Sant Roch, a contrast therapy wellness centre that opened in Paris’ first arrondissement (France) last month, has welcomed more than 4,500 visitors, with occupancy rates above 85 per cent.

The 400sq m, two-storey destination, was founded by serial entrepreneurs Jules and Chloé Bouscatel. The pair are known for their fitness group called Monday Sports Club, which operates more than 20 studios in Paris under brands such as Dynamo, Punch and RIISE. 

The centre, which draws inspiration from the Roman baths of Lutetia, has a 60sq m sauna and five cold plunge pools that vary in temperature between 3°C and 5°C.

The artistic direction for the property is led by Oliver Léone. Architecture is by Toronto-based Futurstudio – a firm that was founded by Ali McQuaid Mitchell, who is known for her wellness space creation for companies such as Othership. 

The experiences are curated in combination with lighting changes, immersive playlists and aromatherapy. The property offers both guided rituals and an option for guests to experience the facilities themselves. Guided rituals include breathwork, meditation and movement, and have been created in collaboration with yoga and meditation practitioner Clotilde Chaumet and Monday Sports Club strategist and storyteller Gabriel Seibel. 

The first month

In a post on LinkedIn, Jules Bouscatel said the launch had surpassed expectations, even despite operational challenges before opening: "We hadn't anticipated a launch of this magnitude. The day before the opening, the sauna wouldn't turn on. The hot water tanks weren't powerful enough. Every day felt like a fire to put out. Every evening, we wondered what we would discover the next day. 

"The objective was simple: the client experience should never be impacted by operational issues," Bouscatel continued. "The show must go on. Thank you to everyone who came to discover the place: it is thanks to you that it is a success."

The company has shared that more than 100 memberships have been purchased since the property opened. Seventy per cent of clients also returned after their first session.

The guided rituals were fully booked up to seven days in advance at the property, which is open seven days a week from 8.00am-10.00pm. It recorded peak attendance during evenings and weekends.

In terms of clientele, the site recorded neighbourhood residents, Parisians from across the city and a “significant number” of international visitors, which the company has identified as both professionals and tourists.

Sant Roch says it will continue to evolve its offering with new events and experiences.