Sometimes it’s important to take a moment from the hustle and bustle of city life and plan a gorgeous spa day. Hugo and I were so excited to plan an entire afternoon at the Charme d’Orient Spa in the Marais recently complete with a couples Turkish bath experience, hammam and relaxing mint tea and dried fruits snack at the end. This is the romantic wellness experience to have in Paris.
Thank you to the Charme d’Orient Spa for sponsoring this post. All opinions are our own.
When we were invited to try the Turkish bath ceremony for two, we did a little research to learn more about the ritual and we had some questions.
What is a Couples Turkish bath?
Traditionally, it goes like this… a type of public bathing, alternating between cleansing (lathering and scrubbing) and relaxation.
Although experiencing a Turkish bath is often a bucket list item, some complain that they feel uncomfortable due to the public nature of the bathing. Also, the scrubbing part of the process can be quite rough, so not for the faint of heart. Not to worry, having a Turkish bath experience at the Charme d’Orient Spa is the absolute opposite. We were pampered every step of the way and felt comfortable, relaxed and blissfully happy!
Our skin also felt soft and refreshed after the experience. I have sensitive skin and was worried that the scrubbing may be a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn’t at all.
What is acceptable to wear in a Turkish bath?
When we said we were going to experience a Turkish spa as a couple, a few friends asked us what we were planning to wear. Traditionally, everyone enjoys a Turkish bath in the nude, however, you can absolutely wear a bathing suit during the spa treatment, which we did when we visited the Charme d’Orient Spa.
Discovering the Charme d’Orient spa in Paris…
Everything about the spa welcomes you in, makes you feel at home and makes it difficult to think about ever leaving… I loved this cozy nook.
Choosing your scents and the ambience of the spa
When you first arrive at the Charme d’Orient Spa, you will receive a quick tour and learn about the philosophy of the spa, the products they use for their spa treatments (more on this in a moment) and the different available scents you can choose from for your personal treatment.
There were many oils to choose from including rose, orange flower and several different floral combinations. I chose rose oil (my favorite) and Hugo chose one of the floral concoctions. We smelled several of the oils before choosing and they were all divine.
Fun fact : the shape of the oil bottles is inspired by the female form of a woman. (I thought that was lovely and couldn’t wait to share it in this post.)
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What to expect if you book a Turkish Bath ceremony at the Charme d’Orient spa in Paris
At the Charme d’Orient Spa, they have created a romantic, private haven, where couples can participate in the Turkish bath ceremony together.
Any hesitations you have about trying a Turkish bath should just disappear as you prepare for your time at the Charme d’Orient…
After changing into our bathing suits in a private room downstairs next to the spa rooms, we went into our private room and showered. The aestheticians covered us with a special wash which we then washed off. Following the lather and cleanse, we were covered in a lovely scrub.
Then came the scrub down – just rough enough to remove any dead skin that needed to be exfoliated. My skin felt amazing afterwards! We washed again and then lay down on the spa table. We were covered with a scented mousse (using the scented oils we chose when we first came in) which was then washed off. The lathering, scrubbing and washing is all so relaxing!
History of the spa and the products they use
Charme d’Orient is a unique spa in that it manufactures all of its lovely products in France, offers a certified training center and even helps hotels set up their own spas.
The brand first became known for its original formula for gentle hair removal with wax. All natural and honey based, it is apparently a gentler and more lasting way to remove hair than others methods. (I was so happy to learn about the process during our trip to the Charme d’Orient Spa, but I haven’t actually experienced it myself.)
Exclusive couples spa experience in Paris
We enjoyed our private Turkish Bath Ceremony for two. We were each assigned a person who took care of us and pampered us, while enjoying the experience side by side.
Romantic hammam
Following the Turkish Bath, we enjoyed a relaxing and soothing lounge in the spa’s private hammam. I absolutely love spending time in a hammam. It was particularly lovely to be able to share this experience with Hugo.
Parisian couples massage
After leaving the hammam, it was time for our massages! We couldn’t imagine that we could feel any more relaxed than we already were, but we headed in for a 30 minute massage. It was absolutely Heavenly. (Maybe you saw our the completely blissed out videos we shared on Instagram when we came out of the massage room.) This may just be the best massage in Paris!
Traditional mint tea & dried fruits snacks
After all of the relaxing pampering we received all morning, we were treated to time in the gorgeous and soothing relaxation room of the spa. The stone arch structure is a traditional cave that you can see in the Marais. It was warm and soothing.
Bringing the spa home with you
Hugo surprised me at the end of our spa day when he said he wanted me to choose my favorite product to bring home with me as a gift. Although I was tempted by many of the lovely products on offer, I ended up going home with a masque blanc (white mask) face mask – with honey and royal jelly. My new Sunday evening ritual involves putting on this mask and enjoying it while drinking a hot tea. It’s so relaxing and naturally purifies the skin.
Thank you, Charme d’Orient Spa! We had such an amazing time.
Related : Get your Paris City Card here!
Getting to the Charme d’Orient Spa Hammam Paris
The spa is located in the 11th arrondissement, in the Haute Marais. You can even stop by the Boot Cafe after your relaxing spa experience.
Create the experience at home
If you can’t make it to a spa right away, you can recreate the Turkish hammam experience at home!
Order your kessa glove, black hammam soap and rhassoul clay mask and set up a spa experience in your own home.
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Where to stay in Paris
- Hotel du Louvre – this hotel is perfectly located across the street from the Palais Royal and steps away from the Louvre and the Tuileries.
- Maison Souquet – a luxury hotel in the 9th arrondissement housed in a maison particulière from the 1800s. (Their bar is stellar too!)
- Maison Proust – a gorgeous new hotel in Paris that also has an absolutely dreamy La Mer spa!
- Hotel Parister – a more affordable stay in the trendy 9th arrondissement.
- Hotel Delavigne – an affordable option centrally located in the 6th arrondissement near Odéon.
- Hotel La Comtesse – 4-star hotel with Eiffel Tower views from all the rooms!
Couples Turkish bath at Charme d’Orient Spa Paris
Are you interested in experiencing a couples Turkish bath in Paris? Let us know in the comments below and don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have!
Pin for later!
Charme d’Orient Spa
18 Boulevard du Temple
75011 Paris
First published June 5, 2018. Last updated February 4, 2024 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.
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