.... anyone?

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.

Thank you, Maribel.

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

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

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

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

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.

There´s 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.

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

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

www.la-perla.net

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

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

Yipes, mikel!

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

When was this storm, Mike?

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.