Ecocert unveils the first Spa to be certified "Sustainable Well-being Center": the Spa L'Occitane en Provence at Le Couvent des Minimes hotel!

The L’Occitane en Provence Spa at the 5-star Le Couvent des Minimes hotel, the Maison’s iconic address, is now the very first spa in the world to obtain the ECOCERT “Sustainable Wellbeing Center” label. This label recognizes establishments committed to an environmental approach in which products, services, equipment and management are respectful to people and the planet.

Worldwide Recognition for an Exceptional Spa

Le Couvent des Minimes, a former 17th century convent renovated into a 5-star hotel, today embodies the Maison L’Occitane en Provence’s idea of wellbeing: an holistic flourishing that embraces self-care, relationships with others and symbiosis with nature. It is quite natural that sustainable development, dear to the brand, was at the heart of its renovation and the construction of its new Spa.

This labeling project, the result of several months of work between the Spa teams of Le Couvent des Minimes, ECOCERT experts and the international Spa L’Occitane teams, was finalized in December 2024 and will come into existence at the beginning of 2025.

A demanding ECOCERT label based on three fundamental pillars

The ECOCERT «Sustainable Wellbeing Center» label is based on three key dimensions: the use of certified natural and/or organic products, the implementation of social criteria ensuring wellbeing at work and the reduction of the environmental footprint.

Within the L’Occitane en Provence Spa at Le Couvent des Minimes, these three pillars are illustrated, among others, by:

• Spa treatments use L’Occitane en Provence products, enriched with natural ingredients and some certified organic. The Spa offers a unique protocol called “Karité Apaisant” using exclusively 100% natural shea butter, certified organic (ECOCERT) and certified fair trade (Fair for Life), a symbol of sustainability and expertise. This 45-minute treatment restores and nourishes the skin of the hands and feet while calming the mind, relieving tension and promoting deep relaxation and rest.

• Le Couvent des Minimes teams benefited from in-house awareness-raising sessions focused on reducing the environmental impact of the spa’s activities, in particular through responsible management of water and energy

• The L’Occitane en Provence Spa at Le Couvent des Minimes also stands out for the use of geothermal energy throughout the site as an energy source for heating and air conditioning the spaces and pools. A technology that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of the site. This approach embodies the Maison’s desire to integrate innovative solutions into the heart of its sustainable development strategy.

As part of the ECOCERT label, annual audits will be carried out to guarantee the sustainability of the efforts undertaken and to ensure constant progress towards new sustainability objectives.

The ECOCERT “Sustainable Wellbeing Center” label is therefore part of a global and progressive approach.

A sustainable and long-term vision for L’Occitane en Provence

This certification marks a further step in L’Occitane en Provence’s overall commitment to a sustainable future. Having worked with ECOCERT for several years to certify its iconic ingredients, the House is now strengthening its actions by integrating environmental and societal dimensions into its entire spa business.

In the long term, the L’Occitane en Provence Spa at Le Couvent des Minimes intends to continue the projects initiated as part of the ECOCERT “Sustainable Wellbeing Center” certification by:

• increasing the use of certified textiles in spas and ensuring more responsible practices for cleaning linens,

• intensifying training for spa staff concerning water, energy and waste management,

• exploring solutions for the reuse and management of wastewater.

Obtaining this ECOCERT label reflects L’Occitane en Provence’s desire to reconcile wellbeing and sustainability, while committing to a process of continuous improvement. The Spa du Couvent des Minimes thus becomes an inspiring model for spas around the world, demonstrating that it is possible to combine luxury and deep respect for the environment. Even more so today, luxury must actively participate in the emergence of a sustainable world.

« I am delighted to see professionals committing themselves at every stage of the supply chain, from sourcing ingredients to using their products in the spa. This is a real example for the sector. Obtaining the ECOCERT “Sustainable Wellbeing Center” label will allow Maison L’Occitane en Provence and its spa teams to promote and structure their transition towards authentic and ambitious environmental and social practices, embodying a true model of commitment to a sustainable future.» Barbara Pruvost, Certification Manager and Head of the “Sustainable Wellbeing Center” label expresses.

«At L’Occitane en Provence, wellbeing and sustainability are inseparable. More than a commitment, it is a true philosophy that guides each of our actions. Obtaining this ECOCERT label demonstrates our desire to always go above and beyond, to continue to learn, and to promote these new practices across our entire network of spas.» Marina Glover, Global Spa Director L’Occitane en Provence adds