La Parisienne Spa Treatment at SoSpa, Sofitel St James’s, London
Nothing is left to chance at SoSpa, the award-winning spa at Sofitel London St James. The pre-treatment questionnaire that I am asked to complete allows me to stipulate my every whim: from the genre of music to the precise temperature of the room. Such a bespoke level of service is fitting for the treatment that I am about to undergo: La Parisienne Spa Treatment (£130), which was introduced to coincide with the arrival of Paris Fashion Week in September, and also to celebrate “La Parisienne By Sofitel” photo exhibition.
The itinerant exhibition, in London in November 2016, featured photographs of some of the most celebrated women in the world, shot in Paris. It focuses on the community of Les Parisiennes, exploring and celebrating their style and culture through the decades. Curated by Paris Match, this two-part exhibition delves into the magazine’s archives, dating back to the 1950s, with some shots from the famous photographer Emanuele Scorcelletti. There are some glorious images of iconic females such as Catherine Deneuve, Jane Fonda, and even more recent legends like Inès de la Fressange and Lou Doillon. In conjunction with the photo exhibition, the hotel arranged a variety of La Parisienne-themed experiences in collaboration with the fashion blogger Ella Catliff of La Petite Anglaise, ranging from gastronomic to spa-based delights, the latter of which I am here to experience.
The entirety of the tri-partite La Parisienne treatment, which comprises a 30 minute Oriental Dream massage, 30 minute anti-ageing and regenerative facial and 30 minute manicure or pedicure, is redolent of the sophistication of the French capital. My therapist delivers each of the three treatments deftly; the massage is so relaxing that I almost fall asleep. The facial is extremely thorough: my face is gently cleansed, scrubbed and massaged, before a mask is applied.
A wonderful head massage is administered whilst the mask works its magic, and then, to ease me back to reality, I am escorted upstairs for my pedicure, which is a lovely finishing touch and leaves me feeling polished and my tired toes revitalised. The accompanying glass of Champagne is a special touch, and is another feature of the treatment that underscores the Parisian theme.
SoSpa itself is somewhat of a hidden gem. Located on the ground and lower ground floors of the Sofitel London St James, the vast ceilings, marble and plush purple furnishings provide an exquisite domain in which to be pampered, and is one of the most elegant spa environments that I have encountered. The inspiration for the spa is based on the renouned ‘Cinq Mondes’ spa philosophy, promoting deep relaxation and luxury. The spa uses Marisa Berenson’s range of products, which include re-energising oils, nourishing elixirs and sense-awakening scents.
La Parisienne by Sofitel is the embodient of Sofitel’s aura of culture and art de vivre, and I highly recommend that you experience this sensational spa treatment whilst it is still available.
La Parisienne Spa Treatment (90 minutes, £130)
Sofitel St James, 6 Waterloo Place, St James’s, London SW1Y 4AN
020 7747 2200
www.sofitelstjames.com