Credit: Global Project & Spa Advisory

The design and decor evoke a sense of alpine tranquility
– Patrick Saussay

Europe’s first Evian Spa has opened at the five-star Hôtel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, France – the birthplace of the mineral water brand.

The spa has been realised following a comprehensive 12-month renovation of the hotel’s existing wellness facilities and was curated to capture the essence of revitalisation.

Spanning 1,700sq m, the Evian Spa embraces the ethos of its namesake brand, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature's water cycle.

Evian's spa roots

Originally introduced in Japan in 2012, the licenced Evian Spa concept has been rolled out to five destinations, including Tokyo, Hanoi, Seoul, Doha and now Evian-Les-Bains.

The launch of Evian Spa marked the water brand's second official foray into the industry, after opening its first day spa in Shanghai in a one-off venture in 2004.

Even prior to this launch, spas weren’t entirely new to Evian, as its parent company, Danone, had owned two hotels with spas (including Hôtel Royal and Hôtel Ermitage) located in its exclusive Evian Resort. In addition, the group owns the town’s original thermal baths, Les Thermes Evian.

Read more about the birth of the Evian Spa brand in Spa Business’ interview with Laurent Houel, former global brand development director at Danone.

Shaping an Evian SpaAt the core of the Evian Spa concept lies a connection to the journey of Evian water, "originating from celestial phenomena and traversing through the alpine terrain for over 15 years to emerge in its purest form at the spring".

Guided by this narrative, the spa experience unfolds across four dimensions: the celestial birth, mineral infiltration, precious reserve and the vitalising spring, shaping everything from the spa's sensory environments to its treatments and architectural design.

With six individual treatment rooms and two further rooms for couples massages, every detail in the spa has been designed to echo the water cycle. The treatment rooms feature majestic natural vistas, both through their wide windows gazing out onto the hotel's grounds and floor-to-ceiling images of alpine landscapes.

On arrival, guests are welcomed into an arched sanctuary with a film retracing the water cycle.

Wet and thermal facilities include an outdoor hydro-circuit, a snow room, a plunge pool, a sauna, a steamroom, an indoor pool and an aqua bar.

Patrick Saussay, consultant and development manager for the Evian Spa brand, spearheaded the spa’s overhaul.

He told CLAD: “The spa’s architecture is inspired by the mountain’s curves. Meanwhile, the design and decor – as if shaped by water – are intended to reinforce a sense of letting go, encourage restful breathing and evoke a sense of alpine tranquillity.

“In addition, the spa features lighting that follows the rhythm of the sun, sound therapy and special signature aromas.”

More about The Hôtel Royal

Situated within the 19-hectare private wooded domain of the Evian Resort, The Hôtel Royal, established in 1909, has a rich history and underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2015, offering guests views of its sprawling 47-acre estate.

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