Anne Fontaine Spa

I had the wonderful pleasure of a massage at the new Anne Fontaine spa last week.

There is only one thing that I like equally or maybe even more than chocolate and sex: a good massage. So I was in heaven when the publicity office for the Anne Fontaine spa was kind enough to invite me to take a tour and receive a treatment. Located on the St. Honore near the Place Vendome, I knew it would be a luxurious experience. You walk through the new Anne Fontaine boutique first, filled with her signature handsome white cotton blouses and accessories to get to the spa.

I went downstairs to the reception area and was pleasantly greeted by one of the Zen-like staff, who immediately offered me tea while waiting for my massage. Sitting on a modern Shabby-chic style couch made of taupy -gray linen, I was served a Chinese ceramic mug of hot tea and a hot towel to refresh myself on a silver tray with a white doily. Very classy so far.

I was led into the dressing room and handed what I thought was a robe, which instead, turned out to be more of a Yoga outfit of a white terry cloth long sleeved top with matching drawstring pants. I later learned the material was bamboo fiber. The aromatic massage room had a striking mosaic wall with shards of mocha, blue tiles and mirror running through it, low atmospheric lighting, and a massage table covered with soft white cotton.

Atsuko, the gentle mannered and soft-spoken Asian masseuse explained about the massage. It’s called Amma and it’s an ancient Japanese massage technique that is very intense and therapeutic. I laid face down while Atsuko did a deep massage and at one point climbed on the table to manipulate my back and spine, much like a chiropractic adjustment. I was lulled in to a never-never land of sleep by a lilting Claire de Lune and other classical piano music. About an hour later, Atsuko gently woke me and asked how I felt. I felt good but wiped out from the intensity of her strong hands kneading my body.

Afterwards, I had soothing glass of lemon peel scented water and there was a beautifully presented buffet of fruits and snacks on fine white china. I nourished myself with lush fresh strawberries, sculpted spheres of pineapple & melon, thinly sliced figs, dried apricots and dates. The manager of the spa, a very congenial man named Gonzague, came out to greet me and asked me how was my experience? I told him it was delightful, sensuous and relaxing and everything was perfect from beginning to end, with no detail left out in terms of service & comfort.

He handed me a book listing all their treatments and I already couldn’t decide what treatment I would have next: the Girl from Impanema 12 coconut massage, the four-handed one (two masseuses at the same time), or the La foulee therapy, where someone uses their feet to massage you.

Ann Fontaine Spa
370 Rue St. Honore
01.42.61.03.70
Metro: Tuileries
www.annefontaine.com

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour
includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.

Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com

 

Comments

[Christiaan]

I so want to go there! Lucky you!

[Lola]

Hi,

I am a writer based in Paris and I was wondering if you could provide me with the name of the PR handling this spa? I write often about new spas, skincare specialists, hotels, etc. for a variety of publications and would love to include this place in an upcoming article.
Sounds like you really loved it!

Lola

[7jades]

Thanks for providing their website.
Bises,
jades.