The 146-room Metropole Monte Carlo – situated in the heart of the city – launched a 1,000sq m (10,770sq ft) ESPA spa in late April.

Connected to an existing 1,000sq m outdoor swimming pool area and bar, the new facility hosts a seven-bed relaxation area and 14 treatments rooms including two private bathroom suites featuring hydrotherapy tubs.

The heat experiences, which consist of a sauna, hammam, caldarium, ice fountain and experience showers, have been supplied by Hydra Concept. The spa will also encompass an 85sq m (915sq ft) Technogym-equipped fitness centre and a private solarium.

The spa will operate under a contract management agreement with ESPA and as such will offer ESPA treatments only.

Involved since the very beginning, ESPA has advised on areas of finance and operational design, as well as offering therapist training.

Metropole spa director Fabienne Farreti said: “We have an occupancy of 80 per cent in our peak in August and 35 per cent in November, but we’re hoping that the spa will increase occupancy as business clients who usually take a single room may now be tempted to bring their partner with them to use the spa. We also expect guests to stay one or two nights more because of this new experience.”

The Metropole completed a multi-million pound refurbishment in July 2004. Details: www.metropole.mc

See also Spa Business 2006,Q2: Postcard From Monte Carlo p44
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