A new spa by Clarins has opened its doors at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, but behind the treatments and soft lighting lies a deeper connection to Monaco – one that blends skincare with cutting-edge marine science.

Inaugurated on Tuesday night by Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins, Managing Director of the Clarins Group and son of the brand’s founder, the Clarins & myBlend Spa marks the brand’s first permanent presence in Monaco. For Dr. Courtin-Clarins, the opening is both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming.

“Monaco is a place I truly love for several reasons,” he told guests. “My niece, who also works with me, is now Monégasque, and I’ve worked closely with the Scientific Centre of Monaco here. It was important for me to be involved.”

That scientific partnership led to a discovery now central to Clarins’ newest premium skincare line, Precious. While collaborating with researchers to better understand coral resilience, the team identified a protein they’ve dubbed the “longevity protein”—found in coral species that can live over 3,000 years.

“It’s an extremely interesting protein,” said Dr. Courtin-Clarins. “It plays a crucial role in coral survival. Interestingly, it’s also present in human skin, though it diminishes with age. Our new Precious line has shown its effectiveness in increasing this protein level in the skin.”

The 900-square-metre spa is the latest addition to the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort’s wellness offering and features a comprehensive menu of Clarins and myBlend treatments, from deep-tissue massages to high-tech facials using LED and cryotherapy. The collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer reflects both companies’ shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“The Clarins brand is more traditional, but it’s a traditional brand that remains innovative,” Dr. Courtin-Clarins said. “We’ve always embraced innovation—whether through products like the Double Serum, which emphasises epigenetics, or now with our firming line using Pro-Collagen.”

Clarins treatments are rooted in what he describes as the “art of touch”—a precise manual method based on over 450 techniques. “Our estheticians learn to identify skin tissues through the pressure of their hands. It’s not just about applying a cream; it’s a philosophy of engagement and care.”

Guests can also experience treatments from myBlend, a brand developed by Dr. Courtin-Clarins that combines skincare, nutrition, and technology. One standout is the “lower skeleton” therapy, which uses red and infrared pulsed light.

“This technology has shown extraordinary results on skin tone and even produced a calming effect,” he said. “We didn’t expect that at first—but we were able to demonstrate it with neurological sensors measuring brain activity and heart rate.”

While Clarins products are sold in over 150 countries, the Monaco spa marks a new kind of venture—one that ties together beauty, science, and the unique character of the Principality.

“It all started with the Institute,” Dr. Courtin-Clarins reflected. “There’s always a kind of return to our DNA. And opening here, in Monaco, is exactly that.”

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All photos sourced from Monte-Carlo SBM