DESTINATION The minimalism of the Akasha spa in the renovated Hotel Lutetia

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AKASHA SPA’s EXCLUSIVE THERAPIES

Famous worldwide, the Akasha Spa acquired an exclusive space at Hotel Lutetia

BY: LAURO LINS | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HOTEL LUTETIA

lutetia.grandluxuryhotels.com

After four years undergoing renovation, Hotel Lutetia—in the heart of Saint Germain—reopened in great style last year. The new interior design is signed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and the style has become more minimalist with many touches of luxury. One of the great new features is the Akasha Spa, installed on the third basement level, occupying an area of 700 sqm with a 17-meter-long pool. The philosophy of the spa is to be a luxury sanctuary for all healing arts, including beauty treatments and exclusive therapies. “A sense of balance and wellness permeates our spa from the moment you arrive. The award-winning architect Jean-Michel designed all the details, choosing each harmonious color and pleasant texture. From a state-of-the-art gym to a shimmering full-length pool,” says Eliot Sandiford, the hotel’s Director of Public Relations.

The spa has hired a team of specialists such as therapists, beauticians and coaches with the best qualifications. “One of our massage therapists was chosen twice as the best in town. Another provides treatments only in the afternoon, since he is busy in the Paris Opera Dance Corps in the morning hours. This is the exceptional level of treatment that our guests or visitors will find at Akasha Paris,” says Marine Moscovici-Servat, Public Relations and Communication Manager.

01. The 17-meter-long Akasha spa pool at

Hotel Lutetia. 02. Spa massage and body therapy room. 03. Entrance hall of the Akasha spa, with interior design by architect Jean-Michel

Wilmotte, who redesigned all interiors of the hotel. 04. View of the minimalist hall.

The Akasha philosophy The Akasha Spa follows the concepts of the Indian philosophy of therapies, based on the four elements: air, water, fire and earth. The Spa takes a unique holistic approach, based on its global experience in different places around the world. To provide the most advanced selection of treatments, beauty, fitness and nutrition programs, Akasha works with three traditional brands: Carita, Cellcosmet & Cellmen and Aromatherapy Associates. Among the specialists, the renowned hairdresser Christophe Nicolas Biot: a colorist expert in plant-based dyes. In the fitness sector, a 100-sqm room that benefits from natural light, with a wide selection of innovative workouts—taught by some of the best specialist professionals—such as bootcamp, ladyfit, meditation, boxing, flow yoga and deep stretching. In addition, Lutetia invested in state-of-the-art equipment for sauna, Turkish bath, swimming pool, and jacuzzi. To complete the team, Valérie Espinasse offers consultancy in micronutrition—to keep fit and revitalize energy and physical well-being—with healthy menus and a wide variety of detox drinks. 3

HÔTEL LUTETIA

Hotel Lutetia, with its art-nouveau façade—listed by the French historical heritage—which resembles waves that remain untouched. Around the balconies, the vine-shaped ornaments (a reference to that region that was formerly occupied by vineyards) are just as new as they were at the opening of the hotel in 1910. Other than that, almost the entire interior structure of the hotel has undergone modifications.