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-   -   Your favorite SPA in the Basque/Béarn country? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/your-favorite-spa-in-the-basque-b-arn-country-328672/)

louanne Mar 23rd, 2008 01:24 PM

Your favorite SPA in the Basque/Béarn country?
 
.... anyone?

Maribel Mar 23rd, 2008 03:14 PM

On the coast between St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz there are several thalassotherapy spas-the Helianthal in St. Jean de Luz comes to mind. It's quite popular among the locals.

I'm also familiar with the Serge Blanco spa in Hendaye, but I would certainly never choose Hendaye at the border for a spa vacation.

The ones in Biarritz tend to be pricier, like the Miramar and especially the very fancy new Guerlain Spa Imperial of the 5 star Grand Lux Hotel du Palais, a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

www.helianthal.fr

www.hotel-du-palais.com




I'm not familiar with any in Bearn except Salles de Bearn.


louanne Mar 23rd, 2008 06:12 PM

Thank you, Maribel.

louanne Mar 24th, 2008 09:53 AM

May I ask why you woudn't choose a spa at the border?

kerouac Mar 24th, 2008 10:02 AM

My grandfather went to Dax several times for the mud packs.

louanne Mar 24th, 2008 01:14 PM

Really, Kerouac, your grandfather? Sounds like a great guy! Do you know the name of the spa? (There are several in Dax, I think)

kerouac Mar 24th, 2008 01:57 PM

No idea. It was by prescription for arthritic problems -- they do it on your body, not your face!

Maribel Mar 24th, 2008 02:05 PM

Hi louanne,
Hendaye, the southern most Pays Basque coastal town next to the Spanish border, in my opinion, is quite unattractive-just a typical busy, and rather ugly border town with an expansive beach.

St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz are light years away in terms of character, beauty and charm. Both are perfect coastal resorts for a wonderful spa experience.

mikelg Mar 24th, 2008 02:14 PM

Thereīs a nice spa in Lekeitio, a beautiful fishing village 60kms from Bilbao towards France, on the Emperatriz Zita hotel. Not the French Basque country, though, but excellent location, great price and beautiful place.

http://www.logitravel.com/balnearios...co_ES_DBI.html, for a list of spas in the Spanish Basque Country.

louanne Mar 24th, 2008 05:55 PM

I'm so surprised at the sheer number of spas in the Basque country. Hard to choose one.

Maribel Mar 25th, 2008 08:02 AM

louanne,
There's also the thalassotherapy day spa right on San Sebastian's La Concha beach, La Perla.

www.la-perla.net

mikelg Mar 25th, 2008 10:59 AM

Closed temporarily after the big tempest we had two weeks ago, it was flooded, Maribel. Donīt know when it will re-open.

In any case, a great spa and an excellent choice.

Maribel Mar 31st, 2008 07:29 AM

Yipes, mikel!

What else was damaged due to the tempest?
(Hope you all weren't affected adversely from the storm)




louanne Apr 1st, 2008 08:59 AM

When was this storm, Mike?

mikelg Apr 1st, 2008 10:03 AM

It was on the second week of March, it affected very negatively all the north coast of Spain, particularly the Basque area. Parts of San Sebastian and many coastal towns were flooded, (Getxo, Bermeo, Zarautz, Bakio...). One of the worst in 60 years, with very strong winds.

Galicia was also very affected.


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