Originating in 19th century France, Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek word for "sea", and is the therapeutic use of seawater or saltwater as well as marine products such as algae, seaweed, and marine mud to improve health and beauty. It is used to treat a multitude of health conditions, including joint and muscle pain, poor circulation, arthritis and skin disorders such as psoriasis. More recently the therapy has also been used to help with stress relief and weight loss. There are many Spas that offer Thalassotherapy in Europe, so to help you find the right one for you, we’ve selected our top 5 European Thalassotherapy Spas. Happy reading!

DIVANI APOLLON PALCE & THALASSO, GREECE

Situated just a short hop from Athens, overlooking the picturesque Athenian Riviera is Divani Apollon Palace and Thalasso, a family-run beachfront property offering a unique blend of ancient Greek and Mediterranean wisdom with state of the art technologies. The property is home to one of the largest Thalassotherapy centres in Europe and is the perfect place to pamper, de-stress and rejuvenate. When not undergoing treatments in the Thalassotherapy Centre, guests and their companions can also enjoy the property’s two outdoor pools, its private sandy beach and outdoor tennis court.

VERDURA, ITALY

Verdura is a family-friendly beauty spread over 560 acres of beautiful Sicilian, beachfront land. Thalassotherapy aficionados are well catered for here with the resort’s four outdoor Thalassotherapy pools. Their Thalassotherapy circuit which involves spending 15-20 minutes in each pool is deeply relaxing and has a revitalising, antimicrobial and cleansing effect on the skin. It also promotes venous and lymphatic flow and removes toxins.

VILALARA LONGEVITY THALASSA & MEDICAL SPA, PORTUGAL

Sitting snug along the stunning Algarve coastline with seaside gardens and direct access to soft golden sands is Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, a world-class wellness retreat where exclusivity, comfort and stunning surroundings combine to create a unique experience of wellbeing and health. Their Thalassotherapy Centre is one of the very best around and attracts guests from across the world seeking treatment for skin conditions, chronic muscle aches and much, much more.

MARBELLA CLUB, SPAIN

Situated right on the beach between the upmarket coastal resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banús, Marbella Club is one of Spain’s most iconic hotels. Offering an all-encompassing wellness experience based on Mediterranean principles, their expansive Spa offers a wide variety of Thalassotherapy treatments, including mineral-rich showers, seawater hydro jet massages and algotherapy. It’s a great place to book if you are travelling with your family, as there’s a large Kid’s Club onsite, where you can leave your little ones while you enjoy the Spa.