Spectacular spas: maritime escape

Thalassotherapy - the medical use of seawater and seaweeds - has a long history in Brittany. During treatment, minerals, which include magnesium, potassium, calcium and iodine, are absorbed through osmosis to restore equilibrium and promote vitality and general wellbeing.

My initiation took place at the Thalgo Thalassotherapy Centre, a coastal retreat in the pretty town of La Baule in Brittany. In a world rushing to keep up with the latest so-called miracle products, it was refreshing to visit a spa where natural, old-fashioned remedies are the order of the day. This pristine centre, fitted with acres of cool white marble, pale wood panelling and bathed in natural light, offers a series of programmes, or ‘cures', catering for just about anyone - from those with poor circulation and sleep problems to guests just needing a bit of R&R. And all of the treatments use the heavenly Thalgo range of products.

My four-day ‘cure' was prescribed following a routine visit to the resident doctor. With my personalised schedule in hand, I floated between sessions, from an essential oil bath, where I was pummelled with jets of water, to a marine facial, where, in a state of bliss, I dozed in and out of consciousness, helped by the meditative lapping of the waves on the shore just outside my window. During my algae body wrap, I was lathered in a thick, warm and rather pungent mix of marine algae and wrapped in a plastic sheet before being cocooned in an electric blanket for 20 minutes. I did feel somewhat like a chrysalis at the time, but the heat encouraged my skin to lap up the nutrients and I emerged, if not quite a butterfly, then feeling remarkably fresh and re-energised.

Menus at the adjoining Royal-Thalasso Barrière Hotel, where resident spa guests stay, have been carefully planned by the head chef and dietician. Both the calorie-controlled ‘diet menu' and the gourmet option use local, seasonal produce and are equally delicious. And when you're not being treated at the Thalasso Centre, you can continue to unwind on the hotel's golf course or tennis courts, or by taking in some fresh Atlantic air on La Baule's beautiful, long sandy beach. It came as no surprise to learn that many guests here are regular visitors. By the end of my stay I felt better and more toned than I had for years and determined to create my own mini thalassotherapy spa at home. Rosie Templeman

Six days' full board and four treatments per day costs from 2,028 euros per person. Royal-Thalasso Barrière Hotel 00 33 (0)2 40 11 48 48; e-mail: royalthalasso@lucienbarriere.com. Thalgo La Baule Thalassotherapy Centre 00 33 (0) 2 40 11 99 99; e-mail: thalgo@lucienbarriere.com. UK Thalgo salons and stockists 0800 146041

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