Being a Wellness Tourist in Paris
Holistic health and prevention are increasingly at the center of the hospitality business
A few weeks ago, Team Do Yoga in Paris spent the morning drinking coffee and eating za’atar croissants at Hoy Hotel in the 9e arrondissement during a breakfast gathering of Paris-based creatives.
In between chatting and trading client stories (👋 Caroline and Denys) I realized we ought to have brought our yoga stuff with us because Hoy is one of a wave of Parisian hotels making fitness and well-being a central part of their brand’s DNA.
Hospitality and hotel groups incorporating mind-body practices and Australo-Kiwi-Californian cuisine into their business plans is on trend. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s The Global Wellness Economy: Looking Beyond Covid report, wellness tourism is projected to hit $817 billion in 2024, $1.3 trillion in 2025. So expect a lot more koundinyasana and kettle bells with your cappuccino in your travel future.
“Europe remains the region with the largest number of wellness trips, while North America continues to lead in wellness tourism expenditures, because the average spending per trip is significantly higher.
Wellness travelers spend more per trip than the average tourist: this holds true for both domestic and international travelers, even during the pandemic. In 2020, international wellness tourists on average spent $1601 per trip, 35% more than the typical international tourist.” —Global Wellness Institute
Hoy Hotel
In addition to its streamable chill playlists, in-room meditation pillows and yoga books, Hoy Hotel encloses an outpost of YUJ, a yoga brand with its own network of infrared-heated studios throughout Paris. The hotel has a regularly updated slate of workshops on the calendar, too, and these can span sound baths, dream interpretation, flower arranging or family yoga. What’s nice is that the classes and workshops are open to everyone, not just hotel guests. Just make sure to book ahead.
FYI: if heated yoga is not your bag, keep reading for more ideas!
Hotel Parister
Located not that far from Hoy, Hotel Parister complements its workout equipment (free-weights, yoga mats, treadmill, heavyweight bag, stationary bike) with an actual swimming pool. The fitness room is exclusive to hotel guests, however visitors can book a ‘Lunch & Spa’ event for a few hours of poolside dawdling or a spa treament. If you don’t feel like doing yoga by yourself, we recommend you walk over to Qee (rue de Chateaudun) or Atma (rue des Martyrs) for a proper yoga class.
Bloom House
From the same hospitality group as the Parister comes Bloom House, an oasis in the grittier 10e arrondissement. Their unfortunately-named-but-beautiful Bloomy Spa houses an 18 metre pool, a sauna, treatment rooms and top-of-the-line fitness equipment designed by NOHRD. Yoga isn’t currently part of their wellness menu so we urge you to check out nearby studios Yoga & Co (quai de la Seine) and Casa Yoga (rue des Vinaigriers).
SOME BATSHIT CRAZY💰💰💰 IDEAS FOR PARISIAN PAMPERMENT
One of the most ludicrous, budget-busting suggestions for unwinding in Paris is making a reservation at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental near place Vendôme. In addition to luxury facial and body treatments, The Spa has a fitness and wellness programme featuring tailor-made hourlong yoga, Pilates and meditation sessions. More details available here.
If you like your hotel aesthetics mixed with Roman bath vibes, a nice place to indulge is Château Voltaire on rue Saint-Roch. Their plunge pool and sauna are ensconced under white stone arches which adds to the contemplative experience. The best part is that you don’t need to be a guest to make a reservation.
A stunning spa and pool are nestled inside the Saint James in the 16e arrondissement. It’s not just for hotel guests either so set aside some time between 10h30 and 19h30 for a swim or a signature Guerlain facial. Treatment menu is here.
Near Opéra, the newly opened Hôtel Hana’s spa marries Japanese refinement with French savoir-faire. To celebrate their launch, My Little Paris is sponsoring a contest to win a night’s stay (including dinner for two and a dip in the pool!)