The old and new worlds of Monte Carlo come together at Spa Metropole by Givenchy.
by SunHee Grinnell
Visit the exclusive, newly remodeled Spa Metropole by Givenchy, located in Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo, to experience some of the most luxurious pampering moments.
The spa, next to the oldest and one of the grandest hotels in town, has its perks. One can experience the old-world glamour of yesteryear with much of the property’s history intact, along with the modernity of its spa’s new design and three Joel Robuchon restaurants, to boot—one gastronomic, the other two more casual.
Architect Didier Gomez was the maestro behind Spa Metropole by Givenchy. His sleek, bold lines and choice of wall treatments and lighting seem to accentuate the spa’s subtle grandeur. The spa-treatment experience begins with the Fragrance Journey, wherein guests choose a scent from L’Atelier de Givenchy Fragrance Collection, for both men and women. It gets sprayed onto a chic black linen pocket-square, which is put into the breast pocket of the plushest spa robe ever. The fragrance then permeates and lingers on throughout one’s spa stay.
Try the indulgent facial that’s exclusive at this new spa, Le Soin Noir Renaissance Intégrale, which uses Givenchy’s discovery of age-defying black-algae-sap concentrate to replenish the skin for a long-lasting effect. And one can keep up the regimen by using the new Le Soin Noir et Blanc Masque and Le Soin Leger Light Face Cream. The unique black-and-white-swirl content in the mask works in unison, with the black-and-golden algae sap helping to regenerate from a cellular level, and the white concentrate protecting the cells from UV rays while brightening the skin and correcting pigment flaws and dark spots. A follow-up to the mask, the light face cream—made of black gel that disappears flawlessly into one’s complexion—will leave a radiant glow. They are coming Stateside next month, so be on the lookout.
There’s also the heavenly body treatment that uses the brand’s exclusive Celestial Body Interlude scrub, followed by an aromatic warm shower prepared by a therapist. Then, it's back onto the treatment bed for a warm wrap and massage utilizing their HydraSparkling moisturizing line. The result is incredibly relaxing, and this exquisite body-replenishing and stress-cure experience should not be missed.
One should continue the repose by the pool, which was conceived by Karl Largerfeld, who frequents this wealthy town and property. And have a snack at Odyssey, which is designated only for hotel guests until six p.m.
At the moment of departure, don’t forget to take advantage of Givenchy’s autumn-winter 2017 couture-inspired fall-makeup collection, created by Givenchy Le MakeUp artistic director Nicolas Degennes. From the high-shine eye-defining Liner Vinyl and Noir Lip Liner, to the 16-hour-hold waterproof cream eye shadows and lash-extending Noir Interdit mascara, to the two-tone Le Rouge Sculpt lipsticks, the products are as are fierce as the fashion collection itself. It confirms that “black enhances and gives rhythm to the colors of Le Rouge,” as Degennes himself states.