Ah the Crillon… one of the most legendary hotels in Paris! After four years of renovation, the famous Parisian palace has reopened its doors under the American brand Rosewood in 2017. Centerpiece of this pharaonic project, the construction in the basement of a superb spa with swimming pool. Since October 2019, the spa has had a wet area with sauna, hammam and sensory showers and now hosts the French luxury cosmetics house Sisley. It was high time for us to go test the best hotel spa in France according to the “World Spa Awards”! Here is the story of Pascal Languillon, our CEO and editor-in-chief.
A flagship of the French luxury hotel industry
Considered one of the most majestic establishments in the world, the Hôtel de Crillon is one of the rare 5-star hotels to benefit from the “Palace” distinction. Living symbol of the French art of living, he contemplates the Place de la Concorde for more than three centuries, and it welcomed its first guests in 1909. The hotel now has 124 rooms and suites, 4 dining areas, and – the primary object of my visit – a superb spa.
Although it has passed under the American brand Rosewood, and now belongs to the Saudi royal family, there is no doubt from the very first steps within the establishment: the Hôtel de Crillon embodies thevery image of French luxury. Its sophisticated and cosmopolitan clientele, which includes its share of celebrities and heads of state, is still attracted today by its reputation for excellence and its unique history. Timeless!
The rooms have a minimum area of 32 square meters, and the suites are huge. Bespoke furniture, exquisite decorative details, noble materials, the concern for luxury is everywhere…
For an exceptional hotel, an exceptional spa!
The Hôtel de Crillon has at its heart an exceptional spa in a decor designed by interior designers Tristan Auer and Chahan Minassian. Brilliantly managed by Marlène Belvalette, whom we interviewed here, it has a fitness room, three treatment cabins, three beauty areas including one dedicated to male beauty (barbers), a hairdressing salon by David Lucas, it also houses a swimming pool and a very pleasant new wellness area with hammam, infrared sauna and detoxifying salt wall.
French cosmetics in the spotlight
The spa is called “Sense, A Rosewood Spa” to echo other Rosewood hotel brand spas around the world. Despite the Anglo-Saxon name, theFrench expertise is present at all levels. The Hôtel de Crillon has chosen the prestigious French house Sisley to offer its customers a moment of relaxation and regeneration through a full menu of face and body treatments, culminating in an exclusive treatment: the Sisley Signature Treatment. He also chose the brand Caulieres House for the body, specializing in natural vegetable oils, and Evidence of Beauty, a French-Japanese luxury cosmetics brand for the face.
EviDenS de Beauté is a very elegant anti-aging skincare brand, proven effectiveness by Japanese research institutes. She uses ultra-sophisticated formulas, with amazing textures and effects (a crackling gel, for example), for visible and lasting beauty results. A very exclusive and uncommon brand, and yet A real favorite as far as I’m concerned!
Absolute luxury facilities
The women’s locker rooms benefit exclusively from an oversized rain shower, but the men are not to be pitied either with also very beautiful changing rooms, all in marble… From the reception to the treatment rooms, all the decoration is refined, offering a feeling of chic relaxation ultimately very Parisian.
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the absolute luxury of the splendid swimming pool 14 meters long whose bottom is covered with 17,600 golden scales, in a marvelously decorated room with shades of blue and green… Unique in the world, and so “instagrammable” it must be admitted!
After enjoying the gentle heat of the infrared sauna and having deliciously bathed in the unreal color of the swimming poolit was time for me to discover the treatment reserved for me: an innovative facial treatment using Jet-Peel technology.
An innovative facial treatment: Jet-Peel
The director of the Marlène Belvalette spa had warned me: this is not the most pleasant treatment on the menu, but most certainly the one that produces the most stunning effect. Above all, it is a true exclusivity in Parisian luxury spas, and a best-seller that attracts many men and women looking for results. What is it exactly?
Jet-Peel Esthetic is a 100% natural restorative and anti-aging treatment which allows hyaluronic acid to penetrate the skin without the use of needles or injections. A feat invented by the French company Cesam Esthetic for a non-invasive aesthetic treatment.
I sit on the heated massage table because my therapist, Coraline, warns me that the treatment will be very cold on my face. A small machine propels a supersonic speed a mixture of air and saline solution in the form of a jet of microscopic dropletswithout any contact with the skin.
First, this supersonic jet will exfoliate the superficial layers of the skin, associated with drainage… Then, secondly, the high-speed projection will allow penetration of the active ingredient up to several millimeters inside the skin. First is glycolic acid to tighten pores and give a smoother complexion, followed by an application ofhyaluronic acid for its anti-aging properties. The treatment lasts 45 minutes and costs 200 euros.
The result ? Indeed surprising! My skin has been considerably hydrated and smoothed, giving me a beautiful complexion, which is very appreciable in the middle of winter. The benefits of this treatment were felt for several days. For a longer-term effect, the procedure should ideally be repeated once a month. Parisians, enjoy your chance to have this treatment available in the capital!
*****
Find our interview with Marlène Belvalette, director of the spa and below our video which shows the swimming pool and the wet area.
Verdict
The Hôtel de Crillon is a legendary hotel. Although its spa is not huge, it stands out for its elegance and absolute refinement, with the highlight certainly being the most beautiful swimming pool in Paris. Go there with your eyes closed! But open them wide once inside to soak up all that beauty.
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To book
Take advantage of our advice to book your well-being stay or a treatment at the Hôtel de Crillon.
Tested and approved in January 2020.
