Because the universe of the spa, design and the holistic approach to wellness are now being an integral part of traveling, let’s visit four dream spas located in some of the largest cities of this world. That moment in time when travel, luxury and spiritual awakening evolve in perfect coherence.
#1 Paris : La Réserve spa
Located in a very particular hotel in the heart of Paris’ 8th borough, La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa has been awarded France’s “Best Luxury Day Spa” at the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards. Close your eyes and imagine the elegance of a private apartment in the 19th century with all the amenities of the French “savoir-vivre”: libraries, live jazz concerts, a fumoir, in-suites wine cellars, Le Gabriel, a restaurant awarded with two Michelin stars, La Pagode de Cos, an exotic and elegant brasserie….And, of course, a spa that is well protected from the hustle and bustle of the big city. In the basement you will find a 16 m indoor pool, which is extremely rare in Paris, three treatment cabins, in addition to a designated fitness area where you can train with a personal trainer and a hammam. This highly confidential place offers Nescens Swiss anti-aging science cosmeceutical products, a brand born from the expertise of the Center for preventive medicine at the Clinic in Genolier Switzerland. This center was created by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in the field of the biology of aging as well as in better-aging massages, an anti-aging and overall beauty concept exclusively offered at La Réserve.
#2 Amsterdam : Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center
Akasha is a Sanskrit word meaning “harmonious unity between the four elements of nature: earth, water, fire and air”. A true haven of peace, the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center at the Conservatorium Hotel is Amsterdam’s biggest spa, located in the Museum Square district, the city’s cultural center, synonymous with luxury. The Conservatorium is an architectural master piece that combines a landmark heritage building with contemporary design. At the heart of the hotel, The Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center is a 1000 m2 big area designated to wellness that invites guests to take care of themselves in a holistic way. The center has seven treatment rooms, a lounge bar offering a selection of healthy food and drinks, an oasis in the heart of the complex with an impressive 18 m long swimming pool, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, a private hammam, a Watsu pool for hydro-treatments and guided meditation, a 150m2 gym with a spinning studio, also offering yoga, pilates, tai-chi and meditation classes. A very unique place!
#3 Marrakech : The Hammam of the Royal Mansour
Relax in the middle of closed alcoves and moucharabiehs, in the pristine white atrium of the incredible spa at the Royal Mansour in Marrakech. Quietude, intimacy, luxury…. On the ground floor, the atrium with its white lace-like wrought iron reminds us of an aviary. Surrender yourself to the most sacred purification ritual of the Moroccan tradition: the hammam, this Kessa mitt and black soap scrub treatment follows a traditional beauty and purification ritual. It has multiple benefits: it revitalizes body and mind, leaves your skin feeling silky, promotes relaxation and rejuvenation, reduces stress and anxiety, encourages physical and emotional detoxification and also stimulates the metabolism and the blood circulation through the body’s reaction to the heat and steam. The spa is equipped with two hammams, a Watsu pool, a relaxation area, the spa boutique and a tea room offering balanced dishes served with herbal teas and fruit juices. The indoor swimming pool is protected by an orangery-style glass roof and opens onto the gardens. Simply sumptuous.
#4 Shanghai : The pool at the Flare Spa
Located in Lujiazui, the financial district of Pudong in Shanghai, the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai in Pudong occupies the 30th to 42nd of the 21st Century Tower and offers an exceptional panoramic view of Shanghai’s downtown and the famous Bund, the Pearl Tower and also the Century Boulevard. It is here where you find one of the most beautiful spas of the city, the Flare Spa, associated with the French company Guerlain. It offers custom-made treatments created especially for the spa and showered with the know-how of the clean tradition of the prestigious French company. The 18m long jade-green tiled swimming pool offers a gorgeous view of the city and is the undisputed star of this incredible relaxation haven and is worth the travel alone. Spa enthusiasts and swimmers can order drinks and meals such as Greek salad with feta, watermelon and olives or vermicelli fried rice with beef, as well as desserts. You are at the summit of …..well-being!
By Judith Ritchie
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