CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Paris
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Shangri-La Paris opened in 2010 in the 16th Arrondissement, the capital’s most glamorous neighborhood, taking over one of the city’s spectacular 19th-century buildings. The luxury stay occupies the former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the great-nephew of Napoleon. There are still remnants of this regal history throughout the property, including CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Paris.
The spa is tucked away peacefully at the rear of the posh property, in an area that was once the palace stables. 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. CHI echoes this heritage through its décor and herbaceous treatments, featuring all-natural products created by The Organic Pharmacy in London.
- The opulent indoor pool is flooded
with natural light, a rarity in Paris. At 15 by 6 meters (50 by 20 feet), it’s
also large enough for laps.
- The plant-trimmed, tranquil rear
terrace provides an inviting spot for a glass of fresh juice after your
treatment.
- The décor of the gym eschews the
sterility of your average workout space — the weights room at the Paris spa is
wallpapered with flowers and vintage Asian-inspired scenes.
- The spa’s color palette of dreamy
blues and celadon green mixes Asian touches with a sense of ethereality.
- There’s a focus at CHI on bespoke
service. Whether you want a personal trainer or a swimming lesson, tell the
staff members and they will make it happen.
- With only three treatment rooms,
the luxury spa’s focus is on quality not quantity — be sure to book in advance
for any and all services.
- As a guest of the Shangri-La, you can enjoy a treatment in the comfort of your room or even before the
spa opens simply by making an appointment.
- Non-hotel guests can enjoy access
to the pool, terrace and steam rooms by purchasing a day pass or a 30-minute
private steam-room session.
- CHI only uses products from The Organic Pharmacy, a British brand lauded for creating small-batch beauty creams and oils with 100 percent organic extracts, which are said to ensure higher concentrations of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients.
- The signature treatment is the CHI Yu massage, designed to stimulate blood flow while relaxing the mind. This customizable offering allows you to select your preferred combination of essential oils.
- Facials are another specialty, with options including a vitamin C and Papaya Enzyme Peel Brightening treatment, a Purifying Urban Facial and a soothing service created just for mothers-to-be.
- For maximum pampering, opt for the rejuvenating Crystal Ritual. You will undergo a full-body exfoliation, wrap and massage. It's topped off with a lymphatic facial.
- In addition to personal training
sessions, CHI offers a range of unique coaching options at its stunning pool, such as aqua palming (a type of water aerobics) and even aqua phobia
classes for those with a fear of water.
- The chic fitness room is open 24
hours, which is helpful if you’re fighting jet lag.
- Waxing, nail services and makeup application
are available. For hair treatments, cuts and styling, call ahead and the 16th Arrondissement spa will
bring in a stylist.
Indoor pool
Salon
Spa shop
