No luxury ski holiday in France would be complete without a good soak in a sauna or steambath to ease tired muscles and relax after a long day on the slopes. But not all spas are created equal, of course. For some truly superb après-ski experiences, we recommend that you beeline to these eight extraordinary Alpine spas in France. From Megève to Courchevel and Chamonix, many of these coveted addresses are located within the region’s most-prestigious hotels. Read on to learn more about how to make your experience in the Alps one that rhymes with high luxury, and total relaxation.
Luxury Spas in Megève
As one of the most exclusive ski resort towns in the French Alps, it’s unsurprising to note that Megève counts an unusually high number of top-end spas. Most of these are located within hotels that are equally prestigious, so you might consider staying at one of these to enjoy all of their ultra-luxurious amenities.
There are three spas in the elegant yet rustic town that we particularly recommend:
Pure Altitude at the Fermes de Marie
For anyone seeking Alpine luxury in its purest form, this spa at the world-famous, 5-star Fermes de Marie hotel is an essential destination. Enjoy a range of top-end treatments in one of the 17 onsite cabins, all using products from the Pure Altitude line of cosmetics and skincare, which is native to Megève. Formulated with mountain plants and natural ingredients such as Alpine edelweiss and Himalayan rose, the prestigious line is designed to rejuvenate the skin and leave you relaxed and refreshed after a day of skiing or hiking.
The spa features genuine Alpine charm and warmth: enjoy indoor pools, jacuzzi, sauna, and steamroom; an outdoor sauna, Japanese “ofuru” style baths, and a relaxation room looking out onto an idyllic Alpine garden. Meanwhile, the onsite salon featuring a range of luxurious yet nature-based products from Leonor Greyl offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your look before conquering the powder.
The Four Seasons Megève
The spa at the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel in Megève, which was inaugurated in December 2017, has quickly become one of the most-sought-after spots for luxurious après-ski pampering. Its stunning, heated indoor-outdoor pool with swim-against-the-tide waves is one of its outstanding features, offering breathtaking views of the mountains in the distance, as well as the chance to breathe in pristine Alpine air.
Saunas, steamrooms, a beautifully appointed relaxation room that’s almost guaranteed to foster blissful naps after a soak or treatment, and fitness room are some of the other amenities that await you at this superb spa. There’s a full range of signature treatments, massages and other relaxing and luxurious services to choose from, from reflexology to facials, body cocooning and hair treatments from Leonor Greyl. Several treatments from Australian luxury skincare brand Sodashi are available for the most discerning clients.
Spa by Carita & Cinq Mondes at the Fer à Cheval Hotel
Located just a few hundred metres from the town centre of Megève, this sumptuous hotel spa offers luxurious treatments and the height of relaxation in an authentic and rustic setting. Fans of aromatherapy-based treatments will especially appreciate the invigorating and sensual treatments featuring products by French luxury beauty lines Carita and Cinq Mondes, long preferred by women with a taste for only the best. Men can also enjoy a full range of relaxing and renewing treatments, of course…
The wellness centre at the coveted five-star Fer à Cheval hotel features a large indoor pool, eucalyptus-scented hammam-style steamroom, woody saunas, jacuzzi, relaxation area with mountain views, and tearoom where you can restore hydration and extend your relaxing morning or afternoon. Sports massages and exfoliation treatments are ideal complements to a few restorative rounds in the pool, sauna and steamroom.
Top-End Spas & Wellness Centres in Courchevel
Beloved by well-heeled global travellers and frequently considered the place to see and be seen in the French Alps, Courchevel embodies the pursuit of glamour on the slopes. Yet even the most fashion-forward travellers need to take some time out for themselves: time to unwind, let go and just be. Luckily, some of the very best spas and wellness centres in the region are situated in this chic resort. Of the many spas operating nearby the slopes of Courchevel, we especially recommend the following:
The Cheval Blanc Spa, Featuring Guerlain
One of the most opulent spas and wellbeing centres in the Alps is located at the sumptuous Cheval Blanc Courchevel, a historic and coveted lodge. The Cheval Blanc Spa features signature treatments, beauty rituals and massages using exclusive products from French luxury perfumer and beauty brand Guerlain; these were inspired by cold-climate and high-altitude conditions to promote beauty, relaxation and rejuvenation at Alpine heights. Five dedicated treatment rooms are available alongside the much-lauded Orchidée Salon for up to two guests at a time, where you can benefit from anti-aging skincare treatments from Guerlain, all inspired by their legendary fragrances.
The wellness centre at the spa is equally luxurious and tempting, featuring a magically lit indoor pool with wooden, tree-like elements and an atmosphere straight out of an opulent fairy tale. There’s also a sauna and steambath room, a cold pool and a luxuriant “experience” shower.
Spa at L’Apogée Hotel, Featuring La Prairie
Situated within one of the most prestigious new hotels in the Courchevel 1850 part of the resort, L’Apogée, this spa is as luxurious as you’d expect it to be for a property that’s part of the Oetker Collection. Guests at this ultra-prestigious address benefit from a full range of exclusive treatments formulated in partnership with top-of-the-line French beauty brand La Prairie. Five sumptuous cabins await you for massages, facials, exfoliating treatments and relaxing full-body beauty rituals; meanwhile, there are a range of excellent treatments for gentlemen and even for your youngest family members.
The wellness centre features a heated indoor pool with soothing and elegant blue mosaic decor; from there, enjoy several relaxing cycles in the jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and salt sauna.
Clarins Spa at Le Lana Hotel
Another emblematic French cosmetics and skincare brand claims one of Courchevel’s most sought-after spots for a session of pampering. The Clarins Spa at the Le Lana Hotel offers a modern take on Alpine high luxury, with plush treatment rooms lit with soft blue and decorated with gorgeous flowers and chandeliers. The 400m2 space, entirely dedicated to well-being, features six glass treatment cabins where guests can benefit from a full range of exclusive massages, facials, exfoliation and skincare treatments designed in tandem with Clarins. Many treatments feature essential oils and include aromatherapy principles for even deeper relaxation. You can also opt for makeovers, consultations with an osteopath, luxuriant and rejuvenating hair treatments, and even professional photography sessions. Meanwhile, the sprawling wellbeing area features a heated indoor pool with a “starred-ceiling” effect in cool blue tones; cold plunge pool, sauna and Turkish steambath, as well as a fitness centre. There are few places better-suited for releasing muscle aches and tension after a hard day braving the black slopes.
