Maison Alaena Paris: a holistic wellness haven with spa, hammam and yoga classes

For those in search of relaxation, a haven of peace awaits you just a stone's throw from the Place de la République in Paris. It's a luminous den, where the hustle and bustle of the capital seems far away: Maison Alaena. The address has left its secret rooftop on rue du Paradis to set up shop here, in a larger den but still with that confidential, soothing ambience.

The sublime view has given way to a maze of stone vaults, with soft, subdued lighting, whose atmosphere invites us to take our time and recharge our batteries. The uncluttered setting, however, reminds us of the ancestral dimension of a culture of well-being. Here, every need, every aspect of well-being finds its own specialty or discipline. It's a place that fulfills our desire for well-being and encourages us to become a better version of ourselves every day.

So for those who wish to enjoy beauty treatments or massages, here well-being is experienced as a real therapy. Unique treatments are offered, mainly with the Alaena product range. Duo treatment cabins also enable you to enjoy this wellness getaway with a loved one. You can even indulge in a hammam session. Yoga classes are also available, as well as micro-nutrition consultations for dermatological, digestive or even hormonal problems, hypnosis, coaching and Reiki.

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On our last visit, in Julie's hands, we discovered the Signature Anti-stress massage, a comprehensive treatment that begins with a guided breathing session. Our transition to this gentle second state of letting go continues to the sound of a Tibetan bowl, and a delicately scented mist envelops us.

A heated cushion placed on the stomach completes this comforting cocoon, putting us in the right conditions to enjoy the treatment. Plantar reflexology takes over, and we feel the different parts of our body react. Gradually, from the feet to the head, not forgetting the face, the gestures progress gently, reminding us of the movement of waves on a sandy shore. The massage, which can be adapted to suit specific requests and problems, is usually performed with moderate pressure.

Although we're used to more intense strokes, we appreciated the way in which Julie managed to untangle the points of tension with a great deal of delicacy, which in no way detracted from her effectiveness. As we position ourselves on our stomachs, the cushion is placed on our lower backs, and we return to foot reflexology to begin the second phase of the massage, which follows the same path, this time on our backs. Gestures are meticulous, nothing is botched, right up to the closing phase, the return to reality, reminded once again by a Tibetan bowl. The mist returns to awaken our senses.

We return to the surface and our herbal tea, chosen beforehand on arrival, awaits us. We savor this liberating pause which, in the middle of the new school year, has reminded us of the importance of not forgetting ourselves, even in the tumult of our hectic daily lives. It's a wonderful stopover that does us good!