The new kid on the block when it comes to spa treatments is thalassotherapy, the technique of cleaning, heating and immersing the body in blood temperature seawater. Rather than being touchy feely spiritual experiences in the way that massages are, the treatments tend to be more clinical and the therapists far more matter-of-fact in their way of going about things.

The treatment in a thalassotherapy spa last about twenty minutes and an entire programme will include four treatments per day made up of three individual and one group treatment. The individual treatments are bubble baths, underwater massage effusion showers, jet showers and algae wraps. The group led element includes aqua-aerobics or supervised use of jets in the hydropool. The ideas and practice behind thalassotherapy itself aren’t new, it is already popular in many places, however it is only recently that it has become so in luxury resorts. In a thalassotherapy programme the treatments all depend upon seawater or seawater products. The treatment is quite popular with those who choose to take Europe spa breaks but they are most popular in the east and Far East.

The reason why thalassotherapy has taken so long to become a popular spa treatment is that, while it is heathy and invigorating it doesn’t habitually include any beauty treatments like massage, facial or mani-pedicure although some therapists will include a dry massage on certain days.

But of course you can choose to take additional programmes on top of the thalassotherapy. You can choose beauty or anti cellulite treatments which will add another half hour to your overall procedure

Thalassotherapy is designed with your specific needs so you will have to undergo a consultation and if the treatments are to go on for longer than two days then it is generally necessary to consult with a doctor to assess blood pressure, check your weight and discuss whether there are any pre-existing conditions which might make thalassotherapy unsuitable for you. If all that sounds a bit stressful, why not try a Caribbean spa resort where you can relax properly and enjoy a good pampering on a tropical beach?