Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Twice a year (or six times, if you’re counting the couture and men’s shows too), a glittering phalanx of buyers, editors, stars, and influencers descend on Paris for the world’s most stylish trade fair: Fashion Week. And when it comes to accommodation, the seasoned pros know you have to book early—at least if you want to be in one of the city’s see-and-be-seen hotels.
On that front, few hotels rank quite as highly as the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, which dates back to 1913. Its associations with the world of fashion run deep: First, there’s its prime position on Avenue Montaigne, directly across the road from the flagship stores of Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton. (The hotel’s top suites also boast some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.) And while the spa initially launched in 2008, it was subject to a major renovation last year before reopening in the fall of 2023, giving the fashion crowd—or anyone—another pressing reason to visit.
What’s the vibe?
After descending a small flight of stairs, from the hotel lobby, one has the immediate feeling of having been whisked away to somewhere altogether calmer than the hotel’s surrounding streets. Greeting you upon arrival is a small army of attendants, dressed in Dior finery, who usher you into the expansive waiting area. This part of the hotel is decorated in soothing creams and taupes, with sleek gold accents and hidden lights picking out the contours of the ceiling above. A Wild & The Moon vegetable juice awaits you here. Lining the walls are golden shelves displaying Dior accessories and the candy-colored bottles of its La Collection Privée fine perfumes, while in the center of the labyrinthine space are a number of plush sofas.
What’s the history?
It’s said that as a young and then unknown designer, Christian Dior, strolled past the Hôtel Plaza Athénée on a breezy afternoon. And upon seeing its striking red awnings, decided then and there that one day he’d establish his couture house on that very street. By 1947, not only had he done just that, but he also decided to show his inaugural collection within the Plaza Athénée’s hallowed halls. But arguably the most famous link between these two Paris institutions would be Dior’s iconic New Look Bar jacket, said to have been inspired by the Plaza Athenée’s actual bar. Yet while the relationship is firmly rooted in history, it’s also constantly moving forward—hence, the spa.
What should you try?
There’s a head-spinning array of treatments to sample, unless you’re only there to check out the sauna and hammam. While the spa’s three signature “rituals”—recharge, recover, and rest—may all seem simple on the surface, the way in which the in-house “well-being experts” will help you achieve those goals is a little more complex, relying on the latest cutting-edge technology. Most impressive, perhaps, is the Dior Light Suite, which uses LED lights scattered across the ceiling to harness the power of the sun—and the body’s circadian and chronobiological rhythms in response to it—in order to combat jet lag, encourage the body to feel re-energized, or simply strengthen the ability of your dermis to withstand the likes of pollution or stress.
I tried a medical-grade Hydrafacial treatment, developed by Dior in collaboration with the originators of the technology to incorporate a floral peeling lotion. As for what the Hydrafacial actually is? Essentially, it’s a form of noninvasive microdermabrasion that uses a small pen equipped with a water jet to flush out your pores and remove any tiny bits of debris that might be lurking on or within your skin. After 90 minutes of being gently blasted—and then primped and slathered in masks, serums, and lotions from the brand’s ultra-high-end Dior Prestige line—I emerged with a complexion that was practically shimmering.
What else do we need to know?
Part of the charm of the Dior Spa Paris is its eye-of-the-storm location, a spot of calm in the swirl of activity. But don’t expect a total retreat: Even today, you’ll likely spot fashion executives (the LVMH headquarters are only a few doors down) having lunch in the glamorous, gilded Art Deco interiors of its beloved restaurant, Le Relais Plaza. If you do happen to be attending a Fashion Week show and end up spending an afternoon in this hidden sanctuary, don’t be surprised when you bump into someone you know.
Who can go here?
Anyone enjoying a Paris sojourn is welcome to visit—just make sure to book in advance.
Booking details for Dior Spa at the Plaza Athénée
Address: 25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
