Imagine escaping the bustling city life and indulging in a luxurious spa day. That’s exactly what Hugo and I did when we visited the Charme d’Orient Spa in the Marais district of Paris. We were absolutely thrilled to experience a couples Turkish bath ceremony, also known as a hammam, complete with a relaxing mint tea and dried fruit snack afterwards. This romantic wellness experience is a must-do in Paris!
This post is sponsored by the Charme d’Orient Spa. All opinions expressed are our own.
Learning About the Ritual
Before our appointment, we did some research to understand the traditional Turkish bath ritual. We learned that it’s a public bathing experience where you alternate between cleansing (lathering and scrubbing) and relaxation. While many people have a Turkish bath on their bucket list, some feel uncomfortable with the public nature or find the scrubbing too harsh.
Fear not! Our experience at the Charme d’Orient Spa was the complete opposite. We felt pampered, comfortable, and blissfully happy throughout the entire process. Our skin felt soft and refreshed afterwards, and I, even with my sensitive skin, found the scrubbing to be gentle and enjoyable.
What to Wear?
When we told friends about our plans, they asked us what we were planning to wear. Traditionally, Turkish baths are enjoyed in the nude. However, you can definitely wear a bathing suit during your treatment, which is what we did at the Charme d’Orient Spa.
Choosing Your Scents and the Ambience of the Spa
Upon arrival at the Charme d’Orient Spa, we were greeted with a warm welcome and a quick tour. We learned about the spa’s philosophy, the natural products used in their treatments, and the different essential oil scents we could choose for our personal experience.
There were so many amazing scents to choose from, including rose, orange flower, and various floral combinations. I opted for rose oil, my personal favorite, while Hugo selected a delightful floral blend. We were able to smell each oil before making our choice, and they were all absolutely divine.
Fun fact: the oil bottles at Charme d’Orient are shaped like the female form – a beautiful touch that I couldn’t wait to share!
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What to Expect During the Turkish Bath Ceremony
The Charme d’Orient Spa creates a romantic and private haven for couples to enjoy the Turkish bath ceremony together. Any hesitations you might have about trying a Turkish bath will melt away as soon as you step into this beautiful spa.
After changing into our bathing suits in a private room, we showered and were covered with a special cleansing wash. Following the lather and cleanse, we were treated to a luxurious scrub.
The scrub was just rough enough to remove any dead skin cells, leaving our skin feeling amazing. After washing again, we lay down on the spa table and were covered with a scented mousse using the essential oil we had chosen earlier. The entire process of lathering, scrubbing, and washing was incredibly relaxing and pampering.
The History and Products of Charme d’Orient
The Charme d’Orient Spa stands out for its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. They manufacture all of their products in France and even operate a certified training center, helping hotels set up their own spas.
The brand is famous for its original formula for gentle hair removal wax, a natural honey-based alternative that’s gentler and more lasting than other methods. Although I learned about this process during our visit, I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.
Relaxing in the Hammam and Enjoying a Heavenly Massage
After our Turkish bath experience, we enjoyed a soothing session in the spa’s private hammam. I adore spending time in hammams, and it was especially wonderful to share this experience with Hugo.
Following the hammam, we were treated to a 30-minute massage. We thought we couldn’t be any more relaxed, but the massage took us to another level of bliss. It was truly heavenly! You might have seen our completely blissed-out videos on Instagram after we left the massage room. This might just be the best massage in Paris!
Unwinding in the Relaxation Room
After a morning filled with luxurious pampering, we were led to the spa’s beautiful and soothing relaxation room. The room features a traditional stone arch structure resembling a cave, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Bringing the Spa Home with You
To my delight, Hugo surprised me at the end of our spa day by letting me choose a favorite product to take home as a gift. With so many amazing options, I decided on a masque blanc (white mask) face mask – with honey and royal jelly. My new Sunday evening ritual involves applying this mask while enjoying a cup of hot tea. It’s incredibly relaxing and naturally purifies my skin.
Thank you, Charme d’Orient Spa, for an absolutely amazing experience!
For more information on Paris, check out our blog posts on non-touristy things to do, Paris hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower, Paris travel tips, and the best coffee shops in the city.
Getting to the Charme d’Orient Spa
The spa is conveniently located in the 11th arrondissement in the Haute Marais district. You can even stop by the Boot Cafe after your relaxing spa experience.
Recreate the Turkish Hammam Experience at Home
If you can’t make it to a spa right away, you can still enjoy the benefits of a Turkish hammam at home.
Simply order a kessa glove, black hammam soap, and a rhassoul clay mask and set up your own spa experience.
Are you interested in experiencing a couples Turkish bath in Paris? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to ask any questions you may have!
First published June 5, 2018. Last updated February 4, 2024 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.
