VIBE

Sophisticated, couture-clothed ladies (and a handful of stylish gents) congregate at this elegant temple to youthful beauty for innovative age-defying treatments like 3-D lifting (a specialized type of massage), micro-abrasion with sapphire particles, and liberal slatherings of Dior Anti-aging concentrates. (Though, of course, at an establishment this refined, noone would ever be so uncouth as to actually bring up the delicate subject of age.) The five white-and-pink treatment rooms are restrained yet pampering with treats like heated marble floors, heated beds, and, bien sûr, Dior towels. The huge plasma screen displayed in the spa’s lobby featuring well-clad runway models reminds us that we have indeed arrived at the “home” of a fashion and skincare legend.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other - for treatment à deux in the posh couples suite; a friend; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

We don’t know what the secret ingredient is, but the facials here left our skin more radiant than we’ve ever seen it before. Also, there’s a wide range of treatments for guys (including some that involve products from the Dior Homme line), making it a fun spot to come with our garçon du jour.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The gleaming white décor and focus on anti-aging treatments create a faintly clinical vibe.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you really want the Dior Institut experience, check into the Plaza Athénée and indulge in one of their two-week residential treatment packages (prices available upon request). If you’re strapped for time, a better option might be their one-day “Treat Yourself” package, which includes a massage, facial, champagne lunch, and chauffeured trip to a celebrity salon (starts at EUR 550).

OTHER LOCATIONS

Le Bon Marché (Paris); Hong Kong; Tokyo; Moscow; Saint Marteen; Athens

CLOSEST COMPS

Spa Valmont pour Le Meurice (Paris); Dorchester Spa (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris