ELLE jetted around the globe to experience the world’s best spas. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it....
Spa Valmont For Le Meurice (lemeurice.com)
By Rita Silvan
Paris
The pomp and pageantry of Versailles come alive at Le Meurice, on the Rue de Rivoli in the heart of Paris. Swirl through the doors, leave the noise of the city behind and enter a world of luxury and fantasy. A favourite of Salvador Dali, Rudyard Kipling and Philippe Starck, the hotel is both understated and opulent — a divine mix of its 18th-century heritage and contemporary design.
Signature treatment
With only three treatment rooms, the spa is an exclusive retreat for the lucky few. Loyal clients, like designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren of Viktor & Rolf, ask for Pratima and book a Valmont Anti-Aging Intensive ICCT Lifting Treatment. Slide onto a warm bed and fall into a state of bliss during Pratima’s special anti-aging massage, followed by a collagen mask. Afterwards, your skin will look firmer and glow for weeks.
Insider tip
Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar. Ask William Oliveri — Dali’s favourite bartender — to surprise you.
Show your fabulous self off at the hotel’s three-Michelin-star Restaurant Le Meurice, helmed by Yannick Alléno. For lunch, try his Terroir Parisien tasting menu, which features new interpretations of classic recipes. There is even a cheeky yet luxe take on the Parisian staple ham and cheese sandwich.
889 Yonge 889 (889yonge.com)
By Laura Decarufel
Toronto
Housed in a historic building with exposed brick walls and polished wood floors, this downtown spa is on the cutting edge of eco chic. Green is a business here, not a buzzword: The robes are organic cotton, and even the pens are made of recycled plastic. And style is always a consideration: At the on-site boutique, you can stock up on soft bamboo jersey dresses from James Perse or custom pieces by Canadian jeweller Dean Davidson.
Signature treatment
The Therapeutic Facial is the ideal tonic for city-stressed skin. In 75 minutes, your facialist (ask for Pauline) will perform 13 steps — the usual cleansing and steaming, plus an exfoliation using papaya grains and a facial massage that improves circulation and hydration.
Après-spa
Among the most in-demand in the city, 889 Yonge’s yoga classes boast Toronto’s coolest clientele: artists, actresses, beautiful people. If you’d like to attend a 7 a.m. class but doubt your snooze-button discipline, the spa can arrange for a wake-up call.
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