Popular bath product and fragrance brand L'Occitane is bringing a sensory slice of Provence, France, to the American consumer in a delightfully more experiential way than its boutique-only outposts previously allowed for. The first and only branch of the L'Occitane Spa concept on U.S. soil debuted in February at the Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in a seemingly natural partnership between the two French-brand favorites.
Opened on the grounds of Club Med's only all-inclusive American resort, the new Club Med Spa by L'Occitane serves as the final touch in the resort's sweeping $28-million renovation, which also saw the implementation of a new family-friendly main pool and an adults-only infinity pool; enhancements to public spaces and guest rooms; and the opening of the Club Med brand's first golf-, tennis-, and fitness-dedicated academies (helmed by pros like tennis trainer Gabe Jaramillo – mentor to the likes of Andre Agassi and Monica Seles – and golf guru and Arnold Palmer protégé Brad Brewer).
The 6,000-square-foot full-service spa is meant as a complement to sports academy participants, worn-out parents, and R & R-seeking guests alike, primed for soothing sore athletes' muscles, or for some well-deserved mommy downtime (and who wouldn't crave some spa time after spending a day pretzeled up at the property's family fun-minded trapeze school?). Seven indoor treatment rooms (including one for couples) borrow names from popular L'Occitane fragrances (Lavande, Amande), and include customizable temperature, music, and lighting controls, along with heated massage tables and aromatherapy diffusers.
Book facial treatments like L'Occitane's signature Immortelle Secret of Youth, a 60-minute anti-aging facial ($130), or try body treatments like the Revitalizing Aromachologie Massage, which treats the body's right side, then the left side, with Swedish and acupressure techniques, and essential oils (60 minutes; $120). The hydrating Shea Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wrap, meanwhile, is primed for those subject to too much of the Sunshine State's namesake offering (45 minutes; $95). The spa also features treatments for men, teens, and honeymooners, as well as two- to four-day spa-immersion packages. As a bonus, all treatments longer than 30 minutes kick off with a complimentary ritual footbath.
Additionally, the spa features a salon for mani-pedi, hair care, and waxing services; a L'Occitane boutique brimming with more than 80 products; and a shaded outdoor Zen Lounge area set amidst oaks and palms, with a fruit-infused water bar. Two caveats: The alfresco lounge area is exposed to the elements, a potential problem during rain showers and cold fronts (though plans are in the works to develop covered sections); also, the changing rooms are rather tiny by most spa standards.
The L'Occitane Spa concept first launched in 2001 in Brazil and Vietnam, and has since expanded to more than 30 outposts in some dozen countries (with the largest concentration found in Europe and Asia). The Club Med Spa by L'Occitane is offered in three additional Club Med locations – at Opio and La Palmyre in France and in Yabuli, China.
Spa services are open to both resort and non-resort guests. Book 25- to 90-minute treatments, priced from $45 to $160; visit sandpiperbay.clubmed.us/wellness/spa for more info. Club Med Sandpiper Bay resort rates in spring and summer start from $152 per adult, per night; sandpiperbay.clubmed.us.
For general trip-planning information, see our Florida destination guide.
