Oh what a lucky life it is, when the chance to test the spa at a five star luxury hotel in Paris, comes wafting my way on a warm summer breeze. I was so delighted to be invited to test the spa with a massage and a visit of the beautiful luxury boutique hotel : Le Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal. Oh what a jewel this gorgeous place is, tucked away on a quiet street just steps away from the Louvre and the Palais Royal gardens. It is everything from classic architecture, to subtly chic decor, and everything you hope for in five star service. It was with pure happiness that I spent my afternoon there getting massaged, tasting wonderful food, and oggling this historic monument.

I arrived at the luxury hotel early, but starving because I hadn’t lunched, so with the 15 minutes of advance I had, I sat at a table in the chic and nicely air-conditioned bar and ordered something that was fast and easy : lemon pie. Ooooooh, that lemon pie. It rivals and I am almost certain it beats the lemon pie at  five star hotel Le Meurice (but I will need to return the the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal to taste theirs again, just to be sure!). But it is really one of the most beautiful lemon tarts I have EVER seen. Gold leafing and everything!

I was then escorted up to the hotel’s Carita spa, to receive an hour and a half of pure indulgence. Being a new mother, and with a lot less time to take care of myself these days, I can only attempt to describe to you how wonderful an hour and a half massage is to my aching muscles. The massage therapist knew exactly what I meant when I requested strong pressure. She got out ever knot in my shoulders. I have had a massage at the Carita spa on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, but it was not a very deep massage. So I was thrilled to know that this hotel has a masseuse that knows what she’s doing for massage. The luxury spa has two rooms, one with one massage table and another room with two tables so you and your Chéri can go get a spa treatment at the same time together. There is also a beauty room, where you can get Carita hair care, or Essie manicures and pedicures.

After my incredible massage, I got to visit some of the hotel, one of the rooms overlooking the café below, the sauna area and fitness room, the restaurant (I must return there for an entire meal), and then we sat at the bar for a refreshment. I had the hotel’s signature tea blend created exclusively for them by the Palais des Thés. It’s a delicate and perfect afternoon tea. And since I had only had dessert so far, I had a late light lunch : ceasar salad. The chicken was so juicy and succulent it was almost thirst quenching. I ate every bite.

It was the perfect was to spend my afternoon, in the lap of luxury in Paris. Aaaaaaaaah. (sigh of contentment). Thank you very much to the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal for inviting me. It was a treat to discover this hotel that I knew nothing about. I found a new gem, complete with historical monument status. And for anyone thinking of organizing THE perfect bachelorette party in Paris, I have the best idea that popped in my head as soon as I saw pictures of their rooftop that I sadly was unable to visit : Book  their rooftop apartment complete with terrace for sunbathing, spend time getting relaxed in the spa, dolled up in the beauty room, and head out for dining and  shopping around Paris!

But if you can’t book a room, nor even a spa treatment, at least go for the lemon pie!!!!