Photo: Courtesy Shangri-la
In the upscale, elegant, and discreet 16th arrondissement neighborhood of Paris lies the 19th-century former private residence of French Prince Roland Bonaparte; since transformed into a perfect symphony of Asian hospitality and European grandeur. Its location just across the Seine River and beholding a mesmerizing view of the Eiffel Tower, are testament to Shangri- La Paris being listed among the most romantic hotels in the world.
Photo: Courtesy Shangri-la
While the soft Rococo hues of the Palace and its classical moldings are enough to transport guests to another time, the hotel also offers something more: a chance to experience an echo of the mystical valley Shangri-La, and its abundance of spirituality. Chi, The Spa fills this Parisian Palace with its vital energy, a holistic and all-encompassing approach to wellness. Rest assured that the minute you enter you are bound to forget about being in the middle of urban Paris, immersed in beauty and relaxation rituals fit for a royal. Blending various inspirations and practices from the Far East and West, the spa promises to deliver physical and mental balance, both drawing their strength from the same energy Qi, or Chi, the life force of the universe. Spanning across four disciplines, these wellness treatments target everything from sleep and stress to emotional balance or energy. Guests will receive a highly personalized experience with the ultimate aim, “To find oneself and to feel good in the here and now.”
Photo: Courtesy Shangri-la
Guests may come to Chi, The Spa with a multitude of issues and receive a tailor-made service from the very first consultation. Highly trained therapists carry out assessments to identify their specific needs and create a journey that is not only memorable but also one-of-a-kind. Sophrology, the most gentle of treatments, will find them engaged in conversation about their physical and mental states before they are immersed into a practice based on mindfulness. A union of meditation and hypnosis, sophrology acts as a catalyst for internal metamorphosis, targeting issues such as insomnia, stress, and anxiety. For those looking for something more holistic, there is naturopathy, a session focused on finding a unique vitality balance based on personal rhythms, limitations, and preferences. This is accomplished by establishing new routines that encompass diet, breathing, plant therapy, and nutritional supplements.
Photo: Courtesy Shangri-la
After spending time at Chi, The Spa, guests are bound to leave feeling completely rejuvenated, having found not just a sense of inner peace but also achieving a balance between mind and body. On their way out they might catch a glimpse of Aqua-Yoga classes by Les Amazones Parisiennes, a wellness ritual for Parisian yoga enthusiasts, before walking onto the spectacular green terrace to soak in the spring sun. Or, they may relax in one of the hotel’s many rooms and suites, each of which is designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon – at times with the inspiration of “empire,” at times “luxury minimalist,” and at times a stunning mix of both.
Photo: Courtesy Shangri-la
Originally published in the March 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia.
