The Big Six: Luxury Parisian spas

Hammam Pacha, Left Bank

Experience Turkish tradition at this women-only spa. Mosaic tiles and colourfully patterned doors provide the background for four treatment stages: acclimatise and shower in the warm room; unwind in the steam and Jacuzzi area; have your knots pummelled with an Argan oil and hot rock massage; and sip mint tea in the pastel-coloured relaxation room. There's also a Moroccan restaurant.

Hammam Pacha, 15 rue Mayet, 6th arrondissement (00 33 1 43 06 55 55; hammampacha.com). Basic Hammam Package (€60); Grand Beauty Package with meal (€135).

Spa Nuxe, 32 Montorgueil

Cosmetics label Nuxe chose a former cave à vin for its spa on rue Montorgueil. Vestiges of the 17th-century wine cellar remain: stone walls, oak beams and cavernous treatment rooms. The sybaritic theme continues with the treatments, which use botanical products from the Nuxe beauty range in anything from foot reflexology to facials.

Spa Nuxe, 32 rue Montorgueil, 1st arrondissement (00 33 1 55 80 71 40; nuxe.com). Eye Care Eclat (€45); Foot Reflexology (€80); Nuxe Massage (€80).

Spa Valmont, Le Meurice

Swiss cosmetics brand Valmont presides over the spa at Le Meurice hotel, the grande dame that has stood adjacent to the Jardin des Tuileries since 1835. Guests can try a "Regenerating Glaciers Vitality" facial, involving a tightening collagen mask, or the "Peaks of Purity" anti-ageing treatment. Exotic concoctions of Dead Sea salts and seaweed are used in massages, while purists can pay a visit to the beauty salon for a simple manicure.

Spa Valmont, Le Meurice, 228 rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement (00 33 1 44 58 10 77; lemeurice.com). Regenerating Glaciers Vitality facial (€200); Peaks of Purity anti-aging treatment (€200); India Body Scrub (€105).

Dior Institut, Hôtel Plaza Athénée

White walls, scattered fashion tomes and runway shows on a loop – welcome to relaxation according to Christian Dior Parfums. Try out the "Time Fighter Corrective" treatment or launch an "Anti-Cellulite Offensive"; before relaxing in the sauna and hammam area.

Dior Institut, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement (00 33 1 53 67 66 65; spaplazaathenee.com). Manicure (€125); Just in Time facial (€170); Anti-Cellulite Offensive (€240).

The Spa, Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental opened last month on the swanky rue St-Honoré. Spa treatments are a fusion affair. The "Eastern Wonder" nods towards the hotel's Asian roots, while the "Paris Passion" notes its romantic location.

Mandarin Oriental, 251 rue St-Honoré, 1st arrondissement (00 33 1 70 98 78 88; mandarinoriental.com/paris). Deep tissue massage (€240); Eastern Wonder (€460); Paris Passion (€550).

La Maison Guerlain Spa, Champs-Elysées

A decadent façade marks La Maison Guerlain's presence amid the chic shops of the Champs-Elysées. Pass the gold mosaic walls and chandeliers in the parfumerie, up to the white marble spa. Options span a full-day package, to an "Energerizing Facial" pour les hommes.

La Maison Guerlain Spa, 68 avenue Champs-Elysées, 8th arrondissement (00 33 1 45 62 11 21; guerlain.com). Imperiale Relaxing Massage (€140); Energizing Facial (€140); Five-Senses Hydrotherapy Treatment (€105).