Tunisia Thalassotherapy and Spa Holidays: What It Is and How to Choose

Thalassotherapy is a spa treatment based on the sea, and it is one of the things Tunisia is known for. If you want a holiday that includes proper treatments as well as beach time, it is worth understanding what you are paying for. This guide explains the basics and what to ask before you book.

• Seawater. Taken from the sea at the spa and heated to between 31 and 35 degrees, so the minerals and trace elements can be absorbed through the skin.
• Marine mud. Applied as wraps and packs.
• Seaweed. Freshly gathered and added to baths or used in wraps, masks and poultices.
• Sea air and climate. The coastal air is part of the experience, and the effect can be bracing or relaxing depending on the coast.

Treatments are usually sold as a programme over several days rather than a single session. The ones we list on our wellness page include:

• Just Vitality for tiredness and stress.
• Just Slim for weight and healthy eating habits.
• Just Beauty for skin and body care, for women and men.
• Just Distress, an anti-stress programme combining water treatments, massage and relaxation.
• Just For Legs for heavy or tired legs and circulation.
• Just Health, a 6-day programme for joint and muscle aches.
• Just Young Mothers and Just Men, designed for those groups.

Most guests combine the spa with time on the beach, so the choice of resort matters as much as the treatments. Look at the hotel's board basis, how far it is from the sea and how long the transfer from the airport takes. Our guide to five-star hotels and our honeymoon guide cover the more upmarket resorts.

1. Ask which programme suits you and how many days it runs. Programmes are not sold by the hour.
2. Check what is included. Spa programmes are normally arranged separately from the flight and hotel price, so ask for the programme price and dates.
3. Tell us about any medical condition. The treatments are not a medical service, so check with your doctor if you are unsure.
4. Match the dates of the programme with your flights.

Our reservations team can explain the programmes in more detail. Call 0207 929 3777 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 16:00 UK time), or search hotels for your dates and compare prices.