No matter the season, a trip to Paris involves a great deal of walking. After all, strolling through the winding streets of Paris is a high part of the charm. Whether you’re climbing down the walkway to Jim Morrison’s grave at Pere Laiche Cemetery or ambling up the marble staircase to the second floor of the Louvre, your feet and legs get a workout. Carrying packages, purses, and tote bags, with the load increasing by the hour, stress the arms, shoulders and back. Even a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of the Marais can bring on exhaustion and blistered feet.
Spas to the Rescue
One 30-60 minute spa session mid-way through your trip can keep you relaxed, refreshed and ready to keep going. Adding a second session can make you feel as if you’d arrived in heaven. After all, Parisians know the true meaning of luxury. Even the smallest, most basic spas specialize in pampering whether you’re in need of a massage, mani/pedi, facial or want to try something unique. Greeted by a sincere Bonjour, Madame or Monsieur upon your spa arrival, the tension begins to lift. While magnificent spas abound and can be found in all parts of the city, here are some spas well worth visiting as you explore Paris. Most Paris spas require appointments and provide robes, slippers and other amenities. Whatever spa you opt to visit or whatever therapy you decide on, your body and spirit will thank you.
Spa at Mandarin Oriental, 251 Rue Saint-Honoré
Located in the high fashion district, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental is extremely well appointed. With walls emblazoned in origami flowers and a glass mosaic floor studded with silver-leaf butterflies the décor is hard to match. Signature therapies include a Chinese meridian massage using a special blend of ginger, mandarin and frankincense, and a 140-minute Prestige Treatment facial. In conjunction with the cosmetic giant Guerlain, the spa has created facial therapies using Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperial anti-aging products.
Rituel des Sens Spa 16 Rue Saint-Marc
For a traditional solo or couple’s massage, head to the Rituel des Sens Spa. Located in the heart of the city, the spa provides a serene romantic atmosphere with an emphasis on natural products and relaxation. With a full menu of spa therapies, including hydrotherapy, this spa also specializes in therapies that celebrate anniversaries and other special occasions.
Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint- Honoré
Recently renovated to the tune of $33 million, Spa Le Bristol is a work of art. With private garden terraces and unrivaled therapies, this spa attracts clients from all over the world. Available treatments include gold and platinum facials, caviar body treatments, vodka body scrubs with traditional Russian birch-branch banya flogging or Japanese body brushing. If you’re hoping to glimpse any international celebrities, this would be the spa to go to although the very private atmosphere would prohibit more than a glimpse.
O’Kari Spa, 22 Rue Dessoubs
Off the beaten path in the trendy Montorgueil district, O’Kari is a traditional North African hammam providing services exclusively to women. The treatment menu is loaded with authentic traditional Arabian therapies. Whether you’re looking to detoxify, have a relaxing massage, or be pampered with a facial that gets your skin glowing, O’Kari provides the perfect experience.
Source:
Fanfair Beauty, Vanity Fair, February, 2012
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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