Spa experiences inspired by the sea

The love story between the sea and spas is a tale as old as time. It's little surprise really, given the healing properties of the ocean, from the salt water to soothing sounds, its oxygen-producing powers to the nourishing benefits of the seaweed.

All of this and more has been harnessed in spa facilities and therapies, from thalassotherapy (a restorative form of hydrotherapy using salt water), to exfoliating salt scrubs, stimulating marine mud wraps, and detoxing seaweed baths.

Here's a little glimpse of the marine magic waiting for you at some of the best UK spas.

Hydrotherapy healing

Hydrotherapy is the basis on which so much of the spa experience lies. It is, of course, therapy using water. It can manifest in lots of different ways, but most spa goers are familiar with it in the form of hydrotherapy pools, complete with water jets that massage, bubbles that aid buoyancy and take the weight of aching joints and warm water, which soothes muscles, relaxes the body and prepares the skin for massages and facials. The benefits of hydrotherapy are wide reaching - it's generally relaxing but is also popular for helping to relieve chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Try hydrotherapy at Chewton Glen

At this luxury spa hotel, relax and unwind in their sophisticated pool hall, where you will find a suite of water-based wellness, complete with a hydrotherapy pool with 13 jet stations to ease muscle aches and pains. It sits alongside a 17-metre lap pool, a communal steam room, an outdoor whirlpool and drench showers, while each changing room boasts a 10-seater sauna and an amethyst crystal steam room, so you can combine hydrotherapy with the benefits of a thermal suite.

Therapeutic thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy is a variation on hydrotherapy but it's specifically using seawater/salt water. The term applies to lots of things, whether it's a hot tub or products containing sea water and sea water products like seaweed and mud. Typically, water in thalassotherapy pools is heated to temperatures between 35 and 37º C which have a restorative effect on the skin and body. Like hydrotherapy, the benefits of thalassotherapy range from general relaxation and helping to prepare the skin and body for spa treatments, as well as helping to improve circulation and soothe skin.

Try thalassotherapy at Source Spa and Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel

Overlooking the beautiful Saunton Sands beach, experience thalassotherapy in the marine-inspired thermal suite, as you bathe in the mineral-rich saltwater of the vitality pool, and inhale the salt particles in the steam room. If you're brave you might even enjoy a little wild swimming in the sea itself!

Soothing seaweed spa baths

Seaweed bathing is something of an acquired taste, although brands like VOYA have turned it into something of an organic art form. Using organic seaweed (preferably sustainably harvested), it is exactly what it sounds like - a bath complete with seaweed in it. The seaweed releases a gel which is healing and restorative. Benefits of seaweed baths include moisturising the skin, aiding detox, and helping to reduce cellulite.

Try a seaweed bathing ritual at Laceby Manor

Head to the Lincolnshire Wolds for a spa retreat at Laceby Manor, where wellbeing facilities include a dedicated bathing room. Here, you can take the opportunity to enjoy one of their bathing rituals, choosing from a relaxing Aromatherapy Salt Bathing Ritual or a cleansing VOYA Seaweed Bathing Ritual.

Sea salt scrub spa treatments

Exfoliation is detox for your skin. It removes dead skin cells, improves circulation, and invigorates your entire body. Sea salt scrubs and mineral scrubs are amongst the most popular ways to do that, whether it's at home or in a spa. These scrubs are also said to help draw toxins out of your skin in the process. They are also excellent for helping to make a tan (fake or otherwise) last longer.

Try a salt scrub spa treatment at Manor House Hotel - Alsager

At the spa at Manor House Hotel - Alsager they offer beautiful signature spa treatments from natural skincare brand Tribe517. Amongst them is their signature Pure Salt Grain Massage created specifically for the spa, using a blend of shea butter and pure Himalayan salt grains to leave you feeling invigorated, relaxed and with deeply nourished skin.

Magical mud baths, rasuls and treatments

There are lots of different mud treatments, from rasuls to wraps, and it's safe to say that not all mud treatments have a marine quality, containing lots of minerals that nourish the skin. Marine mud wraps are a particularly lovely way to unwind, helping to stimulate circulation, even out skin tone and having a healing effect on the skin. Mud rasuls are a particular favourite, providing shared, self-administered experiences in a dedicated type of steam room. The benefits of a mud rasul range from nourishing and cleansing the skin to deep relaxation.

Try a mud rasul at Celtic Manor

The Elemis Herbal Steam at Celtic Manor is a beautiful, dedicated mud rasul experience in a beautiful chamber where small lights mimic the constellations. You apply medicinal chakra muds to the body whilst inhaling gentle steam infused with pure herbs to cleanse your respiratory system, smooth your skin and detoxify your body. The ritual culminates with a warm tropical rain to wash away the mud and every last drop of tension.