Looking for the ultimate spa experience in Paris, where luxury, romance and relaxation intertwine? These are five of our favourite spas in the French capital.
Including opulent hotel spas powered by the chicest French brands, the City of Light has plenty of places to unwind at after a day of exploring.
Whether you’re in the city for Fashion Week, a couple’s getaway, or simply want to seek some rejuvenation, these are some of the best spas in Paris.
Dior Spa, Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most fashionable hotels in Paris – not least because of its long-standing association with Dior. It’s no surprise that you’ll find the fashion set heading straight to the hotel’s light and bright Dior Spa when they come to rest and unwind in the French capital. It’s not all style, no substance though. The designer interiors are very much matched by the cocooning sense of calm that washes over you and the effectiveness of the high-tech treatments, which are designed to rejuvenate your skin from head-to-toe. The spa is also home to the first Dior Light Suite, where a special treatment room with an LED-studded ceiling supercharges your indulgent 105-minute facial and massage treatment – with rituals to help with sleep, alleviate stress and boost energy. All treatments are completed using an array of leading Dior skincare, and a makeup artist can redo your makeup once you are finished being pampered.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
Awarded Best Unique Experience Spa in France at the 2023 World Luxury Spa Awards, the Mandarin Oriental perfectly balances scale (it’s one of the largest in Paris) with that all-important factor for relaxation: privacy. With face and body treatments from luxury brands such as 111Skin and Seed to Skin, plus prenatal offerings for mums-to-be, you’ll be transported to a cloud of long-lasting relaxation courtesy of your own treatment suite, complete with not just a cosy massage bed, but a private shower and changing area. As you’d expect from a Mandarin Oriental hotel, the therapists are all exceptionally skilled at digging out knots and revitalising your complexion too, ensuring your experience is particularly indulgent – however much or little time you have to unwind. There are highlights aplenty outside of your private spa room too, including the indoor pool, which is surrounded by cosseting cabanas to curl up in.
Spa Le Bristol
If you want to enjoy every moment of your time in Paris (rather than being hidden away from the sights as is the case with many enclosed spas), head to Spa Le Bristol. An iconic feature of the space is its dreamy light-filled indoor pool and (hopefully) sun-drenched terrace with beautiful views, including of the Eiffel Tower. There’s a sweet, slightly retro feel to the decor, which makes you forget the busyness of modern life and reminds you why this hotel was such a favourite of classic Hollywood stars including Rita Hayworth and Charlie Chaplin. Fear not, though, it now benefits from all the modern features you could need to recharge. That includes an array of results-driven treatments such as face and bodycare by La Prairie, Tata Harper and (the highly recommended) HydraFacial, for a glow-boosting deep skin clean that will help you capture the classic French woman radiance. There’s even treatments available for your kids too, thanks to a partnership with Bonpoint.
Ritz Club & Spa
We challenge you not to take a deep tension-relieving exhale when you step into the Ritz Club & Spa, such is the calming atmosphere of the classic hotel’s space (which is never allowed to get too busy). You’ll particularly adore its delicate Parisian grandeur, complete with an elegant split staircase leading down to a 16-metre bright blue pool. The devil really is in the details too – there’s underwater music to lull you further into relaxation as you take a leisurely lap or two, plus a hammam and sauna to help you reenergise. Each of the chic treatment rooms is named after a flower, with matching illustrations adorning the walls of otherwise elegantly minimal spaces. In a unique touch, 100 per cent natural, French-made floral oils, created especially for the Ritz Paris, are used in every massage. Classic French brand Biologique Recherche is on hand to allow for truly personalised facials too, whether your skin needs a detox, deep hydration or a little instant lift.
Spa Valmont at Le Meurice
Beauty editors in-the-know flock to Spa Valmont at Le Meurice for targeted treatments – a great pre-and post-Fashion Month haunt. The gleaming white décor, plus truly peaceful atmosphere, will instantly destress you, making it the perfect escape after a long day. While there’s no pool, there is an extensive hot/cold experience room, where you can easily whirl away time pre-treatment enjoying the sauna, steam room, tepid shower and ice bath. In fact, it’s recommended to do so – as a way to start unfurling tight muscles and slow down a busy mind, to help prep your skin and maximise the benefits of your facial or massage. If you’re travelling as a couple, the treatment rooms are easily set up for two – after all Paris is known for romance – and with products from Swiss luxury brand Valmont, the treatments will delight. Opt for the bespoke facial and you can expect one of the most thorough skin cleans you’ve ever experienced. Soothing massage strokes, especially around the eyes, make the treatment even more relaxing.
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Lead image: Ritz Club & Spa
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