Wellness is a topic on a lot of people’s minds, and why shouldn’t it be? Everyone deserves to kick their feet up and be taken care of for a while. Traveling for wellness treatments has become its own remarkable niche within the tourism industry (roughly 6% of all tourism). The Principality, with its reputation for on-trend luxury hotspots, is no stranger to this booming vein of the tourism industry and is on track to become a standout destination for the luxury-oriented well-being seeking traveler.
As a wellness destination, Monaco’s geographical situation along the Mediterranean sea provides several advantages. The Mediterranean’s long history in health and wellness dating back to classical antiquity, when ancient Greeks and Romans utilized the sea’s natural attributes for thalassotherapy (i.e., seawater therapy). Today, Monaco boasts a variety of luxury spas, healthy eating venues, and fitness opportunities, from jogging on the harbor and hiking the Via Alpina to rowing in front of the Monaco Yacht Club and practicing yoga on the beach.
Cindy Hoddeson, director of the Monaco Government Tourism Office in North America, gives insight to the Principality’s relationship to the sea and how that plays into the wellness services on offer. “Monaco’s sea bathing history goes back to 1860 with the opening of the Etablissement des Bains — Monaco’s first baths where people came to benefit from the curative powers of the Mediterranean.”
About one year ago, a new organization dedicated to wellness tourism welcomed the Monegasque Government’s Office of Tourism as one of its founding members. The Denver-based nonprofit Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) is working toward the goal of creating a new network “of and for” members of the burgeoning wellness travel sector, and to help consumers recognize legitimate and credible wellness tourism suppliers and operators.
Per WTA’s profile on Monaco:
“With a history of wellness that dates back to 1860 when people visited for the curative powers of the Mediterranean, the city/state of Monaco boasts a wide range of healthy options from the active to the relaxing. Walking the entire Principality, jogging on the harbor, hiking the Via Alpina, rowing in front of the Monaco Yacht Club, practicing yoga on the beach, strolling the colorful Princess Grace Rose Garden, and embracing nature with singular attractions such as the Exotic Gardens, the Observatory Cave and the Pelagos Sanctuary – await the wellness-minded.
Add luxury hotels, spas and healthy culinary offerings from Michelin-starred restaurants and you have an ideal luxury wellness destination.” Miss Hoddeson also noted that “becoming a member of the WTA helps reinforce the value the Principality of Monaco has always placed on wellness as being part of the overall holistic travel experience.”
Three indispensable Monegasque wellness hubs
Thermes Marins Monte Carlo Wellness Center
Treatment & facilities: This center’s completely personalizable approach allows visitors to explore a range of wellness treatments for medical, sports, beauty, or well-being purposes. Heated indoor pool, external jacuzzi, and a team of experts to execute a range of world-class rejuvenation services
Step into this historic center and complete a full diagnosis before setting forth on your wellness journey. Their multidisciplinary team (three doctors, a dietician and over 40 therapists) will tailor a set of treatments and techniques to help achieve your desired results. Located on four levels, Thermes has two heated seawater pools, 37 treatment rooms, eight private rooms, an aquafitness area, a hammam, a beauty institute, hairdressing salon and a restaurant serving healthy and gourmet meals.
Treatment & facilities: Sauna, caldarium, hammam, sensory showers, chroma-therapy bathtubs, an ice fountain, a nail salon, a relaxation room, and a dedicated fitness room outfitted with Technogym equipment.
A genuine boon of relaxation and refinement, the Givenchy Spa owes its splendid design to the award-winning French architect Didier Gomez. Chic, elegant, and luxurious, it is an ideal setting to indulge in the menu of sophisticated treatments on offer.
Treatments & facilities: Full pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, a fitness area with the latest equipment, luxury Phyto-Aromatic massage and facial treatments using the finest Sisley products, as well as a range of cellular level treatments.
Located within Tour Odéon, the Principality’s tallest building, the Odéon Spa is a bright, pristine, luxurious gem dedicated to beauty and well-being. For couples (not only in the romantic sense of the term), enjoy a 110 square meter private suite for two where you can share a private jacuzzi, steam room, relaxation area, and terrace. Revel in the spa’s finest treatments in the seclusion and tranquility of your own suite. Wellness at the highest level!