Discover the Unique Wellness Hotel in Paris That Redefines Luxury

Wellness, yoga, and plant-based meals are central to the experience at HOY, a tranquil hotel designed to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

In Paris’s 9th arrondissement, on a typically rainy evening in late January, I climbed the slope of the lively market street, Rue des Martyrs, past the twirling teacups and vibrant horses on the Belle Époque carousel at Avenue Trudaine, arriving at HOY hotel. Tucked away on an unusually quiet street at the foot of SoPi, or South Pigalle, this area has transformed from a historically seedy red-light district to a burgeoning hub of creativity and culture. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of numerous bars and restaurants serving delectable Parisian cuisine.

However, HOY—short for “House of Yoga,” also meaning “today” in Spanish—seeks to promote a more mindful approach to living in Paris. Traditionally, wellness isn’t the first concept that comes to mind when contemplating a trip to Paris, but the outdated notion that Parisian relaxation entails a leisurely stroll after a wine-soaked meal has transformed. Founder Charlotte Gomez de Orozco envisioned creating HOY as a representation of the life she aspired to lead: one that prioritizes responsibility and consciousness. “HOY is a hotel I would have loved to travel to,” she expressed.

The wellness movement in the City of Lights has gained traction over the years, and in 2021, the variety of options available is more extensive than ever. Notably, Ma Thérapie, initiated in late 2019, provides signature treatments for the face and body designed to relieve stress, accompanied by their line of organic products. Additionally, in an innovative move, the creators behind the popular brunch venue Sunday in Soho introduced Bespoke by Sunday, offering chef-led meals supported by nutritional advice. Noted fashion facialist Sophie Carbonari brought her expertise to Paris just before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, now providing tailored treatments at the stylish Hotel Rochechouart, with plans for her own establishment in the future.

Moreover, the year 2021 marked the opening of Maison Epigenetic in the 16th arrondissement, offering a serene oasis focused on epigenetics and how our lifestyles influence gene expression. Additionally, Hôtel Madame Rêve, the former post office of the Louvre, now features a rooftop garden that hosts private sunrise yoga sessions with breathtaking views of Paris.

I was eager to see how HOY would integrate with its surroundings and fulfill its promise as a “meeting place for the well-being of the body, mind, and soul.” Accompanied by my friend Jennifer, we entered HOY and were instantly welcomed by Leo, a friendly staff member who took my dripping umbrella. Inside, we were captivated by florist Chiaki Kokami’s enchanting atelier.

I inquired about a striking wall adorned with dried flowers in muted, elegant shades—a trend in Paris currently, wouldn’t you agree? Kokami nodded, explaining, “During the week, we use dried flowers, and on weekends, we incorporate fresh stems,” while gesturing to a stunning vase overflowing with vibrant scarlet anthuriums.

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Kokami’s shop, La Floreria, offers workshops for arranging flowers and bespoke bouquets to-go, providing just one avenue for guests of HOY to find tranquility. Moreover, the hotel features a heated yoga studio created in collaboration with Yuj Yoga, known for its pioneering infrared-light yoga studios throughout France. Guests can also explore an extensive “care menu” that highlights treatments from experts specializing in areas ranging from holistic osteopathy to CBD massages. My anticipation was palpable.

Post check-in, we retreated to an airy room located on the top floor. In designing HOY, Gomez de Orozco partnered with brands from both Mexico and France that embody her values of sustainability, beauty, and harmony. For example, the handmade mugs and carafes crafted by Mexico City-based ceramicist Ceramica Libertad, as well as HOY’s collaborations with Seasonly, a clean beauty brand adored by stylish Parisians. Our room radiated intentionality and calm, featuring ash-blond wood floors, walls painted in a soothing shade that sat between khaki and mint green, and even a ballet bar for stretching exercises.

That evening, we took part in a facial yoga session that surprised us with its immediate benefit. While gently tapping our cheeks and patting our shaped lips, we were informed that these subtle movements promote lymphatic drainage and collagen production.

After a refreshing shower, we luxuriated in the soothing scent of Provence lavender—thanks to the hotel’s naturally derived products from The Naked Shop—and settled in for dinner delivered right to our door. Pre-pandemic, guests had gathered around communal tables at Mesa, HOY’s restaurant on the ground floor (which has since reopened). Nevertheless, we relished the intimacy of our in-room dinner by candlelight.

Mesa’s plant-based dishes, curated by Lauren Lovatt and Carolina Rodriguez of the Plant Academy London, were nothing short of delicious. We savored the roasted beets enhanced with wild pesto, vegan crème fraîche, and toasted hazelnuts, and indulged in tortellini stuffed with preserved lemon and plant-based ricotta, topped with a sumptuous tomato sauce laden with crispy capers and fragrant tarragon oil. Accompanying our meal was a carafe of biodynamic Loire Valley Sancerre—a lovely harmony of healthiness and indulgence. Naturally, we made room for dessert—Mais oui!

After a restorative night’s sleep, we indulged in breakfast featuring warm whole-wheat croissants slathered in cultured butter, drizzled with local honey, and garnished with bee pollen for added flair, alongside freshly squeezed blood orange juice—a visually stunning spread perfect for Instagram. We capped off our morning with a yoga session led by Gomez de Orozco herself.

As I collected my now-dry umbrella upon checking out, I paused to reflect on the uplifting feeling I experienced after staying at HOY. I stepped back into another drizzly Paris day, but with a refreshed spirit.