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L’Institut Darphin Paris Vendôme is often described as ‘the best kept secret in Paris’
L’Institut Darphin Paris Vendôme The heritage and values of Parisian skincare specialist Darphin are echoed throughout its historic premises where guests are considered friends of the brand
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ocated in the former stables of Napoleon on rue Saint-Honoré, the Darphin Institute is a jewel in the crown of the Parisian spa and beauty sector, often described as ‘the best kept secret in Paris’. Designed as an elegant, discreet bolthole for its extremely discerning clientele, according to the institute’s director Sylvie Jouault, the interiors have been decorated to “reflect Darphin’s core values” and represent the finest French craftsmanship. Elegantly juxtaposing the traditional and modern, the Institute’s waiting area for treatments resembles a French living room but eschews retail or product displays in favour of leaf-motif plates and illustrations of ‘the Darphin woman’. Each treatment room is named after one of the essential oils used in Darphin’s products and the hand-printed wallpaper echoes the brand’s heritage and colours.
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With treatment beds by Gharieni, the spa’s three therapists perform an average of 18 treatments a day, tailored to each individual at an average length of 1.5 hours. Each one begins with a pressure point massage to restore energy and balance to the body. Hosting a wide, eclectic demographic of often multi-generational guests, the institute thrives on word-of-mouth recommendations and has an extremely loyal clientele – one guest in particular has visited for more than 50 years. “We’re completely different to any other spa. Our guests are like friends and we focus on the whole wellbeing experience,” says Jouault. “Our staff are extensively trained and have ‘golden hands’. They are very passionate about their work, our products and the results. ” She concludes: “L’Institut Darphin is a piece of heaven in Paris where you can experience total relaxation – everything we do is focused purely on performance and pleasure.”
“L’Institut Darphin is a piece of heaven in Paris. Everything we do is focused purely on performance and pleasure.” Sylvie Jouault Spa manager
L’Institut Darphin Paris Vendôme +33 (0) 1 47 03 17 70 | www.darphin.fr Size: 130sqm Facilities: Four treatment rooms, including one double room for body therapies, lounge Brands: Exclusively Darphin
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