Hôtel du Couvent opens with thermal Roman baths

The former Couvent de la Visitation Sainte-Claire, built by the Clarisse nuns in 1604, has reopened as Hôtel du Couvent in Nice, France.

The vision of Valery Grego, founder of the Perseus Group, and architects Studio Mediterranee, the 17th-century convent is one of the oldest in the Alpes-Maritimes.

It was occupied by the Visitandines from 1803 to the early 1980s and has now been reimagined into a 88-room hotel, which includes the Couvent Roman Baths.

A tribute to the remains of the Roman baths that can still be seen on the hill in Cimiez, Nice, the thermal circuit is almost circular, with a succession of pools each increasing in temperature.

There is also an open-air, 20m swimming pool at the top of the garden with views over the old town and a relaxation pool, as well as treatment rooms.

Hôtel du Couvent’s Roman baths manager is Alice Peyret.

Products and treatments at Hôtel du Couvent

In the dedicated treatment area, tailor-made massages use botanical essential oils selected by the Hôtel du Couvent’s resident herbalist.

Guests are also provided with personalised advice, custom-made remedies and teas made with herbs from the garden.

Skincare partners include Monastery, De Mamiel, Lesse, Ranavat, Lilfox and Activist Skincare, each chosen for their holistic approach and natural ingredients.

Natural treatments and techniques are provided in partnership with certified practitioners and brand partners. The goal is to offer guests an entirely personalised experience.

Melinda Bogner from Muse & Heroine Healing House in Paris has designed facial treatments that incorporate a skilful blend of selected techniques and products.

Treatments include a personalised facial and body massage, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, shiatsu, acupuncture and Esthederm before- and after-sun treatments.

“We offer bespoke treatments from a curated selection of holistic female-founded brands, which harness the power of nature with essential oils drawn from our onsite herbalist,” said Peyret.

“Together with our cultural centre and tranquil terraced gardens – featuring a lap pool with Mediterranean view – we hope to provide the perfect environment for holistic wellbeing.”

“We invite our guests to experience a journey through a series of pools, beginning with the warming tepidarium, progressing to the hot caldarium, and culminating in the refreshing frigidarium. This ritual – combined with our indoor swimming pool and relaxation pool – offers a complete wellness experience,” said Peyret.

The spa also has a Movement Studio dedicated to exercise and dance, while a programme of classes includes functional training, breathwork, yoga, Pilates and meditation.

Ginastica Natural and Animal Flow, a ground-based fluid movement system, are also on offer.

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