Locals and visitors alike have plenty of reasons to visit Paris, but on a recent trip to the City of Lights, I found myself wanting to well, lighten up. That’s how I ended up at the Valmont Spa at Le Meurice for a day of rest and renewal.

Opened in 1835 on Rue de Rivoli in Paris’ chic 1st arrondissement, Le Meurice has long been hailed as the gold standard of luxury living, with its stately suites and commanding lobby that feels at once cavernous and intimate. Often referred to as “L’hotel des Rois” (or the “Hotel of Kings”), Le Meurice cemented that status officially in 2011 when it became the first property to be awarded official “Palace” status. And yes, many royal guests have come through its doors in the years preceding and since.

Now, a year removed from the 2024 Summer Olympics, Le Meurice — and much of Paris — continues to welcome guests from all countries (and yes, all nobilities too). The latest Paris tourism statistics report air travel up 13% from this time last year, with overnight hotel stays up almost 8%. French Tourism Minister Nathalie Delattre, meantime, reportedly boasted that the country is on track to “break another record” after crossing the 100 million visitor mark in 2024.

The post-Olympics boost has brought both longtime fans and new visitors to Paris, with the Dorchester Collection’s Le Meurice remaining a jewel in the heart of the historic city. But while the hotel itself is grand and opulent, its Valmont Spa is purposefully discreet, tucked away on a lower level far from the movements of the Louvre and Tuileries guests busy-bodying through the streets above. The spa is suited for relaxation, of course, but it’s designed for results. That means a small sauna and outdoor terrace, but no pool, jacuzzi or steam room. You’re here for the treatments — and remedies.

For me, that meant indulging in one of the spa’s signature facials, which promised to bring my stressed and tired skin back to life.

After a brief consultation, my facialist suggested a custom mix of the spa’s “Purity of the Alps” treatment — said to “restore your radiance and enhance your natural beauty” — along with the “Hydration of Bisses,” which “re-plumps your skin, allowing it to regain comfort and radiance.”

Slowly but intentionally, my facialist worked through a range of Valmont products that addressed my most pressing skin issues: a cleansing foam to remove built-up oil plus impurities from a week spent walking the Parisian streets; a hyaluronic acid serum to plump and moisturize; and a thirst-quenching mask for a dose of instant — and intense — hydration.

It sounds like hyperbole but my skin felt entirely softer, lighter and more relaxed. My jaw was unclenched and forehead lifted, and I began to drift off into a state of tranquility.

FRESH GEL HYDRATION

Moisturizing Booster

Valmont’s world-renowned treatments are backed by decades of experience, and the brand’s products were once used by the likes of Coco Chanel and Grace Kelly. As I lay back on the heated table in the serene space of the Le Meurice spa (a.k.a. La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice), I couldn’t help but wonder how many stars had passed through these same halls — and these same expert hands — before. How truly luxurious to indulge in such a restorative experience, and how rare to find a moment of solitude amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

PICK ME UP

Primary Veil Mist

After a cooling eye mask, a nourishing lip treatment, and some fancy fingerwork to lift and tighten the neckline, my treatment was complete. “Your skin really needed that,” my facialist remarked.

I think I really needed that too.

Across town, the famed Hotel Plaza Athénée is offering another kind of nourishment, with the recent reopening of their outdoor restaurant, La Cour Jardin.

As its name suggests, the restaurant — or “courtyard garden” — is nestled in the heart of the prestigious Avenue Montaigne property, set amongst leafy greenery and the towering walls of the famed hotel.

New for summer is a menu drawing from the flavors of Brittany, France’s northwesternmost region that ends at the start of the Atlantic Ocean. Fittingly, dishes range from langoustines with vinaigrette, and barbecued lobster to kouign-amann millefeuille and crêpe cake.

Prefer a different dining experience? La Terrasse Montaigne, the hotel’s street-facing terrace restaurant has also reopened for dining en plein air, offering views of the Eiffel Tower, while you sip on your cappuccino in the morning or enjoy an aperitif in the afternoon. The seen-and-be-seen space also offers a full menu, with seafood-focused dishes like tuna tartare, lobster spaghetti, and curry-spiced trout salad.

Known for being featured in the final season of Sex and the City‘s original HBO run, Hôtel Plaza Athénée continues to be a go-to destination for celebrities and the stylish set today, with the majestic palace hotel dubbed the “Haute Couture address” for its proximity to some of Paris’ most fashionable boutiques, but also for its white glove service, which has long set the standard for luxury hospitality.

Our suggestion: book an Avenue Montaigne-facing suite at the Athénée, which offers floor-to-ceiling window shutters that open up to reveal a charming balcony with Eiffel Tower views, so you can enjoy the sunrise in the morning and take in the twinkling lights of the iconic French landmark at night.

Over on the East Side of the city, the SO/Paris has quickly become a go-to spot for fashion lovers, the cultural class and design aficionados alike. Set along the banks of the Seine, walking distance to both the Marais and Bastille neighborhoods, the SO’s bright and minimalist rooms offer a contemporary alternative to the more traditional, classically-designed hotels in the city. The hotel delivers a kind of unpretentious Parisian luxury that makes it a much-welcomed destination stay.

Nods to Paris abound, from the curated local artwork and coffee table books in the rooms, to the CODAGE bath products, said to be inspired by traditional French pharmacy offerings. New this season: a lobby activation with the iconic department store, Printemps, celebrating its 160th anniversary.

The installation celebrates the history of the store while showcasing designs from past and present. And if you see something you like? The Printemps building on Boulevard Haussmann is just a short, 15-minute drive away.