Rare are the places that are brought to life by a creator’s vision and where this vision is then coherent with the completed project: la grée des landes is one of them! Originally, the wish shared by Yves ROCHER and one of his sons, Jacques, was to create a “beauty farm” in the village of la gacilly. 20 years later this vision has become a reality with the creation of an eco-spa that blends into the surrounding nature. Built mainly from wood and schist, the structure makes use of the slopes and, in doing so, has “naturally” made savings of up to 60%. Let’s take a closer look …

ESSENTIAL NATURE
Every detail has been carefully thought out. As soon as you enter through the inter-connecting vestibule you are engulfed by evocative smells of cut hay and reeds. As far as the decoration is concerned, pride of place has been given to magnificent black and white photos depicting the plant and human kingdoms. The eye is irresistibly drawn to a haven of softness and naturalness.
The place’s strength lies in its perfect coherence between the eponymous cosmetic brand and the spirit embodied by its founders. The mouth-watering food at “Jardins Sauvages” is made from local organic and seasonal produce (the names of the local producers and market gardeners are cited when dishes are served). The bar extends a warm welcome as soon as you cross the threshold and offers a surprising menu of atypical drinks including some Brittany specialities. Nearly all the cosy bedrooms have a terrace at the same level as the lande, or moor, from where you can hear owls hooting at night.
As for the “L’Heure Végétale” Spa, it offers a choice of face and body treatments including 4 Grand Rituals, such as the 15-plant Grand Organic Ritual, which brings the suppleness and softness of the countryside to the skin (as opposed to the scouring effects of harsh urban environments). Throughout the treatment, the massage strokes and fragrances emanating from the salves soothe, leading to a state of harmony between mind and body.

THE SPA CABIN
This is a genuine luxury eco-lodge. The construction is in harmony with the rest of the property: sustainable development, ecology of building materials, and the special environment. The Cabane has been built 5 metres above ground level and is set against a cypress tree. It is accessible via a perfectly integrated wooden staircase and once inside you will see it is very simple and yet incredibly refined. Quality and aesthetics are very much present here. The large bedroom combined with a living-room area and shower room cover 50 m². A large terrace opens out into the surrounding nature which is perfect for the good life outdoors. In the summer it is used exclusively for Spa treatments and yoga. During the rest of the year it is a place for residents who want to be at one with nature.
Finally, among the outdoor services offered to residents there is the “Yogi Walkie”, a new walking yoga concept created and practiced by a yoga teacher. It is described as a “genuine outdoor experience connecting you with the earth”. The walk in the surrounding woods, which lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, fully oxygenates the body by making you exert yourself in a new way in order to de-programme your usual bodily habits. A whole series of mini-exercises follows one after the other, such as walking fast with small steps while clenching your thighs together, breathing for 1 minute at a time through alternate nostrils (the right re-energises, the left calms), closing your eyes while walking backwards in a straight line, and changing your leading foot, etc.

In conclusion, this ecological Hotel Spa is a unique example of its type to date in France. Jacques ROCHER wanted it to be both affordable (from 135 Euros per night) and cosy. He enjoys visiting regularly himself to chat with residents. Let us hope that other brands and entrepreneurs who enter this niche market do so with the same commitment and passion.

Our favourite places
- The relaxation pool with a clear view over the moor
- The Spa Cabane -The aperitif menu.

Our favourite treatments
- The 15-plant Grand Organic Ritual,
1 hour 50 minutes, 130 Euros (bath, body and face exfoliating scrub, body and face massage, face mask)
- The “Grand Relaxing Ritual with hot Entada seeds”, 55 minutes, 75 Euros.

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