Glittering in France
Cannes on the French Riviera is renown for its glitz and glamour, especially during the two weeks of Film Festival in May. But when told there was gold and platinum in the pine-laden hills of Venceon the Cote d’Azur,photojournalist Nannette Holliday set out to discover more.
Just twenty minutes drive behind Nice, is Vencea historic walled village famous for its spring water, modern art and the works of Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, found in the chapels. But these hills are also home to the Château Saint-Martin & Spa. No ordinary spa. Neither is the experience. The retreat settingoffers traditional French charm at its best—unrivalledby any on the coast.
Located inside thecloisters of afully restored 12th century Knights Templar castle, the spa is surrounded bythirty acres of exquisitely lush,manicured gardens and breathtaking vistas overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean from the snowcapped French-Italian Alps, Nice and to Cannes.
Inside this400m²haven of peace and healingis as refreshing as the crisp mountain air outside, offeringspa experiences like nowhere else. Here you can discover a world of pure luxury and refinement.My mouth waters just reading the menu.Unbelievable as it may seem, their unique signature treatments use real gold, platinum and evencaviar.
I’m told the most popular treatment is the Gold Radiance Facial. Usingproducts infused with precious Pure Gold serum, Ali, the Swiss trained beautician gently sweeps her soft sable hair laden brush upwards over my throat and cheeks. It’s cold, but smells sweet like a fresh floral bouquet.
“This will impart the subtlest 24-carat incandescent glow,” her heavy French accent informs me. “In just eighty minutes your skin will look and feel radiant, luscious and vibrantly alive.”
“If you want more, we also havetheCaviar Firming Facial or Caviar Body Treatment. Both these luxurious treatments use unique sea proteins that will instantly lift, firmand improve elasticitywhile illuminating your skin.”Or there’s the Platinum Rare Facial that bridges science and sensuousness. You’ll be pampered head-to-toe by two therapistsusing the high performance Platinum Collection. After an hour and a half you feel absolutely revitalized and renewed with the skin that you’d always dreamed of; balanced, hydrated, youthful and bright, with the pure incandescence of platinum.
And if that’s not enough, you can luxuriate in the spa’s totally indulgent three-hour Swiss Bliss Treatment—a total immersion ofspecial combination massages and a facial thatcocoonsevery part of your body in caviar bliss.
Any meals and drinks on offer is overseen by the two Michelin star chef, YannickFranques, and produced with ingredients grown in the hotel’s own garden.
It’s easy to see why Château Saint-Martin & Spa is truly heaven on earth.
So if you want to put the sparkle back into your next Riviera holiday, there’s no denying that a visit to Château Saint-Martin & Spa will have you glittering gold, (or platinum)from head to toe.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa, 2490 ave des Templiers,Vence, 04.93.58.02.02. Treatments from €130-€360
Couples and male guests haven’t been forgotten either. For couple’s there’s a special duo cabin that has a private Sweet Spa Crystal (an entertaining and private steam shower), and there’s a special Spa menu for the discerning man.
Of course you’ll find all the normal spa treatments on offer, such as wraps, body scrubs, yoga lessons, body and energy treatments, along with a steam shower, sauna, experience shower, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a beauty room for manicure, pedicure, make-up and hairdressing.
wasone of the winners of Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2012