The Chi spa at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel in Paris is a vast and grand wellness space on the lower ground floor of one of Paris's finest hotels.
The hotel itself is the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, great nephew of Napoleon 1st. Prince Roland was a botanist and president of the French Société de Géographie for 14 years, and filled his decadent mansion with plants from around the world.
The Chi spa echoes this heritage through its décor and herbaceous treatments, featuring all-natural products created by The Organic Pharmacy in London.
Housed in the former stables, the spa centres about a vast 15 metre column-lined pool. Bathed in natural daylight, the pool is lined with Italian mosaics and surrounded by white Oriental theme frescoes. The spa is tucked at the quiet rear of the property, resulting in a supremely serene vibe.
There are four beautiful treatment rooms, one specifically for Thai massage.
Famous for
The spa is unusual for having a large outdoor terrace; in fact it’s the only spa in Paris to have one. After your treatment, grab a mini bottle of Evian and a magazine and head outside to the sunken, decked terrace with its rattan tables and chairs, where you can catch some rays.
The treatment
I opted for a Rose Renewal Body Ritual, a nourishing and rejuvenating treatment which begins with a body scrub using a sweet-smelling infusion of honey, rose petals, salt and sugar to exfoliate and revitalise the skin. Then comes an excellent massage, using one of three The Organic Pharmacy body oils of your choice – I opted for the Rose & Jasmine, which I wasn’t surprised to discover is the most popular. It smells like liquid heaven.
The Organic Pharmacy, the official spa partner, make all its products in small batches in its own factory in the UK, using the best ingredients. And when it comes to the products scents and textures, you can really tell.
The massage finishes with an optional head massage, using the same oil. It’s worth the shower you might need after, trust me.
Verdict
The 90-minute treatment ends and I ensconce myself in several warm towels and robes on one of the loungers by the stunningly beautiful pool where I am served a jasmine tea and some dried fruit and nuts. My neck ache has gone and I smell totally amazing.
The only way I could feel any more relaxed is if I had had a sauna, which the spa lacks.
You’ll leave feeling
Restored and sweet smelling.
Details
Rose Renewal Body Treatment, 90 minutes, 290 Euros.
