Imagine arriving in Paris by the speedy Eurostar, a journey that whisks you away in just two hours. As you step into the grand lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel, you’re transported back in time, feeling as though you’ve taken a fashionable stroll through history.
A Palace Transformed
This magnificent hotel was once the home of Prince Bonaparte, built in 1896, the same year as the iconic Eiffel Tower, which you can admire from many of the rooms. The hotel’s listed status means its authentic features are meticulously preserved: original parquet floors, marble pillars, stained-glass windows, and wrought iron and gold winding staircases. Look up and be dazzled by the ornate chandeliers that adorn every room.
The hotel underwent a four-year renovation before opening its doors in 2010, boasting 100 stunning rooms, three stylish lounges, and three exquisite restaurants. One boasts two Michelin stars, another one, and a fantastic bar serves delicious cocktails. The spa is a testament to the hotel’s elegance and offers a serene sanctuary. It’s no wonder an average of three proposals take place here each week!
A Sanctuary of Tranquility: The Chi Spa
The Chi Spa offers a refreshing contrast to the hotel’s ornate elegance, with a calming palette of creams, whites, and pale greens. Stark white orchids fill the air with a lovely scent reminiscent of Shangri-La’s Asian heritage.
Take the ornate lift – itself a work of art – down to the spa, which sits just above ground level. You’ll be greeted by products from The Organic Pharmacy, displayed in elegant white and glass cabinets, and four beautifully designed treatment rooms, one specifically dedicated to Thai massage.
Slip into a fluffy branded robe in the stylish changing rooms and immerse yourself in the petit steam room with its cream mosaic curved bench seating. The scent of eucalyptus will envelop you as you relax and unwind.
The hotel’s 15-meter pool, housed in the old stables, offers a truly unique experience. On sunny days, the sun dances on the clear blue water, creating a breathtaking scene. As you relax, admire the tiled pattern at the bottom and gaze up at the ‘sky’ painted on the ceiling.
After your swim, grab a towel, a tiny bottle of Evian, and a magazine, and settle on one of the comfortable lie-flat loungers. Or head outside to the sunken, decked terrace, where you can relax under the Parisian sky and soak in the views.
A Sensory Journey: The Signature Rose Crystal Facial
The spa offers a range of treatments, but the Signature Rose Crystal Facial is a must-try.
As you enter the tranquil treatment room, your therapist, Camille, will greet you warmly and guide you through a relaxing consultation. This luxurious treatment begins with a soothing back and shoulder massage, expertly finding and releasing any tension.
Camille’s skilled hands then move to your face, using a fresh carrot and butter cleanser followed by a flower petal scrub, which leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. The more indulgent elements of the facial include a rose diamond cleansing milk and a refreshing rose diamond toner, leaving your skin feeling tight and radiant.
Camille skillfully applies a gentle peel and massages your arms and hands while it works its magic. The relaxing foot massage is so soothing that you might just drift off to sleep.
To finish, Camille applies a diamond serum around your eyes and a rose night cream on your neck and face. Your skin will be visibly tauter and softer, making this treatment truly worth every penny.
Indulge Your Senses: Food and Drink
The Chi Spa itself doesn’t offer dining options, but the hotel offers a variety of delectable pre- and post-treatment dining experiences. Enjoy afternoon tea in one of the ornate lounges, or savor a delicious lunch at one of the three restaurants.
L’Abeille, the hotel’s classic French restaurant, boasts two Michelin stars, while Shang Palace, the only Chinese restaurant in France with a Michelin star, offers authentic flavors.
For a unique culinary experience, La Bauhinia, a French/South East Asian fusion restaurant, offers a modern and stylish ambiance. Try the fresh and colorful Tomatoes from The Farm for a delicious starter, followed by the shrimp Pad Thai, which is sure to delight your taste buds.
A Parisian Morning
Start your day the French way with pots of hot coffee, glasses of freshly squeezed juice, and baskets filled with hot, crunchy croissants and pain au chocolat.
Who Will Love the Shangri-La Hotel Paris?
Everyone! Couples will adore the romantic views, foodies will be in heaven with the exceptional restaurants, and historians will be captivated by the hotel’s fascinating past.
Here are a few must-do experiences:
- An early evening swim – the pool is less crowded around 6pm, when the golden hour creates beautiful patterns on the water.
- A spa treatment – the Chi Spa may be small, but it’s beautifully peaceful. The Signature Rose Crystal Facial is a must-try, with visible results guaranteed.
- A drink in Le Bar Botaniste – a botanist’s dream, with hanging plants and sofas adorned with zebra-print cushions.
The Shangri-La Hotel Paris is a unique blend of luxury, history, and Asian influences, offering a memorable and unforgettable Parisian experience.
