I have a difficult job. By tapping on “Spas in Paris” on Trip Advisor, the Ban Sin Thai massage institute is leading the way with no less than 648 opinions, most of which oscillate between the dithyrambic and the very good. Number 1 out of 932 casually it deserves respect. Driven by a professional conscience which also commands respect, but which may one day cause my loss, I therefore carried out my little investigation and booked a one-hour Thai massage with organic essential oils *. Head to this little corner of Thailand in the heart of the 15^e district.

It is noon when I push open the door of a very small wooden storefront in rue de Vaugirard. The interior is much larger, the light subdued, the decor unadorned. To the right of a bay window, a pretty garden adds a zen touch to the setting. I am greeted by Moï Poitevin, the manager of the establishment, who arrived in France five years ago. The Institute, for its part, opened its doors twelve years ago.

I ask her how she explains the incredible success of Ban Sin Thai. “Our decor is in our image: simple, authentic and friendly. Massage is part of our culture and our practice is ancestral. All our masseuses (12 in total) come from Thailand but speak a little French, they are experienced and specialized. Depending on the needs of the client, I direct him to a particular masseuse. We are not doctors, but we can really relieve certain pains; customers tell us that often. " Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and equipped with 20 cabins, the Institute is a victim of its own success and sometimes refuses people, especially at weekends. "We have a loyal clientele and we are very selective, I talk to people a lot to find out what exactly they are looking for", confides to me Moses.

But end the chatter and get to work. I have a massage to try, me. I am invited to take off my shoes and I go down to the basement in the company of Nok, whose fairy fingers will strum especially on my back, exhausted by three decades of golf practice. The massage takes place in the dark, lulled by typical music. The table where I lie on my stomach is huge. I have rarely seen such large ones. This will allow Nok to sometimes climb on it to practice different kneading or stretching. After cleaning my feet with hot water (I should point out that I have nothing to reproach myself with, this is part of the ritual), the start of the massage consists of strong pressure exerted on all parts of my body. body, which is wrapped in a large towel.

After about ten minutes, the towel is removed for the main course: a massage with an oil based on chamomile and jojoba, odorless (for pregnant women, an organic coconut oil is used ). I am pampered from top to bottom, right down to my fingertips. Mine, but also those of my masseuse, who alternately uses her hands, fists, forearms or elbows. Nok's pressure is deep, rippling and the massage incredibly relaxing. Tonic and soft, fluid and deep, the variations are such that it almost seems like ten masseuses take turns behind my back.

Very quickly, my brain presses the "off" key. I feel a sensation of floating, as if I am hovering in a parallel universe. At one point, I wonder if the vibrations of the adjacent metro - which we perceive from time to time - are not part of the therapy. Proof that I no longer have all my head. I just feel good. Then Nok turns me around, or more precisely asks me to turn around. The massage lasts a shorter time, around ten minutes (perhaps because I had asked that my lower back be taken care of as a priority), and ends with a delicious kneading of the scalp.

The dessert is more rustic, but it's for a good cause. Nok does not spare me any more and practices various stretches. Sometimes I find myself, without my knowledge, in positions that could make certain acrobats of the Beijing circus green with jealousy. My moans and grimaces provoke hilarity from my partner. It must be said that my limits in terms of flexibility must approach those of Agecanonix. Sometimes you hear a crackle but then again it's for my good. Nok sits me down and finishes his extreme stretching session. I almost have the impression of being at the osteo or chiropractor. I wonder if I haven't gained 5cm in the story.

The session is over. I get dressed and go back up the stairs. In weightlessness. Relaxed as rarely. At the reception, facing the garden, I am invited to sit down in front of a table where I am waiting for a bowl with small pieces of green and Charentais melon, accompanied by a Thai herbal tea made from dried lemongrass, leaves of pandanus and Bengal quince. It is delicious. Herbal tea is also so popular with customers that small sachets are now on sale within the Institute. Moï tells me that faced with the success of Ban Sin Thai, the director of the establishment (Jula Deveaux) will open a second salon next month in the Madeleine district.

I take my leave and leave the Institute with a smile. On the sidewalk, the sound of cars evokes a soft music that makes the stars dance on the dunes. Well, obviously it's time I hit the “on” button again. I really do a difficult job.

Frank Crudo

* Thai massage with organic oils: 45 euros for 30 minutes, 80 euros for 1 hour, 110 euros for 1h30 (happy hour the week between 11 and 14 p.m.: 60 euros for 1 hour).

https://bansinthai.fr/