A chic new art-inspired spa will open in January 2024 on the French Riviera at the iconic 110-year-old Le Negresco hotel.

Located on the coast of Nice, N Le Spa has been realised with the help of international spa consultant Patrick Saussay (Global Project & Spa Advisory) during a two-year project.

Speaking exclusively to Spa Business, Saussay said his goal was to write a new chapter in the hotel’s history.

“This kind of unique project represents exactly why I work in the spa industry,” he said, “It might seem unusual to tap art as the backbone of a spa concept – but this was a natural choice for Le Negresco thanks to its impressive 6,000-piece art collection.

“Our vision was to develop an original concept that was elegant and consistent with the hotel’s strong identity. Of course, there were challenges but it was a privilege to add value to a flagship of French hospitality alongside such an excellent spa team.”

Spa design

Due to open to hotel guests and locals alike, the 700sq m spa will be characterised by fluid curves and lines and be anchored by a central pool equipped with underwater speakers and bathed in natural light.

The spa will also be home to an immersive yoga experience where sound and movement are brought together with digital art to provide the perfect setting for a guided session of escapism.

Classical luxury design details will be prominent throughout, including ceilings adorned with delicate cornice work and mouldings, as well as a selection of premium materials – including carrara and nero marquina marble, porcelain stoneware, liquidambar wood, oak parquet flooring and designer fabrics.

Lead architect Jean Philippe Nuel’s ultimate goal was to create a dialogue between heritage and modernity.

“Heritage means understanding a place, its soul and its spirit, to ensure that a project conveys meaning and contributes to the hotel’s unique identity,” he said.

Each customer will be encouraged to spend time strolling around the hotel, contemplating sculptures and artworks from its collection, before finally winding down in the spa.

FacilitiesThe seven-treatment-room spa will have a relaxation area, a sauna, a hammam, a whirlpool and experience showers.

Spa rituals will range from pro-ageing facials to rejuvenating body treatments.

French spa and beauty brands Olivier Claire and Vinésime have been purposefully selected as product house partners to reflect the spa’s French roots.

For haircare services, guests will be able to visit a boudoir and barbershop, in addition to a laboratory near the spa’s entrance where custom-made serums will be created by La Maison Codage.

A retail boutique will also be available, providing a selection of cosmetics, perfumes and nutricosmetics products from brands including CHO Nature, Maison Godet and Le Rouge Français.