Richard Nahem, an ex-New Yorker living in Paris, leads private insider tours showing visitors the Paris most of them never see on their own (www.eyepreferparistours.com), and also writes a popular insider's blog www.eyepreferparis.com.
The Eastern philosophy of the famed Mandarin hotel group even carries over to its spa. The over 9,000 square ft. spa in the lower level of the hotel is a calm, meditative oasis. The large range of signature treatments and therapies has been developed using traditional Chinese medicine and master aroma therapists.
I personally experienced one of the massages, which I thought was one of the best I have ever had in Paris. The waiting area was quite inviting and before my massage, I was interviewed by the masseuse to ask me about my general health and if I had any special requirements. I was given a ceramic mug with calming tea and a pair of special slippers before I entered the massage room, along with a hot towel to calm my feet. Most spas I have been to you have to go to a locker room to change and then there is the awkwardness of walking down the hallways in a bathrobe and slippers. I liked the special touch at the Mandarin of having a changing locker in the massage room. After I changed, the massage therapist offered a choice of essential oils that were exclusively mixed for the hotel, which included lavender, chamomile, Ylang Ylang, mandarin, ginger, and rose. I lay on the massage table and the massage therapist rubbed the lavender oil in and sent me to never, never land with her deep and penetrating but relaxing massage. I woke about an hour and twenty minutes later feeling completely relaxed and revitalized. After I dressed, the massage therapist asked me how I was feeling and offered me a most delicious, light fruity pastry and a cup of tea. It was the perfect finale to a most delightful early afternoon.
After my massage I took a tour of the stunning pool with a waterfall and luxurious daybeds lining the perimeter. I inquired about the cosmetics and skin care products that lined the shelves of the reception area and the receptionist gave me a thorough initiation of the appealing products, many which were sold exclusively at the spa.
251 rue Saint Honoré 75001
Tel. +33 1 70 98 70 26
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/paris/spa/
Open 9M to 9PM daily