Thalassotherapy and Spas in Biarritz
By James O'Keeffe

Biarritz Background

Situated in the south-west of France and the gateway to the Basque country and Spain, Biarritz is the perfect town to pamper yourself - enjoy the natural benefits of the sea and treat yourself to a session at the excellent local spas. A long tradition of marine cures has made a success of Biarritz's many spa establishments.

In the 1700s, Biarritz began to gain the reputation it has today: as a centre of relaxation and rejuvenation. Doctors started recommending the area as its coastal location and fine sea air was the perfect therapeutic getaway for patients suffering from illness or stress, and some even said that the sea in that particular area had qualities that would help to cure patients of their various ailments. This advice led to many sick people making pilgrimages to Biarritz looking for a path to recovery. During this period many notable figures visited Biarritz, including several members of the British royal family and European royalty also.

Biarritz these days is still now synonymous with health and well-being, and you'll see plenty of signs advertising thalassotherapy centres. True thalassotherapy spas must be no more than half a mile from the sea and pump fresh seawater in for all their treatments making Biarritz (with its beautiful long coastline) an ideal situation for it.

What is Thalassotherapy?

Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassa, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater as a form of therapy. Developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century the therapy was originally based around the theory that properties of seawater have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin; when trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide found in seawater are absorbed through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, seawater baths or underwater showers, application of marine mud or of algae paste, mud and seaweed wrapping, hydro-massage, and scrubs that use seawater, seaweed and other ocean derivatives (all are cleaned and purified before use); each designed to tone, moisturise and revitalise the body and skin and, in many cases, to improve circulation.

What is thalassotherapy good for?

Different forms of thalassotherapy are recommended for helping you: relax, tone your muscles, cleanse your skin, reduce the appearance of cellulite, boost your immune system and improve sleep quality.

Thalassotherapy is also thought to help people with:

* circulatory problems (such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis)

* respiratory conditions (such as asthma and bronchitis)

* post-traumatic disorders (such as muscle atrophy)

* chronic inflammations (such as rheumatic arthritis).

Medical problems such as these have specific treatments recommended for them such as Ionisation; a thalassotherapy where the seawater is ionised with negative ions and is inhaled or sprayed which is used to heal upper respiratory tract problems.

Vinothrapie is a treatment combining thermal spring water and inigo-elements with wine and grape extracts to strengthen blood vessels and enhance circulation. Balneotherapy uses seawater to improve your circulation.

There is no scientific evidence for the efficacy of thalassotherapy, although many people give anecdotal evidence about how it has helped them, as with any complementary treatment, perhaps the emphasis should be on psychological wellbeing. However, it is this medical aspect of treatments that is often stated as the reason for the unusually high percentage of male participants (many spas note a 50/50 male/female ratio).

What to expect from thalassotherapy

If you've opted for a seaweed wrap expect to be swathed for about an hour in seaweed and herb-soaked cloths. You will probably be wrapped up from your toes to your chest - arms are always optional - whilst lying on a thermal blanket to keep you warm. Before you start to feel like a dried old barnacle, your therapist will unravel you and massage your body to enhance circulation.

Alternatively, if a 'walking pool' takes your fancy, you may find yourself immersed in seawater, wading against a gentle current which is alternately warm and cool. This is designed to improve blood circulation in your legs.

Or perhaps you've chosen to try an aqua gym. Firm jets will target your various muscle groups while you gently work out in a pool, your body supported by the resistance of the water. After your treatment you may have that just-stepped-off-the-beach feeling, complete with prune-like wrinkled fingers and sand between your toes. You'll probably feel very refreshed and relaxed, or you might feel tired and achy after working out in the aqua gym and being sprayed with underwater jets.

However you feel, treat yourself to a long, rejuvenating shower in fresh water and take some time out to enjoy the oceanic serenity.

Where to go?

Hotel Mirmar in Biarritz includes a 25m seawater swimming pool, sauna and hamam. Most rooms have Atlantic views, and the seafood is superb. Treatments are individually tailored but there are also recommended courses for certain groups, post-natal rejuvenation, men's fitness and "Reaching 50".

Hotel du Palais is a 5 star spa hotel that was once the holiday residence of France's Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugenie and still uses Guerlain products, which for many years was Eugenie's own personal eau de-toilette. The spa covers an area of 3000sq metres and is set over five floors. It has a 15-metre long indoor swimming pool with views overlooking the Atlantic, a Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness room, make-up area with Guerlain products, a hair salon, and finally the Salon Eugenie, a tea lounge where you can relax and contemplate the views.

Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa is a hotel and thalassotherapy institute. There are a wide range of treatments, varied low calorie menu and impeccable service.

Hellianthal Thalasso & Spa is located right on the ocean and provides individually tailored treatments. Their thalassotherapy team includes doctors, hydrotherapists, physiotherapists, masseurs, dieticians and beauticians.

Thermes Marins de Saint Malo includes a 5000m Seawater Spa with 80 booths and individual hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, 16 cabins for the Spa, six swimming pools including a seawater pool and a recreation trail Aquatonic.

Getting there

Biarritz Airport has daily direct flights from London airports, and Baboo, Ryan Air, Easyjet and Air France all fly there regularly from all over the world. Travelling from the airport to your hotel could not be easier with regular buses to the centre of town or private transfers to the whole region available online. Bordeaux Airport is also only a 2 hour drive away.

As well as being full of excellent spas and wellness centres Biarritz today is an eclectic mix of proud Basque heritage, unashamed luxury, bohemian living and surf paradise. Chic hotels and art deco facades, pavement cafes, surf shops and stylish boutiques combine with the ever-present ocean to create a style and character unique to making it an unforgettable place to visit.

James O'Keeffe http://biarritzairporttransfers.com/ operates airport transfers from Biarritz Airport. He has spent many summers in Biarritz and winters in the alpine resort of Chamonix. His knowledge of the Biarritz area is substantial and he has many hours of driving experience. He also has a great interest in the local area and hopes to share the know-how with others. http://biarritzairporttransfers.com/contact-Biarritz-airport-transfers.html

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