Spa Baumanière - un autre voyage
There is a special place in the Alpilles, located just outside the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence in southern France that one should not miss. It is the Spa Baumanière. This tranquil mas turned into a spa is always a destination of mine when in the area. I choose the Luxury Hamman Ritual - it is totally indulgent and you walk away from your experience relaxed, almost light-headed and completely pampered.
Here's how they describe it - Immerse yourself in the intoxicating vapours of the Hammam with Maroc cosmetics, for a luxurious ritual that will transport you on a voyage of the senses. In a poetic atmosphere mingling elegance and effectiveness, the gestures and richness of traditional Moroccan beauty care will be unveiled and sublimated for you. Indulge yourself with this bouquet of emotions or share it with someone -- an exquisite moment of pleasure that will enhance the beauty of your skin.
This is how I describe it -
#1 Model-esque women greet you as you enter the the tranquil building. You are whisked into the salon as you wait to be brought into the inner sanctum.
#2 You're brought to the dressing rooms and asked to change into a bathing suit as you prepare to enter the tub area. It is a large tub (the size of a small room) filled with scented warm water with stations of jets that provide pressure to all areas of your body. After taking the circuit, at your leisure, in the jetted tub, you walk to to the eucalyptus scented steam room after pausing for fresh almonds, dried fruits and tisanes.
#3 From the steam room, you can dip in to the cool waters of the plunge bath and are escorted to the treatment room.
#4 You are asked to unrobe (except for the small disposable panties they provide) and lie down on the marble table. Your masseuse slathers your entire body with savon noir, a traditional soap used for cleansing and purifying the skin. After help to the steam room (you, the table, and the treatment room are suddenly very slippery) you are left to open your pores and let the soap work its magic.
Back in the treatment room your masseuse scrubs your entire body with a loofah as not to leave any dead skin cells on your person. You are then lightly massaged in a brown mud. Your masseuse washes you off and...
#5 you follow her to the massage room where you are treated to a 1/2 hour full-body massage with essential oils of your choice - I chose orange.
The brochure states that the treatment is 120 minutes but give your self plenty of extra time as it has always taken up to 3 hours for the full experience. As a matter of fact, I would not schedule anything else for the day as when you return to your home you will just want to sit and listen to the cicadas and be at peace.
For reservations and packages call or visit -
Spa Baumanière
Mas Carita
13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
+33 (0) 4 90 54 24 67
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