At a Glance
Why Pamper Yourself in Paris
It might just be one of the best kept secrets in the world, but we’ll let you in on it now:
The French capital, praised for its top tier cuisine, majestic architecture, and iconic fashion, has its very own collection of world-renowned spas.
France is a highly cosmopolitan place, and its spas certainly reflect that. The best of the best spa in Paris will use practices and wisdom from around the world.
In the top Parisian spas, you’ll notice techniques and treatments from East Asia, Turkey, and maybe even the Nordic regions.
This should give you some insight into just how far back our concepts of healing and self-care date.
Now, while you may have come to Paris more for the food, shopping, and sites, a trip to the spa can certainly make your experience more relaxing and worthwhile.
People go to the Paris spas for many reasons, including a deep tissue massage to treat their aches and tensions, mindfulness and relaxation rituals, anti-aging facial and body treatments, honeymoons, or the ultimate beauty services for an event.
We’ve narrowed down the best spas in Paris to the ultimate short list, where you’ll find a unique variety of methods and even ambiences.
Due to Covid-19, however, lots has changed in Paris, and these changes have affected its spa and wellness scene.
Luckily, many have stayed open and instilled safety precautions for their guests.
You’ll want to keep safety— above all else— in mind while you receive spa treatments.
Also, you’ll want to check out our pro tips at the end of this article, where you’ll see how to get the most out of your trip to the spa.
Mandarin Oriental
Located in the 1st Arrondissement near the Tuileries Garden, the Mandarin Oriental Spa is the place to go when you want healing and holistic wellness that lasts beyond your visit.
They’ve equipped this spa with some of the top wellness experts in Paris, including PhD pharmacists and nutrition specialists.
Information and Booking
Location: 251 Rue St Honoré, 75001 (1st Arrondissement)
Hours: 11AM — 7PM
Phone: +33 (0)1 70 98 73 35
Email: mopar-spa@mohg.com
Booking: This Link
Spa Menu: See Brochure
Why We Love It
Upon your arrival, the Mandarin Oriental Spa offers a consultation with a pharmacist and nutritionist.
Guests receive a full wellness check that includes discussing any pains, ailments, stress, and lifestyle.
Consider this spa more of a retreat for your health.
Based on your needs and issues, the experts will match you with the appropriate treatments, as well as offer dietary and exercise recommendations. That way, you can continue to feel better beyond your experience there.
This spa uses the best of Western and Eastern healing wisdom to make you come out feeling renewed and pampered.
Here are some of their highlights:
- 14-meter lap pool
- Herbal steam room
- Private “vitality” pools
- Wellness seminars and private consultations with experts
- Private hammams with body scrub treatment
- Holistic massages, including Thai massage, reflexology, and oriental foot treatments
- Inclusive, specialized packages
- Hand and foot treatments
- Fitness center and nutrition guidance
Their lap pool stretches out 14 meters, and it’s surrounded by cozy couches all across for you to rest and relax in between swimming sessions.
Here, you can indulge in not just relaxation, but also educational seminars. These are great for those curious about enhancing their lives with wellness practices and good habits.
If you’re a new mom or mom-to-be, the spa offers special packages for you. You’ll rest assured that they’re looking out for yours and your baby’s health while delivering some relief from the strain pregnancy or the postpartum trimester takes on your body.
The most popular experience— The Signature Qi. This is a 2 hour 20 minute full body healing experience that uses the wisdom of Qi balance and other ancient eastern techniques.
Nolinski Spa at La Colline
Information and Booking
Location: 16 Av. de l’Opéra, 75001 (1st Arrondissement)
Hours: 9:30AM — 9PM
Phone: +33 1 42 86 10 10
Email: spa@nolinski.com
Booking: Contact via phone or email (above)
Spa Menu: See brochure
Why We Love It
Also neighboring the Tuileries Garden, the Nolinski Spa feels like something from the 22nd century.
Here, you’ll be in the arms of the Swiss— more specifically, in their biotechnology. It’s definitely one of the most impressive spas in Paris.
It offers scientifically-tested healing treatments, Turkish baths, grooming, and a full range of skin-enhancing treatments.
