Wonderland takes a trip to Hôtel Métropole’s Guerlain Spa in the French Riviera – and trust us, you’ll want to note this one down.
Life, of course, can be a grind. We slog through London’s Central, Victoria, and District lines, logging on and off, circling back, the day-to-day a blur of emails and commutes. But once a year, when the sun hits its peak and its golden rays dance across Europe’s crystalline waters, everything seems to make sense. This July, Wonderland headed south to Monaco to indulge in the kind of refined, sun-soaked luxury the South of France does best. Out of office, iPhone on Do Not Disturb – it’s time to lounge in the golden sands of Monte Carlo… though not the coast-facing ones.
This summer, French beauty powerhouse Guerlain opened the doors of their first spa in Monaco, at the stunning, five-star Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo. Designed by interior architect Samy Itani of Itani & Courtois, it’s the dreamiest escapade one could ask for – one step into the marble-and-gold-clad space and you know you’re in for a treat, your brain immediately shutting down as your shoulders drop under the influence of Neroli Plein Sud, one of the maison’s classic fragrances, wafting through the air.
Guerlain gives meaning to the word legacy in a beauty brand context, being one of the longest-standing forces in the industry. At its heart is, of course, innovation and sophistication, but also an element of solar attitude that infuses all products – from signature fragrances, like the hauntingly sensual Shalimar or the fresh and wildly beloved Aqua Allegoria line, to skincare, makeup, and, of course, its spas. Walking into this space feels like walking towards the sun, an extravagant play of architecture and light transporting you outdoors, to the beach.
It’s regal and perfectly curated, yet deeply intimate and cosy – exactly what you expect from a five-star experience. The towels feel as soft as butter on the skin, and after time in the sauna and steam room, you’re invited to sink into sofas that feel far too luxurious to be dampened by moist skin. But this is exactly the kind of indulgence that luxe experiences promise. Just don’t try it at home.
Now, for the treatments. The spa features ten treatment rooms, accommodating Guerlain’s signature rituals, including the Ultimate Black Orchid, the jewel of Guerlain skincare. But three exclusive rituals have been specially created for Hôtel Métropole Monte‐Carlo to honour the spirit of the Principality – one of them aptly named Golden Sand.
For 90 minutes, guests lie on what is probably the closest you’ll get to Nirvana – a bed of warm sand over golden quartz stones, mimicking the beach (minus the gritty bits), while receiving a full-body massage to the soothing sounds of waves. It’s a moment of total escape. There’s no doing Monaco without this pitstop ever again – trust us.
