The spectacle of the highest tidal ranges in Europe – and the second largest in the world after Canada’s Bay of Fundy – makes the North Breton port town of Saint-Malo a magical place. The beneficial seawater in this region has established Brittany as the birthplace of thalassotherapy.
Text by Anja Van Der Borght
Thanks to the extreme tides (up to 16 meters difference between low and high tide in some places), the seawater in Saint-Malo is much richer in oxygen than elsewhere, with numerous health benefits as a result. Since its founding in 1963, the Thermes of Saint-Malo have utilized some of the most mineral-rich water on Earth. Today, the center is the number one thalasso destination in France in terms of visitors.
“All our treatments combine protocols and products that we have developed ourselves,” explains Jean-Michel Colleu, director of thalassotherapy. “We even created a unique heated treatment table with water circuits – without electricity – allowing clients to be rinsed off with seawater directly on the table after an algae wrap. The effect is much more natural and safer than having to move to a separate shower for rinsing.” Here, it’s all about the details.
Experience Pool
We enjoy a seawater drainage treatment, an algae bath with jets, and also test the treatment Colleu is most proud of: the ‘Massage Sous Affusions.’ The combination of a massage under a gentle shower of warm, salty water is incredibly relaxing. Another highlight is the Aquatonic® experience pool, featuring various individual “stations” equipped with jets (underwater or air) and showers, each focusing on a specific part of the body. The circuit is not necessarily therapeutic but deeply relaxing.
The Aquatonic® is one of six seawater pools that pump water directly from the sea. Together with the ninety cabins for thalasso and spa treatments, the sauna, hammam, and other facilities, the thermes cover 5000m² of wellness. Combined with various stay packages such as ‘health,’ ‘weight loss and slimming,’ ‘young mothers,’ and, since this year, ‘post-cancer,’ everyone can find something suited to their needs.
Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa
At the tip of the Quiberon Peninsula, further west along the Atlantic Coast, lies Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa. This resort celebrates 60 years of iodine-rich wellness this year and has come a long way since the famous French cycling champion Louison Bobet founded a thalassotherapy center here in 1964. Since then, this haven of tranquility has been completely transformed into a universe of expertise and well-being, centered around two hotels that blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
Nature is held in high regard here, as the establishment now places a strong focus on eco-friendliness. Moreover, it can undoubtedly be considered one of the best slimming and thalassotherapy centers in Europe. Numerous VIPs and royalty (including Belgian) have already discovered this destination.
Visitors who choose to spend a week here can select from various programs, such as ‘rejuvenation,’ ‘getting back into shape,’ or ‘sports,’ all of which emphasize nutrition and are supported by expert guidance.