Here are some of its highlights:
- Spa treatments for skin renewal, protection, and anti-aging based in Swiss biotechnology
- Sleek, other-wordly ambience with subtle spice scent inside; stones, running water, candles
- Skin cell therapy based in Swiss cellular metabolism research
- Private fitness coaching in the premises or next door in the Louvre Gardens
- Hair removal / grooming services
- Hand and foot treatments
- Body-slimming services
We can’t talk about this spa without bragging about its ambience. When you walk in, you feel like you’re in a dream world.
It’s filled with deep tones and carefully-balanced amber lights. You’ll feel like you’re walking in a dream or even a warm, spice-smelling outer space.
You’ll be able to leave the bustling world behind, and that itself makes for some deep peace and relaxation.
Something that’s important to me is research. That’s why I appreciate this spa’s extensive efforts to provide the most up-to-date techniques that are backed by science.
In fact, La Colline has a laboratory back in Switzerland that develops and tests out each spa treatment.
The Chanel Spa at the Ritz
When you step into this unique beauty destination, you step into a fantasy world of Chanel.
We’ll tell you why this is one of Paris’s most fabulous spas.
In case you haven’t heard of her, Chanel was a cultural icon of the 20th century whose legacy includes the world’s most famous perfume empire, as well as fashion, cosmetics, accessories, the Ritz Hotel, and more.
This is the world’s first and only ever Chanel spa, and it’s said that her bold and free spirit haunts this neoclassical palace (of course, they mean this figuratively).
All around, you’ll get subtle whiffs of Chanel perfume and a heavenly dose of off-white columns and walls, along with the signature black accents.
Information and Booking
Location: 17 Pl. Vendôme, 75001
Hours: 8AM — 8PM
Phone: +33 1 43 16 30 60
Email: ritzclub@ritzclubparis.com / Also, you can send a secure email through their site’s contact page.
Booking: Book via contact information (above).
Spa Menu: See leaflet here.
Why We Love It
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Paris, going on a fabulous friend trip, or simply wanting to pamper yourself in a luxuriously feminine haven, you should have this place at the top of your list.
For this very, very exclusive spa known also as The Ritz Club, booking an appointment can prove to be a challenge.
You’ll want to book way in advance; however, afterwards, they send you a personalized invitation through the mail to confirm.
This place have a wide scope of massages and treatments, but its specialty is definitely facial therapy and beauty.
You can think of it as a beauty palace that will have you coming out feeling like a pampered queen.
This is ideal for a bridal party the day before the wedding or an unforgettable mother-daughter experience.
Here are some highlights of the spa:
- Exclusive, one-in-the-world experience at historic hotel
- Neoclassical, palace-like feel, with columns and palm trees
- Hair styling, make-up sessions, and grooming available
- Extensive treatment menu, specializing in facial therapy and anti-aging
- Luxurious pool, sauna, and steam room (must upgrade for access non-members)
- Fitness center, classes, and private coaching
You can come here with your closest pals and get a full beauty makeover, in addition to your relaxation and massage treatments.
Their most iconic treatments: L’Allure de Chanel and Le Grand Soin.
In the L’Allure de Chanel, you receive a body massage with…wait for it…a Chanel perfume ceremony.
Le Grand Soin includes both a face and body massage with highly-concentrated collagen so you can be as timeless and fabulous as her beauty empire.
Sensation
Located in the 7th arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower, Sensation Spa offers highly advanced relaxation and healing treatments.
This spa offers highly professional and knowledgeable staff, as well as a plethora of spa “universes” from which you can choose your treatments.
Information and Booking
Location: 8 Villa de saxe, 75007 (7th Arrondissement)
Hours: Monday — Saturday: 10AM — 10PM; Sunday: 12PM — 9PM
Phone: +33 1 47 34 26 19
Email: contact@sensation-spa.com
Booking: Visit their online booking platform here.
Spa Menu: See their massage “universes.”
Why We Love It
Well, for one, its location is very ideal to make for an amazing day when you’re visiting Paris.
