Repurposed by InterContinental Hotels, this 18 th century hospital opened last summer to generally enthusiastic reviews despite glitches. Discovering the spa requires three elevators; then you emerge onto a colonnaded terrace with stunning views of the harbor Vieux Port but no sign of the spa.
Following a distinctive scent and Zen-like projections along a corridor, I entered the new world of Clarins. Unfortunately the newly built pool was closed for repair during my visit. Or relax with a day pass, work out on TechnoGym equipment, and have lunch on the terrace served from the very hip brasserie.
The Clarins facial is an ideal antidote to travel stress, hydrating and firming your complexion. Services offered are mainly massage and facials. A big suite for couples to have treatments together includes a whirlpool bath. Free use of the sauna heated by infrared lamps is an alternative to the Finnish and Turkish saunas, but my therapist advised against heat treatments because of medical concerns.
You can enjoy the view of the port and the Notre Dame basilica from the restaurant terrace and from rooms facing the port.
Book a terrace or courtyard room for spacious contemporary bedrooms. Dating back to Greek and Roman rule, the old harbor is filled with fishing boats and yachts, and offers many excellent seafood restaurants where you can try the local specialty, bouillabaisse.
