A thalassotherapy cure in sunny Djerba

Guaranteed sunshine just 2h30 from Paris, with the added bonus of a complete change of scenery. The island's thalassos provide treatments and an environment of comparable quality to those in France, at a price that is still around 20% cheaper. On certain dates, you can treat yourself to transport, accommodation and a cure in a local-standard 5-star hotel for the price of a 3-star hotel in France.

Tunisia benefits from recognised expertise, and its centres are worthy heirs to the Roman thermal baths of Carthage. To differentiate thalassotherapy from balneotherapy, remember that a thalassotherapy centre uses 'fresh'seawater pumped from the sea, whereas balneotherapy treatments recreate a marine environment by adding salt and powdered algae to fresh water. Architects and decorators create sumptuous atmospheres and refined settings in the common areas: relaxation rooms, hammams and herbal tea rooms.

The Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa Spa is the most luxurious hotel in Djerba, if not the whole of Tunisia, and one of the largest, but it would be a shame to choose it just for its top-of-the-range setting. The hotel boasts some unique facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool known as the "three waters". Its pools are supplied with seawater, freshwater and thermal water. The Hasdrubal Prestige thalassotherapy centre, the largest in Tunisia (11,000 m² on three levels), is also a marvel, with its marine trail under a glass roof, its private cabins and its baths filled with thermal or fresh water, depending on the treatment.

Hasdrubal Thalassa Djerba is a well-appointed establishment bordering the beautiful beach of Sidi Mehrez: everything has been designed to ensure the comfort and tranquillity of spa-goers in search of peace and relaxation. This is an address best enjoyed as a couple, to take full advantage of the setting. This upmarket hotel on a human scale boasts a 5,000 m² thalassotherapy centre, a thermal pool and spacious, comfortable rooms. One of the most luxurious hotels in Djerba. It features a thermal pool heated to 37°C, half indoors and half outdoors. The décor is superb: fountains, earthenware, ceramics, parakeet cage, etc. The facilities also include 22 individual treatment and massage cabins, a relaxation area with herbal tea room, water-filled mattresses, sauna and traditional hammam divided into three rooms of varying temperatures.

In an atmosphere that is both chic and relaxed, the Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Thalasso blends oriental and contemporary decor. Set right on the water's edge, this huge, upmarket, half-board resort boasts a privileged location at the start of the hotel zone, at the northern end of the Sidi Mahrez tourist area. It is one of the first hotels to arrive from the airport, just 20 km away. To welcome visitors summer and winter alike, the Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Thalasso has thought of everything: an indoor swimming pool and a superb 3,500 m² thalasso centre on two levels with two marine courses and a host of cabins. Directly linked to the hotel, the Athénée Thalasso & Spa centre comprises a first floor devoted to wet treatments (with, among other things, 10 baths for various hydro massages and 8 algae wrap cabins) and a second floor devoted to dry treatments (with 13 massage cabins, one for Shiatsu, one for reflexology, etc.). There are 67 cabins in all!