Located on the fifth floor of the Palace Hotel Tokyo (which itself is located right next to the Imperial Palace), the Evian Spa Tokyo is a sanctuary within a haven inside a paragon of Japanese hospitality, luxury, and excellence. It is the only Evian-branded Spa in Japan, and one of only three outside France. The spa is inspired by the 15-year journey the natural mineral water takes, from rainfall and snowmelt, and on towards its filtration through the Alps. The five treatment rooms are named after a peak in the august mountain range. Together with the French sophistication comes Japanese spirit and techniques, expressed in the body scrubs, facials, therapies, journeys, and rituals—many of which utilise Evian water.
All treatments within the spa are defined by four experiences: celestial restoration, mineral enrichment, precious nourishment, and renewed vitality. Whether you’d like to pamper your face, your body, or a combination of both, these tenets form the structure of your session. In addition, Authentic Experiences, the Gentleman’s Executive Collection of treatments, or the signature Evian Spa Tokyo Ritual (150 or 180 minutes) all ensure guests leave rejuvenated from head to toe and from the inside out. Relaxation lounges, heated baths, and lockers by the pool are available for men and women; but a hot reclining bath, cold plunge pool, and dry sauna are exclusively in the men’s area. Women have access to a marble sauna, while couples have the option to book the dual-bedded Spa Suite with private facilities. And for hotel guests, the comprehensive fitness centre (featuring the latest from Technogym and Kinesis) as well as a 20m swimming pool is right by the spa.
Entering the treatment area, the limestone floors remind me of a traditional ryokan, while the origami-esque ceiling installations bestow a dream-like state to proceedings. I’m here for the 60-minute Warew Body Treatment (JPY26,000), which is based on Asian techniques and seeks to help one’s circulation, utilising measured rhythm and modulation methods, and, of course, Evian water. Warew is a Japanese brand centred on the concept of wabisabi—(侘び寂び), or appreciating the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and transience—and the beauty of simplicity and the spirit within. Its anti-ageing skincare products use more than 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients, with more than 90 per cent of that being domestically sourced. A Warew Facial as well as a combo of that plus the body treatment are also available at the spa.
Before my session begins, I’m asked to wash myself in the spa’s shower and heated baths—reminiscent of a trip to an onsen. I then wait for my therapist in the serene relaxation lounge, bottle of Evian in hand. She greets me a few minutes later, and reconfirms my requests, medical conditions, and pain points from the form earlier. Then, the Warew Body Treatment begins with a gentle washing of my feet in salted water. Both symbolic and calming, the washing triggers a relaxed frame of mind and a tranquil sense of being.
A few days before this, I hiked up Mount Takao, located deep in the western greenery of Tokyo prefecture. So, I was still feeling the aches and soreness of the (assisted) ascent up 599m. The therapist notices my tense muscles right away, especially in my hamstrings. Briefly, I fear she will soon apply brute force to untangle these knots, but, on the contrary, and guided by the aforementioned four principles of Evian Tokyo Spa, she works on every fibre and sinew carefully, and restores my energy and vitality levels to the point that I could very well participate in the ekiden road relay race the next day (I didn’t).
Whereas I usually grimace and grunt throughout other spa and massage sessions, the hour-long Warew Body Treatment is relaxing and restorative. I even fall asleep towards the end, when she works on my shoulders and upper body, all of which were undoubtedly mangled every which way due to my profession. Treatment over, she gently wakes me, graciously guides me to the lockers, and asks how everything feels. Just like the Alps the waters go through, just like the awe Mount Fuji engenders, my mind, body, and spirit feel ascended to a higher plane—restored by the divine, ready for earthly pursuits anew.
