Chi, The Spa, Paris
I went to Paris’s Shangri-La Hotel, strangely enough, in search of what Americans call ‘gel nails’. I’ve been obsessed with the UV-cured polish since it hit beauty salons maybe 15 years ago. It’s less popular in Europe, which left me searching for a spa that could keep my hands glittering while on vacation. Thankfully, Chi, The Spa offered a Shellac manicure on its menu.
Having visited two Chi spas before, in Singapore as well as the now-defunct Vancouver location, my expectations were high. The Paris Shangri-La did not disappoint. I strolled through the gates into a garden reminiscent of a jungle. The path to the spa was decorated with push carpets and faux ancient artifacts.
Spa entrance
I checked in and was led to a treatment room. Unlike the typical manicure, I laid on a reclining spa chair as the manicurist cleaned and massaged my hands. I picked a ruby red polish, and she proceeded with applying it. The manicurist took far more time than my usual strip-mall nails do, and the result was absolutely perfect. My hands were soft, without a single hang-nail, and the polish lasted far longer than the two weeks Shellac usually does.
I moved on to my next service, the Balinese massage. The therapist started by painting three scented oils on my arm: lavender, rose and ylang ylang and asking me to choose my favorite scent. I picked ylang ylang, then was given the chance to undress.
The massage started with the playing of some chimes (or perhaps a tibetan bowl-- I was already too entranced to notice), then the therapist moved to long strokes. The technique was wonderful. There was pressure to sooth my stressed muscles, then lighter work to help me relax, then stretching, where my limbs were painlessly pushed to the limits of my range of motion. It was one of the best massages I have ever had. Far too soon, it ended with the playing of the chimes again.
I was then served tea, an orange-ginger shot and a candied ginger as I sat in the Shangri La’s beautiful pool area. Relaxing in that serene spot was the perfect way to end the treatment.
After-treatment tray
Pool area
I then explored a bit, finding a peppermint-scented steam room in the women’s changing area. It was relaxing and cleared my sinuses, which had been a bit clogged since the flight over, but I wish they had been clearer about the swimsuit policy. I went in without swimwear, but kept a towel close for fear of flashing someone.
On my way out, I tried more delicious snacks.
Spa snack bar
Overall, my experience was fantastic. The treatment was exceptional, the facilities beautiful and the staff helpful but not overbearing. The only real downside was the price. But if your goal is to go to the nicest spa in Paris and not worry about what you spend, you couldn’t do much better than Chi.
I visited Chi, The Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris.
I paid 180 euros for a semi-permanent manicure, and 315 euros for a 90 minute Balinese massage.
I visited in Spring (non-peak).
