Top 5 hotels with thalasso

Rich in trace elements and mineral salts, seawater brings well-being and balance to the body. Heated to a temperature of 28° to 31°, it relaxes muscles, relieves backache and joint problems, and boosts the immune system. The benefits of marine waters have been known since ancient times.

Discover them at one of these five addresses, renowned for their expert wellness programs.

Sofitel Thalassa Sea & Spa Hotel, Quiberon

On the south coast of Brittany, one of the great references in French thalassotherapy for half a century. The credit goes to this 2,000 m² space overlooking the ocean, with a sublime seawater pool and a marine course comprising nine iodized workshops: invigorating jets, relaxing water blade, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis. All coupled with a rich palette of treatments, including our favorite - the signature "Absolu de genêt" massage (warm pebbles and beauty oil made from this plant, a symbol of the Breton region). Depending on your mood, you can come here for a few hours and choose one of the wellness programs on offer, or pack your bags for 3-5 days in one of the hotel's luxurious rooms. It's also an opportunity to sample Patrick Barbin's healthy cuisine in one of the hotel's three restaurants.

• One-day treatments from 99 euros.
• Double room from 205 euros, breakfast included.
• Boulevard Louison Bobet, 56170 Quiberon. Tel: 02 97 50 20 00
• Further information on Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa

©Olivier Baron

Castel Clara Thalasso & Spa in Belle-île en mer.

Its many loyal guests swear by the hotel's charm, with its immaculate façade, its rooms with ocean-blue walls and the magnificent broom-filled pathway that runs alongside the property. Less well known, however, is the fact that Castel Clara is home to one of Brittany's most complete thalassotherapy facilities, with two pools (outdoor and indoor), an aquatic course and treatments by the Breton brand Thalion. The site also offers hypnosis, meditation and Qi gong sessions, as well as expert cures such as the "Minceur et douceur" program, which combines a balanced diet with treatments. A Relais & Châteaux member, this is the ideal address for the perfect revitalization of body and mind...

• One-day treatments from 144 euros
• Double room from 238 euros, breakfast included.
• Castel Clara & spa. Port Goulphar 56360 Bangor. Tel: 02 97 31 83 21
• Further information on Castel Clara Thalasso & Spa

Hôtel de la Baie Prévithal Thalasso in Donville-les-Bains

A confidential address ideally located in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, with the Chausey Islands as a backdrop. Thalasso enthusiasts come here for the quality of the Thalgo marine area, with aquatic workshops in a seawater pool heated to 32°, a sauna, a hammam... And above all, a vast range of treatments available for just a few hours (algotherapy, hydrotherapy, scrubs and wraps...) or as part of a program (1 to 4 days) combining treatments, massages and advice from a coach for a complete and lasting return to fitness. Enjoy the hotel's charm, with most of its spacious rooms and suites offering 180° views of the sea. A final highlight is the Le Sound restaurant, featuring delicious local cuisine by Aurélien Leclerc.

• A day of treatments from 159 euros
• Double room from 140 euros, breakfast included.
• Rue de l'Ermitage 50350 Donville les Bains. Tel: 02 33 90 31 10
• Further information onHôtel de la Baie - Prévithal Thalasso

©Cécile Langlois

Alliance Resort Thalasso & Spa in Pornic

Another landmark address, for over 20 years this resort has been welcoming a discerning clientele, seduced by the excellence of the treatments offered in this 4,000 m² center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for well-being and fitness. What's on the menu? A la carte treatments including hydromassage baths, chromo therapy sessions and exclusive massages "Made in Pornic" with French organic oils. There are also personalized cures for fitness, relaxation and balance, combining all treatments with stretching classes in the pool, creative relaxation and meditation sessions. Tailor-made programs based on balancing body and mind, to be discovered during a stay at the hotel, which features120 spacious, elegant rooms, as well as several restaurants, including the remarkable La Source, where you'll be served organic, tasty and healthy menus.

• One-day treatments from 99 euros.
• Double room from 180 euros, breakfast included.
• Plage de la Source, 5 rue du Casino des Flots, 44210 Pornic. Tel: 02 40 82 21 21
• Further information on Alliance Pornic Resort Thalasso & Spa

©J.HIHN, ©2PIXELSPHOTOS

Château des Tourelles - Relais Thalasso in Pornichet

At the tip of the Pointe du Bec, this château, transformed into a hotel in 2008, seems to stand on the ocean.30° seawater pool with remineralizing and relaxing underwater jets, and a state-of-the-art cardio-fitness room. Come here for a few hours to discover coach-led activities in the pool (aquagym, fitness, biking) or the wellness area (muscle strengthening, sophrology, Qi gong...). Depending on the time available, you can also opt for multi-day programs combining treatments and tailor-made activities (anti-aging stay, world massages...). The perfect place to let go and recharge your batteries.

• One-day treatments from 312 euros
• Double room from 180 euros, breakfast included.
• Pointe du Bec, 1 Avenue Léon Dubas. 44380 Pornichet. Tel: 02 40 60 80 80
• Further information on Château des Tourelles - Relais Thalasso

And also in the Basque Country

Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa in Saint-Jean de Luz

When it comes to thalassotherapy, Normandy and Brittany aren't the only regions where you'll find it, as demonstrated by this prestigious hotel in the heart of Saint-Jean de Luz, a haven for all lovers of luxury and well-being. It's home to the Loreamar Thalasso & Spa center, featuring an indoor seawater pool, sauna and hammam, whirlpool baths, relaxation area with Himalayan salt wall... You can enjoy the center for a few hours or take one of the 3 to 5-day customized programs, where you can meet with an osteopath, acupuncturist or naturopath, depending on your needs. In terms of accommodation, the place is as luxurious as it is welcoming, with rooms featuring sleek furnishings and lounges that have kept intact the Empire style of the building, built at the end of the XIXᵉ century. An address that ideally combines leisure and fitness, with Alexandre Willaume's excellent table offering healthy menus and more generous Southwestern cuisine.

• Daily rituals from 300 euros.
• Double room from 165 euros, breakfast included.
• 43 Boulevard Thiers 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Tel: 05 29 26 35 36
• Further information on Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa

©Jérôme Mondière

Take advantage of the arrival of spring to treat yourself to a revitalizing stay by the ocean...