THE FACTS ABOUT SOFITEL THALASSA MIRAMAR

France Biarritz

As locations go, it doesn't get any better than this. With its amazing views over the bay and the ocean, this grande dame of the early 20th century has been completely renovated and shares a state-of-the-art thalassotherapy centre with its sister hotel, the neighbouring Grand Hôtel Mercure Régina et du Golf. Although composed of two Greek words, thalassotherapy was invented by the French who have taken all the benefits of the ocean - from its water to its minerals and plants - and used them to beautify and heal. A true thalasso centre has to be near the ocean where the water is purified and tested continuously to maintain standards. Don't go near the place unless you enjoy being waterlogged: seawater baths, showers, massages and algae wraps are the order of the day. So brace yourself for the joys of underwater massage and the vigorous assault of the jet shower. It lasts just 12 minutes, but after a few days of this your body is tighter and tauter, having broken down fatty deposits and boosted circulation. When you've had enough indoor thalasso, there is always the bracing Atlantic beach, or the shabby grandeur of downtown Biarritz, not to mention some great fish restaurants - and there are not that many calories in a few oysters or langoustines, washed down with a little Muscadet. CONTACT Sofitel Thalassa Miramar, 13 rue Louison Bobet, 64200 Biarritz, France (00 33 5 59 41 30 00; fax: 59 24 77 20; www.sofitel.com). Doubles from around £80. Massages from around £28; facials from around £48; jet shower from around £16. Two-night 'Thalassotherapy Discovery' packages from around £291 per person (based on two sharing). All prices correct at time of going to press. GETTING THERE Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) flies once daily from Stansted to Biarritz from £80 return