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Portrait : the secrets to a successful massage revealed by our massage therapist

Alice Nadeau, a practitioner at Daya Hotel & Spa, opens up in an intimate interview, reflecting the care she provides to her clients. Her expert hands are behind the massages that have made the establishment’s reputation, combining skill, well-being, and delicacy.

Can you introduce yourself ?

From childhood, I was lulled by the massages my mother gave me to calm me and help me fall asleep. This sensitivity to touch has always been with me, from adolescence to the beginning of my working life.
I have been practicing for about twenty years, and my various experiences in traditional institutes, thalassotherapy, and on my own have shaped me. Today, at Daya Spa, I can offer much more than just a massage: a unique, holistic experience that reconnects the body and mind as a whole.

How would you describe your approach to massage in a few words ?

In my opinion, a massage/treatment is energy, vibration, and connection. These three elements combined give each treatment its richness and depth.

What made you want to become a professional massage therapist ?

I deeply love people, and that’s essential in the wellness industry. Helping someone through touch, allowing them to feel better in their body and mind, is what motivates me every day.

 

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In your opinion, what makes the difference between a “pleasant” massage and an “unforgettable” massage ?

A massage becomes unforgettable when it is performed mindfully, with genuine presence on the part of the practitioner and receptivity on the part of the client. The welcome and those few minutes of calm before starting are just as essential: they allow the person to settle completely into this unique moment.

How do you identify a client’s needs before a session ?

I start by sensing their overall energy. Then I invite them to share their needs and preferences with me: light, medium, or strong pressure, areas to focus on, etc. Together, we choose the most appropriate treatment, massage, or facial.

What is the first thing you observe or feel when a person lies down on the table ?

I continue to listen to them, both verbally and through their body language. This time spent talking is valuable, as it often gives me information that they would not have expressed otherwise. Then I listen to their body: cold areas, tense areas… This information guides me throughout the massage.

What techniques do you use most at Daya Spa, and why ?

We do a lot of Swedish massage, which is perfect for combining relaxation and depth, especially after exercise. These techniques release tension while respecting the body’s physiology.

Can a massage be adapted to a person’s mood or level of fatigue ?

Absolutely. Each treatment is tailored to the mood, level of fatigue, and energy of the moment. The goal is for the massage to fully meet the person’s needs, here and now.

How do you create the ideal atmosphere for a massage ?

A cozy treatment room is essential: soft lighting, ideal temperature, gentle music, towels ready to wrap and welcome the person being massaged. Every detail counts when it comes to creating the perfect bubble of relaxation.

Are there any common mistakes people make before a session ?

The most common mistake is arriving in a rush, without allowing enough time to settle in and get ready.

What advice would you give to help people get the most out of a massage ?

Take a few moments just for yourself before the session: drink a glass of water, turn off your phone, remove your jewelry. This little “break” allows you to fully immerse yourself in your bubble of relaxation.

What massage would you recommend for a first experience at Daya Spa ?

I recommend the traditional relaxing massage. It allows you to get to know the practitioner, learn about massage, and relax deeply. Afterwards, why not extend your break with lunch at the Loma restaurant, facing the Roquebrune Golf Course, for a complete and well-deserved experience ?

If you had to describe the Daya experience in three words, which would you choose ?

  • Expertise : over twenty years of professional wellness practice.
  • Tailor-made : each treatment is adapted to the client’s needs, desires, and energy.
  • Journey : total disconnection, each experience is a journey through oneself.
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Written by: Le Daya Editor-in-Chief

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