European Med Spas: a Series #4
September 26th, 2011
Trendy French Spa Treatments
The traditional French Thermal spa, Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains is an institution in the Chamonix Valley that is more than 200 years old. The hot and healthy thermal water straight from the glacial waters of the Mont Blanc Massif is often described as a real natural serum. The traditional treatments exist in perfect harmony with new products and techniques.
According to Mintel, the revenue from the skincare market in the five key European markets (France, Italy, Germany, UK and Spain) reached 6.1 billion Euros in 2009 or about $8.7 billion dollars. France represents more than 36% of this market.
Thermes de Saint-Gervais is typical in its offerings of beauty, wellness and relaxation treatments. Warm mineral water treatments and beauty therapies include hydro-massage, volcanic clay applications and facial masks, jet showers, sauna and hammam; all combining essential oils, aromatic and medicinal plants. We toured the new anti-stress and relaxation circuit that is combined with a multi-station outdoor natural spring water pool.
According to our guide, Julie it has been a very successful addition to the property. The unique spa atmosphere is carefully crafted to achieve maximum relaxation with special attention to lighting, sound and visual cues. The senses are meant to be calmed before exploring the thermal stations in the outdoor pool. We were invited to experience the new treatments ourselves, but a busy travel schedule made it impossible this trip. However, the view from the outdoor mineral pool was stunning, with snow-capped Mont Blanc in almost every direction.
Next: Skincare: a Growing Global Business
European Tradition of Med Spas: a Series #3
September 22nd, 2011
Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Western Europe at 15,782 feet. It’s ranked 11th in the world, boasting many famous natural thermal springs, like Evian.
The Mont Banc region hosts more than 100,000 guests every season at its fifteen thermal spas. Besides Evian and Thermes St. Gervais that I mentioned in an earlier post, some others include: Thonon-les-Bains, Aix-les-, Vals les Bains, Saint-Laurent, Neyrac-les-Bains Allevard, Montrond-les-Bains, and Montbrun-les-Bains.
Today modern thermal spas continue to provide relief to sufferers of many ailments, each one offering particular benefits. Now with the current popularity for relaxation, well-being and trendy spa treatments, the clinics offer a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments besides the traditional cures. Besides many of the same favorite treatments found in America, France is often first to offer new products and techniques.
Next: Trendy French Spa Treatments
Photo: In Chamonix, the spectacular view from our hotel with Mont Blanc in the background.
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