The top new spa in Europe is actually in one of France’s most historic hotels, Hôtel Royal Evian. A Belle Epoque gem, built on the shores of Lake Geneva in 1909 in honor of King Edward VII, Hôtel Royal has just finished a stunning two-year refurbishment, led by Parisian interior designer François Champsaur and architect François Chatillon, who’ve managed to create a fresh, contemporary feel, yet keeping the property’s grand history and heritage intact. As you’d expect from a destination renowned for the purity and healing qualities of the water, the Spa Evian Source is a fluid 12,000-square-foot space with lake views, 24 therapy rooms, two steam rooms, sauna, aqua pool / gym and — loved this — an outdoor hydro-circuit, which is essentially a series of seven different Jacuzzis linked by a swim trail. The spa treatments, using products by La Prairie and Comfort Zone, are focused on “health through water” and overseen by Spa Manager Amanda Deloncle and her attentive and gentle staff. The signature treatment is a Luxury Caviar experience — using La Prairie’s caviar-infused products — and a facial, body, and hair treatment, of course, served with a glass of champagne and caviar canapés. For more water wellness, there is the Evian Thermal Spa in the town center (five minutes from Hôtel Royal), which utilizes Evian water — pollution-free, pH neutral and has a low-mineral content that contains bicarbonates and little sodium — for a range of medical-based treatments, which combat pain, digestive and skin issues. For more details, contact Amanda Deloncle ([email protected]), spa manager.
