At Spa Health Specialists in Harley Street, their
Consultant patiently talked me through my questions and concerns.
A ‘A doctor assesses each person`s
needs and ability on arrival’, said the consultant. ‘The spa caters for guests
with all kinds of health needs as well as those who simply want to re-charge their
batteries. Exposure to fresh air and immersion in sea water - warm, not cold is good
for pulmonary problems’.
A Almost
all the exercise I’d do would be in fresh, filtered and heated seawater. The body is
thus totally supported and any exertion, however thorough, will feel light and
manageable’.
Q Confessing my weakness for newly baked bread, pain au chocolat, wine and puddings, would I be so
tempted by the food that it would cancel out any gains?
A All meals at La Verrière, the Spa’s
dietetic restaurant, planned to the last calorific detail, are, I was told, cooked and
presented so that it was unlikely anyone would want more. I remained to be convinced -
we’re talking serious chocolate gobbling here.
A Towelling robes, supplied on
arrival, are worn most of the time. Many guests are ordinary French folk of all shapes and
sizes. Some are even prescribed thalassotherapy by
their own doctors, for problems such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other joint
difficulties, back pain, weight loss, weight gain, post-operative care and childbirth
recovery. Others save up to go to Saint Malo once or twice every year as part of a health
maintenance regime.
Taking the plunge
Reassured, I
booked my week. I also persuaded my long-time friend Sue, that she could benefit
by coming too. Meeting in Paris we drove to Saint Malo, both toying with thoughts of
humiliating exposure of our unfitness. It was good to share the experience with someone
who knew me well.
The immediate
impression on arrival at the Grand Hotel des Thermes was of the great spas of
Victorian Harrogate or Scarborough. The Maitresse welcomed
us warmly and we began to settle into the sealed-off world that would cosset us for the
next six days. Nothing for it now but to freshen up
and take our first calorie-counted, nutritionally perfect meal.
Our dinner
was indeed parfait. No alcohol, but a bewildering choice of waters from all over
Europe (we were encouraged to drink two litres a day, brought to our room daily), no
salads with celery sticks but a choice of dishes, each a superb balance of ingredients,
beautifully prepared fresh fish, vegetables, meat or fruit puddings. Eaten slowly to
prolong the pleasure, each was enough to satisfy.
Next morning,
after our health check with the in-house Dr. Ridoux, we took her recommendations
for our daily itinerary to the booking clerks. Each day included four treatments per
morning or afternoon alternately. The rest of the day was free for visits to the
‘aquatonic’ pool, strolls along the long, sandy beach or resting.
My programme
included pool exercises while water-jets targeted my faulty lower back; 20-minute
baths with jets powering and bubbling up and down the body; pressotherapie, a treatment I called ‘elephant
legs’ as it entailed lying flat while huge grey boots slowly inflated and deflated
from toe to groin - bizarre but very relaxing; and a manual massage given while water-jets
continuously toned different muscle groups.
All wet
treatments used warm seawater. The aquatonic pool, too, was a joy and despite my
lifelong fear of water, I found it thoroughly relaxing. Each part of the body was buffeted
by 100 water pillows, loosening up long-tensed muscles, infusing the skin with cleansing
and rejuvenating minerals and swooshing away accumulated surface cells long past what
I’m tempted to call their cell-byebye date.
All these
treatments soon took effect. On day two, I developed a 24-hour headache but the
therapists approved - it was a positive sign of de-toxification, they assured me.
Sue and I
took occasional strolls on the beach but never strayed far before returning to the
cocoon. I happily dozed or read wherever there was a lounger to stretch out on, waiting
for the next treatment, or, of course, the next meal. Bliss.
After effects
Since
returning from Saint Malo four months ago sporting softer skin and brighter eyes,
I’ve maintained my three kilo weight loss, felt more alert and energised, managed my
breathing problems much better and have even been seen running in the park with my dog.
Sue had been
shocked at the Hotel’s gift of chocolates left in our room. ‘How can we
take our fitness seriously if we’re tempted by these?’, she asked. A good
friend, I removed them from her temptation - into my own suitcase.
 What I’ve since realised is that
I’m so much fitter now following our stay and I can afford to eat a goody or two
without affecting my shape. Because I feel fitter, I’m more active; because I’m
more active, I burn more calories; because I burn more calories, my muscles are less
likely to store unused carbohydrates.
There’s
still room for improvement of course. I might just need to book another visit soon.... and
yes, I ate the chocolates.
Maggi's
holiday was arranged through Spa Health Specialists Ltd, 150 Harley Street, London W1G
7LQ.
Tel: 020 7935 9044. Fax: 020 7224 4289
e-mail: spa-health@btclick.com
www.spahealthspecialists.com
Maggi and Sue stayed at Le Grand Hotel des Thermes, Grande Plage du Sillon, BP 32-35401
Saint-Malo, France.
Tel: 00 33 2 99 40 75 75
www.thalassosaintmalo.com
The cost per person was £895.04 (low season rate) based on two sharing for 6 nights. This
included a very comfortable twin bed 'Transat' room (without sea-view), en-suite
bath/shower with separate toilet, dietetic full board in La Verriere restaurant, 4
treatments per person per day and unlimited use of the Aquatonic Pool.
The cost did not include travel to and from Saint Malo although Spa Health Specialist are
happy to arrange this through their regular travel agency.
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