WELLNESS
MASTER THE ART OF WELLNESS A trip to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – the land of Cézanne and Matisse – awakens the senses with spa treatments inspired by ancient traditions. BY CHRIS RYALL
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h o l i d ay i n P r ove n c e a n d the French Riviera typically involves driving through scenic countryside filled with lavender fields and vineyards, combined with exploring centuries-old cities brimming with museums and street markets. But there is more to this region, known as ProvenceAlpes-Côte d’Azur, than art, culture and natural beauty. As a devoted spa enthusiast who has sought out treatments in every corner of the world, I was keen to discover the wellness offerings in this part of France with historical ties to Roman baths and relaxing holidays. My wellness journey begins in Aquae Sextiae (the waters of Sextius), now called Aix-en-Provence. Founded by Romans in 122 BC, it would be decades later that thermal springs would be discovered and baths built. Fast forward 2,000 years. Thermes Sextius Spa is located over the ancient ruins of those same baths and thermal springs. Water flows everywhere in Aix, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Fountains.’ Romans soaked in the healing waters to recover from battles but my mission was to
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just relax and revitalize. Thermes Sextius is the region’s largest spa facility. It features a Finnish sauna, aromatic hammams, ice fountain, tropical showers, Jacuzzis, relaxation lounge, heated outdoor pool and fitness area. The spa with its blend of historical and modern architecture features treatments from wraps and scrubs to facials and massages. I choose the Angel in Gold Massage. My therapist, Alma, leads me into the treatment room and over the next hour uses Ayurvedic massage techniques. It’s like getting a facial from head to toe on my jet-lagged body. She applies a mixture of wood-scented essential oils and 24-carat gold flakes to waken my seven “energy centres” with her soothing, golden touch. Already missing Alma’s Midas touch but feeling energized, I hop on an e-bike. I cycled (aided by the push of a motor) along the hilly Cézanne trail to the studio of artist Paul Cézanne, Aix’s most famous citizen. I continue to the public garden, Terrain des Peintres, for views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire – one of Cézanne’s favourite landscapes to paint. Heading back into the
