Inside the Clarins Spa at Le Royal Monceau, Paris

When it comes to skin and body care, luxury is measured by a superior product combined with personal care and attention. As time becomes ever more scarce, wellness has become the sought-after focus for spa r&r. Where to find such a custom experience in Paris? Clarins has taken the lead with their Spa My Blend at the Hôtel Le Royal Monceau-Raffles, a 1,500m2 space designed by Philippe Starck, dedicated entirely to well-being and relaxation.

My recent visit kicked off with a refreshing dip in a Japanese Watsu pool, illuminated by a wall of mirrors. To further invigorate the body, the wet facilities feature sauna, hammam, laconium, ice fountain and a sensorial shower, complete with lighting and sounds replicating a rainforest thunderstorm. Now I was ready for the royal treatment in one of the spa’s seven private rooms!

According to Dr Olivier Courtin,“No skin is similar to another. And each one reacts differently. I created My Blend to provide women with highly personalized, completely tailored treatments.” Thus, My Blend offers overs 100 mixtures and 400 Day-Night personalized combinations, covering the gamut of beauty needs.

I opted for the Clarins signature treatment The Art of Touch, created in September 2013 exclusively for the Royal Monceau. This unique three-step treatment inspired by Shiatsu, is based on energy through touch. Verdict? Relaxing, revitalizing and regenerating from head to toe. My beauty therapist customized the 90-minute treatment, including facial and massage, enveloping me in a cocoon of scented and sensory bliss.

In my after-spa glow, I took a quick look at the well-equipped fitness center, keeping it in mind for next time, and proceeded to the detox bar for an herbal tea. With mind at peace and body restored I was ready to complete my wellness experience with a light and refreshing lunch at restaurant La Cuisine.

Spa My Blend by Clarins, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, 37 Avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris. Tel: +33 (0)1 42 99 88 99. Open Monday to Saturday, 6:30am to 10:00pm; and Sunday, 7:30am to 8:30pm. Full-day spa access costs 190 euros. The extensive treatment menu has options from 90 euros.

Kasia Dietz is a handbag designer and freelance writer from New York, with a passion for art, travel and writing, who followed her heart (and an Italian) to Paris. She resides in the North Marais where she has been featured as a local designer by Lonely Planet and KLM’s iFly Magazine. Her handbags are available online and sold at fashionable boutiques around the world. You can read about her life and travels on her blog.