Fancy slowing down, letting go of tension or treating yourself to a proper break by the sea? Before booking a thalassotherapy programme or a wellness weekend, it’s important to assess your needs. Deep-seated fatigue, chronic tension or the desire for lasting recovery call for a more comprehensive package. A one-off need for relaxation, a few days away as a couple, or a getaway to the Basque Coast can be enjoyed with a shorter stay, à la carte treatments, access to the Lagoon or a fitness session. In Anglet, our establishments Atlanthal and Les Terrasses allow you to fulfil these desires. All that remains is to choose the package that best suits your pace, your need for relaxation and the way you wish to enjoy your stay.
A thalassotherapy treatment or a wellness weekend: what’s the real difference?
The thalassotherapy programme is designed for people who need to recover thoroughly. It takes more time, but it also allows you to settle into a proper treatment routine. The days are structured around the body: marine treatments, baths, massages, rest, the lagoon, quiet time and wellness support.
A wellness weekend is designed to meet a more occasional need. It offers a chance to treat yourself to a massage, a facial, access to the Lagoon, a fitness session, or a moment of relaxation after a walk or a day spent gazing out at the ocean.
In summary:
- A thalassotherapy programme is ideal if you are experiencing persistent tiredness, muscle or joint tension, a need to recover physically, significant mental stress, or a desire to take a real break from everyday life.
- The wellness weekend is best suited if you only have two or three days, if you want to relax without a strictly organised programme, or if you’re coming to a holiday for two, with your family, or if you’d like to enjoy the Basque Coast whilst treating yourself to a few spa treatments.
Choose a thalassotherapy treatment if you really want to recover
A thalassotherapy programme is the best option when you feel your body needs some time to itself. It’s the right choice if you want to:
- to recover after a period of extreme fatigue,
- to relieve muscle or joint tension,
- recharge your batteries,
- let yourself be guided by a treatment programme,
- devote several days to your wellbeing, without getting distracted.
With this in mind, opt for a comprehensive phrase such as:
- Thalasso Vitality: 4 days / 3 nights on a half-board basis, with 10 thalassotherapy treatments per person. An attractive package if you want to boost your energy levels, recover physically and enjoy a well-organised break without having to be away for a whole week.
- Thalasso Essentielle: 6 days’ half-board, including 24 treatments. A more immersive package, designed to help you settle into a proper spa routine, enjoy more treatments and take the time to experience the benefits.
- Thalasso Horizon Zen: A 6-day half-board stay, including 20 treatments and activities focused on relaxation and balance. This package is ideal if you’re looking for both mental tranquillity and physical relaxation.
For a thalassotherapy treatment Atlanthal is, of course, the ideal place to go. People come here primarily for the thalassotherapy, keen to refocus, recharge and enjoy a break entirely devoted to wellness.
Choose a wellness weekend if you’re looking for a more flexible break
A wellness weekend is ideal when you need to take a breather, without having to do any thalassotherapy the sole purpose of the trip. The format is shorter, more flexible and easier to fit into a few days on the Basque Coast.
This is the right choice if you want to:
- for just 2 or 3 days,
- treat yourself to a massage or a targeted treatment,
- enjoy the Lagoon without having to follow a full programme,
- alternate between wellness, the sea, sightseeing, surfing or walks,
- set aside time for your relationship, your family or your hobbies.
The Wellness Getaway is the ideal package: 3 days / 2 nights on a half-board basis, with 4 thalassotherapy treatments per person. It offers a truly relaxing break without the need for a long-term treatment programme.
À la carte treatments also work very well for this type of stay:
- Atlanthal Moment: 3 treatments over half a day, including a relaxing bath, a relaxing massage with oils and a sensory hydromassage,
- A Moment of Serenity: Four treatments over half a day, including a facial, a relaxing bath, sea mud treatment and a relaxing massage,
- Belharra Massage: Atlanthal’s signature massage to relax the body,
- Phytomer Bespoke Facial Treatment: a 50-minute treatment tailored to the skin’s needs,
- Detox One: a slow, deep massage, designed to relieve tension,
- Body Scrub: a quick treatment for a quick break,
- Balinese couples’ massage: the ideal choice for a wellness weekend for two.
For your wellness weekend, the Les Terrasses Hotel is the perfect place to stay. It allows you to enjoy Anglet, the sea, sightseeing and activities, whilst still having access to spa treatments, the Lagoon and the gym.
Atlanthal or Les Terrasses: which one should you choose?
Once you’ve chosen the type of holiday, you’ll need to choose the location. Atlanthal is the ideal choice if you’re coming primarily for the thalassotherapy. The holiday centres on treatments, rest and recuperation. Everything you need is available on site, allowing you to stay in a real haven of tranquillity.
This is the right choice if you want to really slow down, limit your travels and let yourself be guided by a more structured programme, including beauty treatments at the salon Beautémer where you will find:
- face and body treatments,
- massages,
- tailor-made rituals,
- anti-ageing or anti-cellulite treatments,
- technologies such as Derma Wave or LPG Endermologie.
Les Terrasses are a better choice if you’d prefer a more flexible holiday. Here, wellness is a natural part of a few days on the Basque Coast, without taking centre stage. You can enjoy Anglet, the sea, walks, surfing, Biarritz or Bayonne, then treat yourself to a spa treatment, some time at the Lagon or a fitness session, at your own pace.
This is a particularly good choice for a weekend away as a couple, a family holiday or a few active days combining the beach, sightseeing and relaxation. With access to the Lagoon and the fitness centres, you can make the most of a range of facilities designed for recovery and fitness:
- a 350 m² heated seawater pool,
- massage jets,
- a journey against the tide,
- sauna and steam room,
- aqua classes,
- Pilates,
- stretching,
- bodybalance,
- yoga,
- circuit training.
Questions to ask yourself to make the right choice
When choosing between a thalassotherapy programme and a wellness weekend, start by considering what you really want. Are you coming to really recharge your batteries, or simply to take a few days’ break? Do you want to follow a set programme of treatments, or keep the freedom to tailor your stay to suit your own preferences?
If you’re tired, stressed, lacking in energy or feel the need to take a few days off, the Atlanthal treatment programme is often a better choice. If you’re coming mainly to enjoy the Basque Country, to get away as a couple, to travel with your family or to treat yourself to a few spa treatments without a strictly organised programme, Les Terrasses will be more suitable.
Before booking, just ask yourself these few questions:
- Do I need a deep recovery session, or just to relax?
- Do I have 2 or 3 days, or rather 4 to 6 days?
- Do I fancy a structured programme or a more flexible holiday?
- Is my need more physical, mental, beauty-related or about getting back into exercise?
- Do I want the thalassotherapy to be the centrepiece of my holiday, or just one of its highlights?
- Am I travelling alone, as a couple or with my family?
