Discover all our Thalasso holidays

What is Thalasso

Thalasso, short for thalassotherapy, is a therapeutic practice that harnesses the healing properties of seawater, sea mud, and marine extracts to enhance health and well-being. Thalasso treatments often include hydrotherapy, marine-based massages, seaweed wraps, and sea salt scrubs, all leveraging the natural benefits of the ocean. The term "Thalasso" originates from the Roman sea goddess Thalassa, reflecting the ancient Greeks' and Romans' deep understanding of the sea's restorative powers. Modern thalassotherapy builds on this centuries-old knowledge, combining it with contemporary science to deliver both curative and preventative benefits. A thalasso spa makes full use of the ocean's elements, including seawater, sea air, algae, mud, and sand, to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The concept of thalassotherapy has been practiced for thousands of years, with civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians recognizing seawater’s healing properties.

What are the benefits of thalasso

Thalasso therapy is believed to provide a number of health benefits, including:

• Relaxation: The sound of the ocean, coupled with the soothing properties of seawater, can help to induce a state of relaxation and calm the mind and body. 
  
• Detoxification: The high mineral content of seawater is believed to help draw out toxins from the body and promote detoxification. 
  
• Improved circulation: The pressure of the seawater and the minerals it contains can help to stimulate blood circulation, which can improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body's tissues. 
  
• Reduced inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of seawater can help to reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate pain associated with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. 
  
• Skin health: The minerals and trace elements found in seawater can help to improve skin health by increasing moisture levels and reducing inflammation and irritation. 
  
• Improved respiratory health: Breathing in the sea air can help to clear the respiratory system and alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma. 

Thalasso therapy can help to promote relaxation, detoxification, and overall health and wellness, making it a popular choice for those looking to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Typical Thalasso treatments

There are several types of thalasso therapies that are commonly offered at thalassotherapy centers and spas. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Seawater hydrotherapy: This involves soaking in a pool of heated seawater to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. 
  
• Marine-based massages: Using seawater, seaweed, or marine extracts, this type of massage aims to stimulate circulation, relax muscles, and improve skin tone and texture. 
  
• Seaweed wraps: This involves applying a paste made from seaweed or other marine extracts to the body and wrapping it in a warm towel or blanket. It is believed to help detoxify the body and improve skin health. 
  
• Jet shower: From a distance, a Thalasso therapist directs a high-pressure hose spraying seawater onto the body parts being treated. This massages the muscles and is a particularly effective treatment for cellulite; the power of the water stimulates blood flow and promotes the drainage of built-up toxins.
• Vichy-or affusion shower: a relaxing shower massage using fine sprays of seawater to stimulate circulation, refresh and boost. This thalasso treatment can be combined with a manual massage.
• Hydrotherapy: underwater jets and water streams in pools, using therapeutic seawater.
• Jetstream: High-pressure water jets massage the body and promote blood circulation. The entire body is treated; from bottom to top, starting with the soles of the feet and finishing with the shoulders. This thalasso treatment loosens the joints, aids weight loss, arthrosis and cellulite.
• Algae wrap: Algae are rich in vitamins, minerals and elements and contain valuable nutrients for the skin, such as enzymes and oligo-elements. Thalassotherapy therefore uses them in bubble baths, creams and beauty masks. An algae wrap contains pulverised algae that are applied warm to the body. Not only is this calming and restorative, it also stimulates the absorption of the active ingredients into the skin.
• Sea salt scrubs: A scrub made from sea salt and other natural ingredients is used to exfoliate the skin and promote circulation. 
  
• Inhalation therapy: This involves breathing in the sea air or mist, which is believed to help clear the respiratory system and improve lung function. 
  
• Thalasso facial treatments: Using marine-based products, this type of facial treatment aims to improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production. 
  

Thalasso therapies are designed to take advantage of the healing properties of the ocean and marine-based ingredients to promote relaxation, detoxification, and overall health and wellbeing.

Famous Thalasso destinations 

There are many destinations around the world that offer thalasso therapy, but some of the best ones include:

• Brittany, France: Located on the northwest coast of France, Brittany is known for its thalasso centers that offer a wide range of treatments, from seawater hydrotherapy to marine-based massages. 
  
• Tunis: Tunis has a large number of thalasso centers that offer a wide range of treatments and staffed by highly trained professionals. Tunis is located on the Mediterranean coast, with a mild climate in Tunis and warm temperatures throughout the year.  
  
• Costa del Sol, Spain: Located on the southern coast of Spain, Costa del Sol is home to several thalassotherapy centers and spas that offer treatments like seawater hydrotherapy, marine-based massages, and seaweed wraps. 
  
• Dead Sea, Jordan: The Dead Sea is a popular destination for thalasso therapy due to its high mineral content and unique properties, such as the ability to float on the surface of the water. 
  
• Maldives: With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, the Maldives is an ideal destination for thalasso therapy. Many resorts offer thalasso treatments that take advantage of the healing properties of seawater and marine-based ingredients. 
  
• Canary Islands, Spain: The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, are home to several thalasso centers that offer a range of treatments, from seawater hydrotherapy to marine-based facials. 
  
• Bali, Indonesia: Bali is known for its luxurious spas and wellness centers that offer a range of treatments, including thalasso therapy. Many spas in Bali offer ocean-facing treatment rooms that allow guests to enjoy the sounds and views of the ocean while receiving their treatments. 

What to expect on a thalasso holiday

A thalasso programme usually begins with a consultation with a medical doctor. Any medical complaints, wishes, expectations and goals will be discussed.The Thalasso doctor will make a personalized thalasso treatment plan accordingly to your needs and goals and your personal medical story.