The wellness space has said goodbye to the colourful frescoes and extravagant 18th century-style furnishings of its former life, and hello to a decidedly Parisian design featuring muted hues and modern, luxurious finishings
Four Seasons George V Paris, one of the city’s most beloved luxury hotels has opened its revamped Le Spa following a two-year renovation.
Located a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, the hotel’s spa upgrade was led by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who has transformed the previously elaborate Marie Antoinette-inspired theme into a refreshed and chic contemporary space. No stranger to the world of luxury hotels, Rochon was also behind the design of the recently constructed Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Shanghai, and Vienna’s landmark Hotel Sacher, to name a few.
“We meticulously selected materials, furniture and pieces of art that embody the spirit codes and harmony of the hotel, both classic and resolutely contemporary,” Rochon said on the approach to the redesign, which overhauled Le Spa’s former colourful frescoes and extravagant 18th century-style furnishings. In their place now stands a more subdued design befitting the spa’s wellness-focused treatments, with muted colour palettes and luxurious finishings creating a modern space that still feels decidedly Parisian.
The quintessential precision and quality and undeniable upmarket flair the French are known for when it comes to food, wine, fashion and architecture are apparent in every detail of the new spa. A delicately lit mosaic in the shape of a tree extends along the walls and ceiling of the women’s hammam, lending a serene and spacious ambience to the enclosed room. Intricately embroidered wallpaper lines the corridors of the spa, while floral compositions designed by renowned artistic director Jeff Leatham complement the striking bouquets encountered in the hotel lobby.
As for the actual pampering, Le Spa has introduced a bespoke treatment menu to go alongside the fresh design, offering a number of new Signature Experiences for spa guests looking to unwind. Le Spa Director Nathalie Delclos said that guests can look forward to treatment options utilising “results-orientated, non-invasive, manual skincare techniques”, not to mention luxurious and completely personalised appointments led by Le Spa’s experienced practitioners.
Weary from your travels? Then the Breath of Life by Alaena signature treatment could be for you. Combining a facial and full body massage using Alaena products from the south of France – known locally for their organic, active ingredients that boost cell rejuvenation – this new addition to the treatment menu will leave you relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your holiday. Take it from someone who experienced an Alaena facial first-hand.
My spa therapist incorporated the use of jade rollers, a light organic fruit peel, and a hydrating collagen mask into my facial. The combination of gentle massage, pleasantly scented products, and ambient music was enhanced by my warm treatment table – heated at my request – which all equated to a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The result was a clear and radiant complexion, with no redness or shine. Practically floating out of the treatment room, I made sure to take my time to wind down and enjoy exploring the rest of Le Spa’s world-class facilities.
Outside of the five treatment rooms, spa-goers will find a 17-metre mosaic-lined indoor swimming pool with poolside cabanas, a vitality spa pool heated to 34 degrees, men’s and women’s hammam rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre with specially-designed Technogym equipment, and a hair salon. A separate spa suite is also available for couple’s treatments.
Le Spa is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, with treatments from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. In-room and out-of-hours treatments can also be arranged at an extra cost, and trust me when I say, they’re worth every penny.