Originally Posted by scented

Chanel Au Ritz Paris... an update: part of the Ritz Club Paris, a spa and wellness temple styled as a private members club on the mezzanine, this refuge has been completely re-done after its inauguration in 1989. It's meant to be the go-to destination for all of our private fitness needs, a few laps in the generously-sized pool or a new haircut at the in-house David Mallett salon. And, of course, the first Chanel Spa in the world. Quite a statement.

I've been critical of this establishment from the very beginning, but tried to approach this re-born grande dame with an open attitude... and I do have to say that the therapists (training continues) will be amongst the best in Paris, from a 'technical' perspective. Expect a massage executed to perfection and tailored to your individual needs. Expect a manicure to be the best one can provide, solely with the highly acclaimed Chanel products and latest shades of vanishes. All that in timeless, contemporary surroundings -- always with elegance and a smile. They aim to be 'a very good address' to turn to.

What I love is that it is quite intimate. 5 treatments rooms. "Cabins". Oh well. Very high building quality, especially for a spa. What bothers me though personally is their understanding of luxury, which is more appropriate for the 1990s. It's a quick fix. And the over-branding of everything, worse than expected. Oils named after Chanel perfumes. And interiors that resemble a luxury boutique. At first, I wasn't sure if I wasn't accidentally escorted to the beautiful Chanel Haute Joaillerie boutique on Place Vendôme vis-a-vis (which I love). It's virtually the same, and it feels extremely cold. People don't spa the same way they shop. All of the details are so predictable -- the same motifs over and over again. We get what Coco loved, endless hues of the same lush beige/cognac-hues, ornate gold details and the occasional camelia fleur, plus Chinese motif screens. The same ideas forced upon the guest. Most annoying however was the lighting. The entire spa, pool area, everything, made use of this extremely cheap fluorescent lighting. Their lighting designer should be fired on the spot. After Chanel Au Ritz, Park Hyatt Paris' Spa felt like a sanctuary.

It is funny… Coco loved everything modern back in the day, but the ideas of this spa are anything but. A luxury spa today is about choice, and there's little to no choice here. Most spas let their guests decide which products to choose, as more and more seem to like chemical-free options. Not here. Other favor science-based treatments (such as Swiss Perfection). But by design and name, this spa will forever limited to the same old products. Which is sad. Every solid spa comes up with new ideas every year and aims to delight… Chanel Au Ritz Paris is caught in this rigid corporate structure. There is no holistic approach and with so many health-conscious travelers these days, the times of a quick fix are over. They seem to have the idea that modernity exists in these commercial surroundings, dominated by huge vitrines full of merchandise. But in reality, nothing is cutting edge here. They are on neither side of the spectrum, what about Shiatsu, Mesotherapy, Radio Frequency treatments, Light Therapy, Acupuncture? Or organic facials, wraps, guided meditation, dare I say Watsu? Not here, not anytime soon.