13 Aug 2021
Urban Cinq Mondes spa unveiled within iconic Parisian department store after €500m overhaul by LVMH
BY Megan Whitby
Historic Parisian department store La Samaritaine reopened its doors in June after a prestigious ceremony hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Luxury goods conglomerate LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) owns the original 19th century building and has poured nearly €500m (£425.6m, US$587.5m) into revamping the site over 15 years.
The jewel in La Samaritaine’s crown is its vast beauty wing – claimed to be Europe’s largest beauty floor in a department store – which is the home of the new Spa Cinq Mondes à la Samaritaine.
Founded in 2001 by Jean-Louis Poiroux and Nathalie Bouchon-Poiroux, Cinq Mondes is a premium French skincare and spa brand found in 35 countries.
Its philosophy is rooted in the duo’s shared passion for innovative, sustainable formulations and traditional medicines.
The new location marks the brand’s second Parisian site, joining Cinq Mondes’ historic Parisian flagship.
Poiroux told Spa Business the vision for the new 400sq m spa was to “develop a unique urban spa retreat for both travellers and Parisians wanting to unwind amidst the bustle of the city.”
Design details
With a contemporary and refined decor, the Spa Cinq Mondes à la Samaritaine has been realised by Suprem Architectures as a place of healing with a unique personality.
Each of the seven treatment rooms – including one for couples – has been completed with a Lemi treatment bed and a softly backlit feature wall reminiscent of Art Deco stained glass which gently illuminates each room.
Poiroux said all facilities – including a hammam, double exfoliation room and private relaxation areas with views of the interior garden – have been conceived to create an immersive healing journey in the heart of Paris.
Treatments
Spa rituals include a selection of massages, scrubs, wraps, facials and hammam treatments drawing on global healing techniques from locations such as Japan, India and China.
In addition, Cinq Mondes has curated an exclusive treatment for the new opening named The Great Ritual from Okinawa to revitalise the body and naturally lift and sculpt the face. The €124 (£106, US$147) experience lasts 50 minutes and includes a thorough traditional Japanese Ko Bi Do facial and Amma Back massage.
A journey of exploration
Spa facilities also include a chic 100sq m retail boutique with delicate metallic design details and a palette of warm pastel tones juxtaposed by pops of deep reds and purple.
Complete with illuminated alcoves showcasing Cinq Mondes’ products, the retail space has been conceived to guide guests on a journey of discovery to create their own personalised routine. Here, they can also find an interactive table to help them independently explore the range.
“This opening is really exciting for Cinq Mondes since la Samaritaine is a space of such unprecedented magnitude in Europe,” Poiroux added.
“After winning a very competitive tender for designing and operating the spa, our new facility benefits from a most unique and exciting space which perfectly showcases our beauty rituals and skincare range.”
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