We have tested thalassotherapy in Tunisia, a treatment using seawater. We tell you about the therapy, as well as our own experience of the treatment.
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What is thalassotherapy?
The Greek word 'thalasso' means sea, and 'therapy', as you know, means treatment. This describes quite clearly what thalassotherapy is, i.e. treatment using seawater.
Both cold and warm seawater can be included, as well as sea air, mud, sand and algae. According to many, the treatment can help reduce stress and pain, activate blood flow and help keep the skin healthy, among other benefits.
Thalassotherapy has been known since the 18th century, and in the past, cures often began with an appointment with a thalassotherapy doctor who designed a customised treatment plan. In many ways, it resembled classic thermal baths or spas, but with a focus on seawater in the treatments.
Today, the therapy is often combined with spa, hammam and classic wellness treatments, such as massage, and also various beauty treatments. Some examples of treatments that can be included in thalassotherapy:
- Water pressure massage
- Jet-spray shower
- Wrapping with clay
- Sea water baths with algae
Thalassotherapy in Tunisia - The Residence, Tunis
When we were in Tunis, we made a visit to the luxurious hotel The Residence, which offers spa and thalassotherapy. We didn't have time to try any treatments here, but we did a small tour with a guide.
This spa felt incredibly fresh and exclusive. There is a large, lovely pool, which we couldn't photograph because people were swimming in it. However, we can offer pictures from some of the treatment rooms.
For our part, there were certainly no treatments here, but instead we ended the visit with a super good lemon drink and a bunch of tasty sweets. It was not so bad either!
Thalassotherapy in Tunisia - we tested at Ulysse Djerba Thalasso & Spa
When we got to the island of Djerba, it was finally time for us to try thalassotherapy ourselves. Exciting! We were welcomed to the Ulysse Djerba Thalasso & Spa, where we tried three treatments each.
We tried a kind of peeling, a mud wrap and a traditional massage. Together, the treatments took around two hours, and we were led off in different directions. Afterwards, we realised that we had similar - but also different - experiences.
We both felt that the treatments were relaxing and really good, and we felt like completely "new" people when we left. One difference was that Peter wore his swimming shorts during all treatments, while I (Helena) felt that the female therapists were quick to ask me to take off my bikini and change into disposable panties. Afterwards, we were told that you can choose how you want to feel during the treatments.
We started with a steam bath followed by a peeling. Then it was time for the mud wrap. In addition to the mud, you were wrapped in plastic and a blanket, and everything was then heated, so that it became heavy and warm around the body. After 20 minutes it was time to take a shower. Last but not least, it was time for a traditional full body massage. All in all, a really wonderful experience!
Peter also had time for a little swim in the pool.
Considerations for thalassotherapy in Tunisia
Are you curious to try thalassotherapy in Tunisia? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Book treatment in good timeto make sure you get the treatment you want. You can also ask for advice on appropriate treatments.
- Tell us if you are pregnant or have an illnessso that the treatment can be adapted to your needs.
- Check the age limit if you are travelling with children/young people. Some treatments may have an age limit, and children may sometimes be welcomed in pool areas between certain hours.
- Arrive in good time for treatmentat least half an hour beforehand can be helpful. You may need to fill in forms about your health and the like.
- Bring your swimwearas this is required in the pool and sauna, for example. You can usually borrow a bathrobe, towel and slippers.
- Consider the 'spa label', which may require peace and quiet, and that photography is not allowed in areas with other people.
More to see and do in Tunisia
If you visit Tunisia's capital Tunis, we recommend experiencing the bazaars, as well as visiting the charming town of Sidi Bou Said and the interesting archaeological site of Carthage. If you visit the island of Djerba, you won't want to miss the cool street art neighbourhood and the beautiful synagogue. And of course you can enjoy the sun and swimming!
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JoY says:
Oh so cosy and lovely with such a treatment. I would like to have it, especially on such a greyish day.
My mum and I went to a spa in Naantali and, among other things, got a mud wrap of the whole body. Just as you describe with plastic and heat. Fortunately, we were in the same room, as my mother found it uncomfortable to lie wrapped like that, while I could relax.
Fun trip you made
17 November 2021 - 10:46
Helena says:
Great that you also received this type of treatment! I could, like you, relax, but can understand that you can experience it differently. Nice that you could do together!
17 November 2021 - 19:48
BP says:
Although Peter looks somewhat "suffering" after the treatments, I have to say that I would have liked to be involved in "becoming a completely new person". I have been to a spa outside Riga but have never experienced a mud wrap.
17 November 2021 - 18:03
Helena says:
Riga and Latvia are also good at spa! We experienced the mud wrap as the relaxation, but maybe the massage was the best, or it was the combination that was good maybe 🙂
17 November 2021 - 19:50
diana's dreams says:
How wonderful you have had, was at Thalassospa in Varberg 2 weeks ago hugs
17 November 2021 - 18:19
Helena says:
Oh, they have thalassotherapy too? We didn't know that. Interesting! And sounds lovely! 🙂
17 November 2021 - 19:51