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Experience ultimate relaxation and well-being at Monaco’s top day spas and hotel spas.

Monaco’s well-known casinos, the Grand Prix, the French Riviera, and its tax-friendly laws have made it a haven for the wealthy. However, Monaco is currently making a name for itself as one of the best health destinations, and it is doing so by looking to the past while simultaneously looking to the future and joining the ranks of Monaco’s day spas.

Since the start of the 20th century, European nobility and elite have travelled to Monaco’s thermal centres to experience the healing properties of the Mediterranean Sea, following in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, visitors to Monaco’s numerous hotels and spas may experience a little bit of that. Check out what is popular in the hip town.

Thermes Marins

MONTE-CARLO THERMES MARINSThe Grand Dame of Monaco’s spa hotels, the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, is situated in La Condamine, the centre of the yacht-filled port and combines cutting-edge services with restorative Thalassotherapy (seaweed) treatments. Instead than entering through the front door, take the striking marble-lined underground tunnel that leads from the spa to the Hermitage Hotel or the Hotel d’Paris.

The 71,000-square-foot building, which opened in 1908, resembles a royal mansion more than a spa. The interior is airy, contemporary, and clean-lined, with the newest exercise and treatment equipment, despite the exterior’s traditional European design.

This Monaco day spa offers so many facilities and services that you should plan on spending at least half a day, if not more. Begin in the fitness centre, where your virtual personal trainer and the expansive views from the elliptical are great sources of motivation. Only ARTIS exercise equipment has a console that allows you to video chat with a personal trainer while working out.

Selecting one of the many fascinating spa services is difficult. Do you choose the classic Maxi-Mineral, which includes a massage, sea mud wrap, and salt exfoliation? Or something like Cryolipolysis, which is a slimming procedure similar to Coolsculpting but less intense. Better still, select multiple treatments from the four-day packages of anti-aging, weight-loss, and general wellness therapies.

Possibly of interest: THE QUIET SPA TREND

Step outside to the Jacuzzi and take in the breathtaking view of the sea, scattered with dozens of super yachts and sailboats as well as the famous Rock of Monaco. Then, head inside to the amazing seawater pool.

Savour lunch at L’Hirondelle, a fine dining establishment offering a variety of nutrient-dense selections that come in under 500 calories. Step outside to the Jacuzzi and take in the breathtaking view of the sea, scattered with dozens of super yachts and sailboats as well as the famous Rock of Monaco. Then, head inside to the amazing seawater pool. It is normal to feel a current in the pool that originates from big underwater jets. As a result, your laps will seem more challenging or like a small massage. Fun fact: It is said that Princess Caroline of Monaco uses the pool frequently as part of her exercise regimen.

L’Hirondelle Resturant

Spa Metropole

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\SPA METROPOLE BY GIVENCHYGoing from Monaco’s oldest spa to its newest, the Spa Metropole by Givenchy is a must-visit. Opened last year, it’s one of only three Givenchy spas in the world.

Hubert de Givenchy said, “The secret to elegance is being yourself,” and that principle guides Givenchy’s spa philosophy. The ten-treatment-room spa is the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity. Guests can choose individual services like the signature Le Soin Noir Enaissance Integrale, which is a two-hour session focused on face and body, using all of the Givenchy skincare lines, or select full-day packages like the Zen Experience, which includes a yoga class, wellness lunch, reflexology and massage.

Hubert de Givenchy said, “The secret to elegance is being yourself,” and that principle guides Givenchy’s spa philosophy.

Spa Metropole

We recommend the à la carte option so as to have more time to enjoy the heated seawater Odyssey pool designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This summer, a poolside pop-up restaurant featuring Carme Ruscalleda, who boasts seven Michelin stars, and Joel Robuchon, the late chef who created the spa’s culinary offerings, makes this THE hotspot for foodies.

Cinq Mondes Spa

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\CINQ MONDES SPALocated in La Rousee, Monaco’s northernmost ward, the Cinq Mondes Spa at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is a bit more secluded and quiet, situated away from the hustle and bustle of Casino Square. The spa is one of 12 worldwide locations of the renowned Paris spa that bases its treatments on the best beauty rituals from five continents.

Don’t miss the Sublime Ritual from Polynesia, which includes either an aroma and flower Japanese bath ceremony or North African Hammam ceremony with aroma-color therapy followed by a scrub with Tahitian Manoi and a Polynesian massage. After your treatment, take a dip in the hotel’s sand-bottom lagoon.

Monte Carlo Casino

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN MONACOWhile the day spas in Monaco dazzle, wellness is more than just being pampered. One of the coolest things to do is to walk around the country—literally. Following the Princess Grace Trail, you can impress your friends by telling them you walked from one end of the country to the other. The trail is nearly four miles long and highlights 25 places that played a role in Princess Grace’s life, including the Japanese Gardens, Princess Grace Theatre, Monte Carlo Casino and, of course, the palace that was her home.

For those who want a bigger challenge hike part of the Via Alpina, a system of five trails that snakes through eight countries in 342 stages. The segment in Monaco is a bit over eight miles.

Elsa

If healthy eats are on your plate, you can’t miss Elsa, the world’s first 100-percent- organic, Michelin-starred restaurant at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel. Under the direction of executive chef Paolo Sari, diners are treated to cuisine crafted from the restaurant’s own vegetable garden and organic ingredients. While there are à la carte options, we suggest trying either the six- or eight-course tasting menu featuring dishes like risotto with black cuttlefish, langoustines and saffron, and local red mullets prepared Riviera style.

Another must-visit is by tennis champ Novak Djokovic who opened Eqvita, a completely vegan and gluten-free restaurant that’s perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch. Djokovic chose a gluten-free diet in 2010 and attributes part of his success on the court to his clean eating. With wellness travel now a staple among luxury travelers, Monaco offers a great blend of spa and fitness, in addition to all the jet-setting activities the principality has been known for years.