Crillon spa here .
The Spa Nolinski by La Colline: The most magical
We might as well start with our favorite! This intimate spa is located within the superb 5-star Nolinski hotel, which opened in 2016. What sets it apart from the rest is its terribly sensual design. The architects succeeded in creating a refined, subdued atmosphere, with black walls and floors, and LEDs that give the illusion of a starry sky.
A very successful design
The warmth of the air is soft and humid, and the fragrances enchanting. To round things off, the soaring music lets your thoughts drift away. It’s like being in a bubble, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you want to stay there!
The pool is simply magnificent. Bordered by a long LED screen along its entire length, it also boasts a huge mirror on the ceiling, allowing you to see yourself swimming (provided you swim on your back, of course).
For fans of urban detox
As for massages, the spa has 3 treatment rooms, including 1 double treatment room with a futuristic look. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try out the therapists’ fairy fingers this time, but given that the spa is often fully booked, we suspect the magic works every time.
To make matters worse, the treatment menu is magnificent, with black-and-white photographs that are highly original for a spa.
Of all the treatments on offer, the urban detox ritual is particularly noteworthy. Its aim is to free you from both toxins and worries by combining the expertise of a naturopath and a masseur.
On the program: detox infusion, remineralizing footbath, relaxing sauna alternating with stimulating cold showers, fresh green juice, massage with draining essential oils, peat wrap, visceral massage, acupressure and breathing exercises. It will cost you 320 euros for almost 3 hours of treatment.
The Peninsula Spa: The most grandiose
The Peninsula, a sumptuous palace on Kleber Avenue owned by a Qatari group, needs no introduction. It’s not so surprising that this is where you’ll find the capital’s largest palace spa: The Peninsula Spa impresses with its 1,800m² dedicated to well-being and beauty. As soon as you enter the basement, the tone is set.
1800m² of pure well-being
The atmosphere and decor are resolutely Asian, rather inspired by Japan with its minimalist touch. The lights are subdued, and wood and marble are combined with refinement. The sobriety and elegance of the whole invite customers to relax.
The superb swimming pool is also the largest of all Parisian spas at 20 meters long, but unfortunately it’s only open to hotel guests… Perhaps a good reason to treat yourself to a romantic night in? The spa also houses 6 individual cabins and 2 private suites, 2 vitality pools, saunas and steam rooms, as well as a hairdressing salon. A relaxation room features massage chairs. Qui Gong, meditation and yoga classes are available on request.
Exceptional skincare products
Guests are welcomed in the Asian Tea Lounge, where a selection of rare teas is offered, before beginning treatment rituals chosen from an extensive menu. Body massages, facials or beauty masks? The choice is yours.
The products used for the face are those of Biologique Recherche a flagship brand of top-of-the-range French cosmetics (see our article elsewhere). For the body, these products are Cha Ling L’Esprit du Thé products, whose star ingredient is Pu’Er tea from the forests of Yunnan: the purest, rarest and most concentrated in detoxifying properties. Please note that whirlpool baths are free with every two hours of massage.
Last but not least, spa guests can indulge in a gourmet healthy menu featuring light, delicious fusion cuisine, including steamed dim sum with micro-plankton or Breton lobster with matcha green tea. Losing weight has never been so pleasant.
We’ve been told that while women are still slightly in the majority among Peninsula Spa customers, men are increasingly embracing the spa, and understandably so!
On our site you’ll find many establishments offering top-of-the-range wellness retreats, and we’ve got plenty more in the pipeline. If you don’t know where to start or how to choose, don’t hesitate to contact us for help in selecting your stay or wellness retreat.
or call us for France on +33 1 85 73 22 14, for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 and for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
