Givenchy luxury at the Métropole Monte-Carlo
Look no further! The Givenchy spa is exceptional. There is one in Switzerland, one in Fez, Morocco, and another one in… Monaco. The brand is exclusive, involving sophisticated rituals, expert hands and informed advice. The Métropole Monte-Carlo is emphasizing its relaxing environment with sober colours enhanced by golden notes and a very refined decor by the interior designer, Didier Gomez. The walls of the treatment rooms, covered with a delicate moss, reveal soothing figures and some very aesthetic arabesques. Both the sauna and hammam have a warm mosaic background, whilst the boutique highlights an elegant packaging of Givenchy perfumes, skincare products and make-up. From the very moment you walk in, you feel the attention paid to the smallest details, a true mark of excellence.
The perfume is part of a “private collection” resembling in its spirit that of heralded haute couture clothing. Depending on the year and season, there may be innovations, and the fragrances all bear evocative names. Each client can thus choose the atmosphere for his own treatments, opting for a grapefruit “Cœur Fou” (Crazy Heart), a fig leaf “Trouble-Fête” (Troublemaker) or a “Oiseau Rare” (Rare bird) scented with pittosporum peppery notes…A fragranced atmosphere permeating the bathrobes, bed linen and towels is perfectly matched by soft music.
The Givenchy spa offers traditional facial and body cryotherapy-based treatments to boost your skin and give it a refreshing note. Its particularly impressive “Le Soin Noir” protocol uses a new elixir, made from algae found in the depths of the oceans and older than humanity. This exceptionally resistant plant is capable of proliferating in extreme conditions and surviving volcanic temperatures. Nowadays it is grown in the laboratory, where its active ingredient, a powerful elixir for cellular regeneration, is extracted.
On top of using very sophisticated ingredients to combat wrinkles, fine lines and sagging tissues, the “Le Soin Noir” requires a specific know-how. The beautician’s expert movements thus contribute to an exceptional face drainage. Acupressure is used to boost the effect of creams and ointments. This is a technique based on acupuncture, but needle-free, using finger pads only. Total relaxation and a luminous face is guaranteed. The session is sometimes crowned with a touch of make-up to highlight the result.
Tibetan bowls, a soothing “sound bath”
Sound baths are another of the Métropole novelties. These unique sessions using vibrations give energy, and combat psychological and physical tensions. Founder of the “Uman Project”, Marine Giovannini, uses fourteen Tibetan bowls and two instruments to produce chakra-transforming vibrations. Stretched on a mat, eyes closed, let yourself be guided by Marine’s voice, gradually letting everything go. Meditation sessions and energy treatments complement these sound baths, prompting a spiritual envelopment.
For the well-being of your body and mind, yoga classes are conducted at the Métropole by an expert, Florence. In summer, they are held on the hotel’s rooftop in an exceptional setting.
The overall beauty experience, involving make-up
According to the Spa director, William Cardelin, to “live a global beauty experience”, a make-up step is essential. On top of the little touch offered after facial treatments, special courses are taught by Joe Ghannam, a make-up expert looking after Princess Charlène herself. This is an opportunity to learn the right gestures, mistakes to avoid and little touches to bring the best out of your face or mask imperfections.
“Make-up is not an accessory or a piece of clothing… It’s about allowing a woman to give the best of herself. I really like drawing and I often do my make-up on paper. As for fashion, I only follow it if it serves beauty.”
Joe Ghannam underlines the importance of eyebrows which the current trend wants quite thick. A “hair by hair” technique makes them look particularly natural. For the eyelids, he warns against iridescent or glittery shades which do not suit slightly wrinkled skin. And last but not least, a good foundation in fairly light tones to avoid highlighting wrinkles, is vital. Many other tips are included in these expert lessons, allowing each one of us to choose the brushes, products and colours best suited to our type of beauty.
