The spa of the legendary Hôtel du Palais, with an outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Atlantic, hammam, and signature Carita treatments in an imperial setting.
Spa Le Palais is the wellness retreat of the legendary Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, the imperial villa built for Empress Eugénie in 1855 that stands as one of the great palace hotels of the French Atlantic coast. Situated within the palace building on the Grande Plage headland in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the spa combines a spectacular outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with interiors that reflect the hotel's imperial heritage.
The outdoor heated saltwater pool — open in the warmer months — is positioned on a wide terrace facing directly west over the surf, offering one of the most dramatic pool settings in France. The interior spa facilities include a hammam, a sauna, an indoor pool, and a series of individually decorated treatment rooms drawing on materials and colour palettes matched to the hotel's Belle Époque aesthetic. The combination of period-styled lounges and professional wellness equipment creates an atmosphere that is both visually theatrical and practically rigorous.
The treatment menu is structured around the Carita Paris skincare brand, a prestigious French cosmetics house with a long association with luxury hotel spas. Signature offerings include the Carita Progressif Anti-Rides facial, a multi-step treatment combining lifting massage, enzyme peels, and bio-stimulating serums, and the Royal Body Journey, a full-body ritual beginning with dry brushing and progressing through a warm oil massage and cool marine wrap. The Hammam Ritual uses traditional savon beldi soap and kessa exfoliation glove techniques drawn from North African bathing traditions.
Access to the spa, indoor pool, hammam, and sauna is available to Hôtel du Palais guests as part of their stay. External guests may book individual treatments during day-access hours; availability should be confirmed directly with the spa. The spa team is trained in Carita Academy protocols, and therapists hold French professional aesthetic certifications. As one of the Atlantic coast's most iconic hotel spa settings, the facility consistently ranks among the most coveted wellness addresses in the Basque Country.
Treatments
- Carita Progressif Anti-Rides facial
- Royal Body Journey full-body ritual
- Hammam Ritual with savon beldi and kessa
- Warm oil full-body massage
- Marine cool-down body wrap
Good to know
- Signature
- Ocean-view pool and imperial suite treatments
Highlights
- Ocean-facing imperial terrace pool at the villa where Empress Eugénie once holidayed
- Carita Paris treatment menu delivered in individually styled Belle Époque rooms
- Hammam Ritual using traditional savon beldi and kessa exfoliation technique
- Indoor pool, sauna, and hammam accessible to hotel guests throughout the year
- One of the Atlantic coast's most iconic hotel spa settings, directly above the surf
Tips for visiting
- The outdoor terrace pool is open in summer only — visit July or August to combine ocean swimming and spa in the same day
- Request an ocean-view treatment room at the time of booking — not all rooms face the sea
- The Carita Progressif Anti-Rides facial requires a 90-minute slot; book as the main treatment of the day
- Tipping is not expected at hotel spas in France, though it is always appreciated for exceptional service
- External day-access slots are limited — call the spa directly to check availability before travelling
Frequently asked questions
Is the spa available to non-guests of the Hôtel du Palais?
External visitors can book individual treatments and access changing facilities during their appointment. Full pool and thermal circuit access is reserved for hotel guests. Day-access terms should be confirmed directly with the spa.
What brands are used in treatments?
The primary skincare brand is Carita Paris, a heritage French house known for precision anti-ageing treatments and multi-sensory body rituals. Products are available for purchase at the spa's retail counter.
Is the outdoor pool open year-round?
The outdoor saltwater terrace pool is seasonal, typically open from May through September subject to weather conditions. The indoor pool and thermal facilities operate year-round.
How do treatment prices compare to other Biarritz spas?
As a luxury hotel spa within one of France's most prestigious palace properties, prices are at the premium end of the Biarritz market, ranging from approximately €90 for shorter treatments to €350 for extended rituals.