Spa Days in SW France

It’s all about you

Years ago a day at the spa probably involved a facial, a sauna and a plunge into a cold pool in an atmosphere that combined clinical cleanliness with elitist undertones. Now, spas are welcoming to all, the young and not-so young, male and female.

Origins

The power of mineral water to heal, particularly for iron deficiencies, arthritis and rheumatism, can be traced back to prehistoric times and, in evidence, archaeologists have actually discovered Bronze Age weapons and offerings near hot springs in France. It is also believed that the Celtics discovered the first hot springs in Bath (interestingly the name Bath is said to be nothing more than a coincidence). However, it was the Greeks who really brought bathing to a new level with everyday regimes.

The word “spa” originates from a town in Belgium and dates back to Roman times. The Romans were well known for their love of medicinal bathing and they created much larger baths and bathing houses in towns such as Harrogate, Aix, Vichy and Bath. Today, a spa has a much wider context that ranges from individual hot tubs in the back garden to complete spa (or thermal) centres offering a range of treatments from thermal hot springs and mud baths to saunas, jet hydro, steam baths, aromatherapy, body wraps, massage and beauty treatments.

The hydrotherapy pool at Château Vigiers

The calm, zen-like atmosphere that is synonymous with spas is created by much more than soothing music, soft lighting and warm fluffy towels, it is all about focusing on one thing - you. Unashamed pampering by a team of professionals who are there to cleanse and rejuvenate, soothe and reinvigorate the skin, the muscles and the spirit.

Gone are the days when a spa was aimed at the “beautiful people”.

Any fears about stripping off and revealing the body have been alleviated by the fact that most treatments can be done with your underwear on, and swimming costumes in the pool are the norm. Spas are becoming more and more popular and business is competitive. This is bringing its own rewards, not just to the centers themselves but also to their much coveted clientele.

What’s in a Spa

The counter current pool at Le Stelsa

The original spa at Chateau Vigiers, for example, offered hammam, sauna, two beauty cabins and a Jacuzzi, but they chose to completely rebuild it in 2017. The Spa architecture and interior was totally redesigned with natural soft colors and an area to offer a true moment of relaxation for clients. Six months on, it features 3 beauty cabins, including a double cabin, a jacuzzi, sauna and a 12-seater hydrotherapy pool. In addition, the spa offers a new range of facial and body products for men and women from SOTHYS. With separate days for males and females, the traditional hammams can form part of a relaxing day at Les Brumes de Masaline in Moissac (82). Le Stelsia at Saint Sylvestre sur Lot (47) is a colourful chateau with its own sensory showers, ice fountain, fitness room and counter-current pool. A natural setting with a hot spring rich in minerals and oligo-elements awaits you at the Vinotherapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux-Martillac (31). As well as body and beauty treatments, the Othentic Spa at Gourdon (46) offers hot stones, hydrojets, saunas, spajets and massages to relax or energise you in accordance with your mood. Built around a 20,000 year old hot spring, La Bastide at Cazaubon (32) combines thermal baths with hydro-massage cabins, Vichy showers, mud wraps and a beauty salon. Sauna, hamman, jacuzzis, makeup and beauty treatments for both men and women are offered at the Domaine d’Essendiéras at St Médard d’Excideuil (24). Inspired by visits to Marrakech, the Medina Spa in Toulouse (31) is there to create a sense of well-being with its hammams, massages, tanning salons and beauty treatments.

The Medina Spa in Toulouse

Why massage?

We all know that waxing, facials, saunas, a thermal dip and a pedicure can bring an instant lift to our sense of well-being but a massage, when targeted to the right area and performed by a professional, can have a long term life effect. Calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation, reducing tension and anxiety and even able to relieve depression, a massage also improves blood circulation. Delivering oxygen and vital nutrients to the body’s cells, it also stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to remove body waste.

Suffering from muscle cramps and spasms, arthritis or sciatica?

Try a massage, there are lots of different kinds to suit lots of different conditions but don’t forget to tell your masseur or masseuse if you are undergoing medical treatment or have had cancer. In some cases, a certain kind of massage may not be right for you.

Vinotherapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie.

Bee kind to yourself

If you can’t fit in a spa day, there are ways to pamper yourself at home. Here are some ideas.

Try a head massage with one of those spikey things – you can even use it on yourself. Alternatively, a professional Indian head massage will certainly help to relieve stress and re balance the body’s energies.

Select a bath bomb and have a leisurely soak in the comfort of your own home, with or without aromatic candles and a glass of vino or bubbles.

Don’t forget to try the honey and carrot face mask from the last issue – it really works.

Most of all, don’t feel guilty if you need time for yourself. Take that time to do whatever pleases, you whether it is gardening, reading a book or even sleeping. Just enjoy it.

Spoil yourself with a bath bomb, fragrant soap and a candle

You could also choose a “mood soap” to suit whatever mood you are in. You can find these at the soap market stalls and online sites. Their distinct fragrances can transform how you are feeling and help you to relax, calm down or even become motivated. For instance:

• Peppermint for reducing anger

• Jasmine, lilac, pine and lavender for calming influences

• Lavender and chamomile for relaxation

• Citrus fruits and rosewood for a sense of happiness and uplifting

• Charcoal and tee tree oil to refresh

• Rosemary for stress relief and energising

• Apples for reducing anxiety

• Cinnamon for mental clarity and calm

advertising

Château des Vigiers Le Vigier 24240 MONESTIER 05 53 61 50 00 www.vigiers.com

Nestled in the heart of the Dordogne, between Saint-Emilion and Bergerac, Château des Vigiers is an internationally acclaimed resort offering four star accommodation in two unique hotels. The 16th century château forms the centerpiece of the magnificent 27-hole golf course, two highly-rated restaurants – Michelin star restaurant “Les Fresques” and brasserie “Le Chai”, its own vineyard and a luxury new-look Spa by SOTHYS.