Article updated the
One hour and fifteen minutes from La Rochelle, the Thalazur Royan Hotel Cordouan is a flagship destination for thalassotherapy in Charente-Maritime.
I escaped to Royan to test three marine treatments in a haven of well-being, nestled in front of the ocean. Let me tell you more!
The Thalasso centre and spa
Atmosphere: Surrounded by pebble walls and black granite floors, I literally immersed myself in a Zen-like atmosphere within the Spa.
Facilities: Sprawling over 1,400 m², the Spa features a heated saltwater pool of 140 m² (including underwater jets, swan neck showers, aqua-beds, geysers, hot tubs), a counter current swimming lane, steam room and sauna with cold water pool, a cardio-fitness room with gym classes on weekdays (except July/August), a relaxation room and a solarium.
Treatments and thalasso packages: Chromotherapy tubs, Thalaxion bathtubs (circulation treatment), ergonomic tables for body wraps... in short, the centre is at the cutting-edge of technology! The hydrotherapy treatments and custom packages are adapted to each individual.
I tried: the four-hand sculpting massage to gently relax my body muscles and a seaweed wrap in marine magnesium for pre-summer toning. I left relaxed, smiling and with baby soft skin!
New in 2015: Two Aquabikes available for anyone to use and Californian sculpting with relaxing oils.
Beauty Institute treatments
The facilities: The Beauty Institute comprises a shop and a beauty area, by Thalgo, the number one professional marine cosmetics brand.
I tried: The iBeauty facial moisturiser, ideal for leaving your skin fresh, bright and hydrated in just 30 minutes. It’s magic!
Other treatments: This little beauty cocoon offers facial and body treatments customised for any type of skin or age.
New in 2015: iBeauty treatments. These innovative cosmetic treatments range from sound-vibration to sequential ultrasound and tripolar radio frequencies.
The Cordouan hotel
The room: Bright, spacious and contemporary, the Cordouan hotel room seduced me with its sleek design, large comfortable bed and lovely bathroom with a tub. The private balcony overlooks the sea with a lovely view of the Cordouan Lighthouse and fishing huts on stilts. What a nice surprise!
Please note: The thalasso & spa centre can be accessed directly from all of the hotel rooms using the lift.
The on-site restaurant
The “Le Fâ” restaurant with ocean views is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (from 07:00 to 23:30). It serves traditional cuisine, specialising in seafood and chrono-nutrition meals (exclusive to Thalazur Royan).
I tried: a succulent seafood platter with fresh seafood, delicious!
Things to see and do in the area
Rent a bike to visit the Palmyre zoo (12km). For a longer walk, visit the Cordouan lighthouse, the village of Talmont and Cognac.
Thalazur Royan, 4 Allée des Rochers, 17200 Royan
Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 39 96 96