“Take time for yourself.” “Be sure you’re doing things for you.” As a widow with a baby, I hear this a lot. It’s the most impractical advice, but I know it’s essential for my well-being, and in turn, for my daughter’s. On a recent trip to Nice, France, I decided to really treat myself with a spa package at the legendary (and too expensive for us to actually stay there) Negresco Hotel. It was amazing, and worth every Euro. Here’s your peek behind the curtain: What it’s like to experience N Le Spa at the Negresco Hotel, Nice.
The Welcome
I had looked at the spa’s website in advance and knew exactly what I wanted: The Great Vintage Experience, which included a body scrub, full body massage, and facial. Having made the reservation a couple of days in advance, when I arrived for my treatments, I was greeted with a refreshing strawberry-cucumber water and whisked to a cushy chair to fill out the obligatory paperwork. The bright colors and patterns made me even more excited to be there.
More here: What to Do in Nice with a Baby
The Changing Room
A typical spa changing room is no big deal, but this one was so beautiful, it’s worth mentioning here. The decor was a fusion of opulence and refinement–very French. The robes and spa shoes were some of the most luxurious I’ve ever worn. There were several vanities for the appropriate amount of primping and fixing after guests’ treatments. They had everything you could possibly need, making your spa experience very low-stress.
Also this: How to Practice Self Care on Travel
The Treatments
The Great Vintage Experience was amazing. The treatments lasted more than two hours, giving me time to truly get into and enjoy relaxation mode. The treatment room was beautiful and relaxing, with calming music and candles dimly lighting the room. The massage table was so soft, I could have fallen asleep on it. The massage therapist allowed me to choose my preferred scents and textures for my treatments, which I loved for the individualized feeling. All the products were locally made in Provence, and were perhaps the finest I’d ever experienced.
Also helpful: How to Get Your Baby’s First Passport
The Relaxation Room
This was the unexpected delight of the day! After my treatments, I was whisked away to a beautiful relaxation area and given enough food to make a meal. There was a large table set up with sweets and beverages, and when I sat on a cushy lounger to get comfortable, I was given even more food prepared by the spa’s chef. I absolutely took my time and let myself enjoy the lingering experience before returning to my own hotel and heading out for the afternoon with my daughter. What a treat!
Read next: What to Know Before You Visit Nice
What Did I Do with the Baby?
I got this question a few times on Instagram and Facebook when I shared about going to this spa. Iris, my daughter, was with her nanny! Many hotels offer babysitting services, but for this trip, I was more comfortable bringing her nanny with us, both to help with the travel days and to give me some time each day to run, take a tour, or… Go to the spa. There are many options available for single parents on travel, if you’re just willing to ask, consider, and yes, pay extra to make it happen.
More details here: What to Do When There’s No One to Watch the Baby on Travel
Want more? Check out my dedicated France Page!
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