It’s sitting in the 7th arrondissement, just a brisk walk away from the Eiffel Tower.
Sensation Spa doesn’t come with any gimmicks— just enhanced treatments inspired by practices from around the globe and across time.
Something this place is known for— its professional, knowledgeable staff. Guests come and feel at ease and comfortable, trusting the hands massaging them.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Large variety of treatments, ranging from traditional to wordly
- High value packages available, including couples’ Romance Package
- Full scope of facilities
- Inclusive treatments and personalization available
- Yoga and meditation sessions available
- Authentic ritual experiences from around the globe, including Tibetan massage
When I come for a massage, I need to feel comfortable and confident in my experience above all else.
The staff here is very attentive to your needs and will regularly check in on you during your treatment to make sure you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Plus, if you’re coming as a couple, this place has more to offer the two of you. Check out these 6 different treatments designed for couples.
Lastly, they offer 7 different worldly rituals. These include Turkish, Swedish, Hawaiian, Balinese, Indian, Tibetan, and Oriental rituals.
Pro Tips: How to Enhance Your Spa Visit
Safety
Above all else, follow the spa’s Covid-19 safety precautions.
Don’t assume when you’re allowed to remove your mask. It’s always best to ask or get clarification if you’re not sure.
Also, you should check ahead of time if you’ll be required to present a Covid Pass or proof of vaccination or negative PCR test.
Lastly, you can always request information on the cleaning standards within the establishment.
Hydrate
You’ll want to make sure to drink plenty of water. That goes for hours before your visit, while you’re at the spa, and after you leave.
The reason why: Soft muscles get a deeper and more effective massage than hardened, dehydrated muscles. Water and being properly hydrated will make them softer.
Schedule an Appointment
Now this one may seem like an obvious tip, but many of us decide we want a massage one day and want it, well, that same day. This just isn’t a realistic expectation.
The best of the best spas (as in the ones that made it on our list) can get booked months ahead of time.
However, it doesn’t hurt to call and ask a week or so— even a few days— in advance in case they have a cancellation.
Speaking of cancellations, make sure to respect their cancellation policies. They vary, but most spas require you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Don’t be surprised if you get hit with a no-show fee if not.
The bottom line is this: You’ll want to book your spa around the time (or even before) you book your accommodations.
Research
Before you even book, do your research! (If you’re reading this, then you’re on to a great start.).
You should take a minute to ask your body and mind what it needs— and also what your budget allows.
You also may have children, partners, other family members, and/or friends’ needs to consider.
You should know what treatments you want and what facilities you vibe with well ahead of time, and have a realistic expectation for your budget.
While you call—or before you make the booking online— make sure to ask questions like the costs, durations, methods, privacy, and safety measures.
Upon arrival, you should ask any questions that you don’t have and, likewise, communicate any special requests, health concerns, or needs you may have that you haven’t already addressed.
Respect Spa Etiquette
#1. Ahhhh… nothing makes you unwind and say “Oo la la” like a couple arguing and shrill SMS dings in the background.
Of course, we’re kidding.
You should always respect the other guests and the staff, and keep a quiet, peaceful presence— and leave your cell phone behind (or on silent)!
After all, the spa is a place meant to help you escape all those noisy distractions. You’ll have a better spa treatment and overall experience for it.
#2. Also, never assume that the establishment allows nudity.
Would you want to be flashed by a stranger? We didn’t think so.
While nudity is no big deal in some places, many cultures find this very taboo and offensive. In fact, it can be considered sexual harrassement.
Paris draws in tourists from all over the world, and you want to keep respectful to whoever shares the spa with you, as well as the staff.
Keep your private areas covered with a towel or robe when receiving your services or in the common areas.
If a staff member asks you to remove your robe or towel from your private area or makes you uncomfortable— you can always kindly refuse or ask for a covering.
#3. While Paris doesn’t have the tipping culture like America has (since they often include service fees in the final bill), simply ask your spa’s reception what is expected and fair.
However, when in doubt, just take a look at your final bill and see if a service fee has been added on already. If not, it doesn’t hurt to reward good service with a 15% or so tip.