First impressions
I was immediately made to feel welcome by my transfer driver, who was patiently waiting for my delayed flight. As the transfer is one hour, I was relieved I had lots of space and bottles of water in the car.
When I arrived at Palasiet Thalasso Clinic I was introduced to the ladies at check-in who gave me two keys and a rundown of the eateries along with their opening times. I was told the main restaurant, poolside café and bar and Club Palasiet, their fish restaurant, were all under my full board options.
The reception lobby is beautifully light with cultural statues, flowers and well-placed displays. Here, you can purchase the local olive oil, which is featured in all their dishes.
The room
My room was huge! I was shocked at how much space I had, despite there being a king-size bed, sofa, arm chair and large balcony with two garden chairs and a lounger. I stayed in a Superior Deluxe Room but the hotel offers a variation of these. Some are slightly smaller and the one I had was big enough for two adults and two children. Everything was neutral, with whites and beige colours and absolutely spotless. I couldn’t fathom how the cleaners keep the light fabrics so clean!
The shower room was spacious with a bidet and on the neatly made bed was a welcome bag. This is offered to all guests on our programmes and consists of a big spa bag, slippers, water bottle and robe. Also laid out was a welcome letter, treatment itinerary and hotel details. I viewed all standard doubles and suites and they're all the same, the main difference is the size along with whether the view is a direct sea view or a slightly lateral one.
Nutritionist consultation
Irene will explain to you how she can help simply and clearly. It isn't a high-tech operation and she asks the right questions without judgement. She doesn’t work by picking and choosing what she thinks would be good for someone but asks them what they want to achieve and how they would like to get there. She uses that information to map out a plan.
The full body composition results cleared up a lot of what I already knew about my body, which proved her point about asking clients what they’re currently feeling and how they would like to feel. We all have an innate ability to tap into the things we need, she just helps you get there. We decided I would go on both the weight-loss and detox diet, so I knew the differences. She explained it’s all about simply healthy meals of protein and vegetables/salad and portion size doesn’t matter. She also said that if you cheat, they’ll know! Not only will the waiter already have your room number but they’ll also send a message in the hotel WhatsApp group!
Doctors consultation
Mar is the resident GP, the only on-site doctor and available six days a week Monday to Saturday, so if you arrive late on Saturday or Sunday, you’ll see her on the Monday. If it’s within your programme she’ll take your blood tests, which arrive back a few days later, and have a chat with you about what it is you want to achieve. She goes through the treatments to make sure you’re comfortable with them and will swap out any she doesn’t think are suitable for you. She can talk you through the varying ways thalassotherapy can help you and let you know the best facilities to use. One important thing to note about all of the consultants here is that they have an open door policy. They may have an appointment in their offices so gently knock or ask a receptionist, but if you want to go and grab them for a chat, change food or treatment choices, they’re always around to help.
The food
The food was outstanding! It was uncomplicated and extremely tasty. The poolside café offers heavier options such as healthy pasta, sandwiches, hams and desserts. If you’re on a diet plan you’ll only be going here for your twice daily snack of fruit or nuts. You can get some water, tea or coffee too. But beware, this is also a bar where beer and wine are often purchased. If you think you’ll be tempted, the team will deliver your snack wherever you want. There are plenty of decked and balcony areas surrounded by delicate flowers, red squirrels, quiet birds and comfy sofas or garden chairs. Luckily you’ll be spending most of your time in the main restaurant, which is strikingly and classically white. It’s like a huge conservatory with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking some greenery and the main infinity pool. There are always light options to choose from here, too, even if you’re not on a diet. Carbs are very minimal, but the flavours are unmatched. On the weight-loss plans you'll get a three-course breakfast, two-course lunch, two daily snacks and a two-course dinner. On the detox you'll get a two-course special breakfast, two-course lunch, two daily snacks and two soups for dinner.
Activities and programme
My itinerary consisted of lots of relaxation, I didn’t partake in any fitness. I arrived in the afternoon on the first day with time for lunch and two treatments. With dinner to fit in and an early night's sleep that was jam-packed enough for a first day. I’d suggest people look over their itinerary and get the class schedule straight away and swap over treatment times so you’re available for activities.
The next day, I had my consultations, my diet plan was agreed and I followed a stress-relieving journey of treatments, yoga and light classes. There aren’t any hardcore classes here, so see a PT if you want something more intense. For anybody who doesn’t know at lease some Spanish, private classes are a must. All of the classes are in Spanish. Mila, my yoga teacher, had great English and I nearly fell asleep in the Body Mindfulness class as we stretched and massaged our muscles with soft aids.
The treatments
I had a circuit of the biomarine facilities, an ocean massage, cryo facial massage, detox facial, whirlpool bath with seaweed, a marine thermal massage, algae wrap, thalasso bath with essential oils and a Thai massage. My favourite treatment was the cryo facial massage. Patricia, my therapist was great. The Thai massage consisted of stretching the whole body and I felt brilliant afterwards. The massage beds aren’t very big, but as a weight-loss clinic just ask if you need a larger space. All of the treatments use essential oils along with sea-based products.
Who's it good for?
This was my first ever thalasso clinic, and I would say that, for other newbies, you might find it’s very different to the average spa. You will constantly be submerged in sea water, every time water is used during a treatment or you’re swimming or there is a product being applied - it is going to be salty. This was super refreshing. However, it’s all about getting treatments that give results. It’s not about products that smell like roses or being treated like a princess. You will be salty, hot and sweaty. You will be stretched and pushed to relieve muscle tension. This is all part of losing the weight. The clientele is mostly Spanish between the ages of 35 and upwards. English isn't their first language and only some of the information is displayed in English. Enjoy!
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