Winning Body & Mind Les Thermes Marins des Cascades uses the sea to soothe the soul    By   Karim Ezzeldin

Like people, the sea has an impressive range of motion and emotion. At times, its powerful waves move boats and shape shores. Some days, the water is soothingly still, as if you could walk across it. The power and the peace are inseparable, part of the balance of nature. At Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Abu Soma, Les Thermes Marins des Cascades Spa uses the sea to restore that balance in your life.

The philosophy of Les Thermes Marins says that the wellness of body and mind are closely interconnected. To help you find that wellness, the spa specializes in thalasso therapy, which uses warm seawater and other products from the sea. The technique was conceived at the beginning of the 20th century when French physiologist and biologist Rene Quinton proved that the organic composition of seawater is similar to that of human blood. Thalasso therapy is beneficial in the treatment of joints, rheumatism, blood circulation and promoting general well being.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades Massage under dynamic affusion

The Thermes Marins spa, part of Les Résidence des Cascades Golf and Thalasso Center, offers a contemporary and indeed elegant setting for this type of revolutionary treatment. A feeling of overwhelming comfort envelopes you as you enter the building’s sleek yet inviting lobby. Warm colors and choice materials draw you toward the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the simple reception station, who will gladly explain anything and everything extensively.

Descending a grand staircase into the therapeutic spaces you are surrounded by soothing pastel blues - your first hint that you’ve entered the spa’s hydrotherapy area. The facility is impressive on many levels, not the least of which is that it is remarkably spotless.

The Les Thermes Marins combines massage techniques and technology with warm salt water and other products .

Your thalasso therapy getaway starts with a medical appointment, after which the clinician helps you develop a multi-day treatment plan, with up to four sessions each day, or you can choose a treatment ? la carte.

Even the simplest of treatments such as the Great Escape massage (intended for relaxation) is a feast for the senses. Light music drifting out of concealed speakers blends with exotic scents of special massage oils, complementing the expert fingertips of your masseuse.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The Les Thermes Marins combines massage techniques and technology with warm salt water and other products of the sea.

In addition to its 54 treatment cabins, the Thermes Marins spa has a sauna, steam room, traditional hammam and a sea mist chamber. There are also athletic facilities including the heated outdoor seawater aquagym and lap pool, an exercise Hydro pool equipped with jets, and a number of gyms for yoga, tai chi and aerobics. The most impressive element and the core of the Thalasso therapy program is their trademark Aquatonic pool.

The Aquatonic pool is actually a series of interconnected pools, covering a total area of around 750 square meters. It is subdivided into different zones, each targeting a specific part of your body. Your final stop is at the Jacuzzi with a Red Sea panorama. The Aquatonic pool area is accented with Moorish-style arcades and exquisitely intricate mosaic art.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The seaweed wrap

For me, the Marine Hydrotherapy and Algotherapy treatments were interesting and very novel experiences. The massage under dynamic affusion is a veritable sedative, with seawater drizzling over your body like a gentle rain shower while expert hands work your muscles.

I was surprised at the attention to detail in the underwater massage, designed to improve blood circulation and release muscle tension. The hydrotherapist even asked me for my preferred water pressure (ranging between 1 and 4.5 bars) and exact water temperature. Then, I lowered myself into a special tub, and the therapist used a submerged water jet to massage various muscles. Medical benefits aside, this massage is a very pleasant sensation.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The Aquatonic pool focuses on each muscle group.

Another recommended treatment is the Seaweed Wrap: Your entire body is covered with specially imported seaweed paste and left for 20 minutes under a heated cover. This is followed by a seawater shower that leaves the body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated.

Les Thermes Marins des Cascades offers both single and multi-week weight management programs that combine a balanced diet, specialized treatments and exercise. Other packages include daily beauty packages, a six-day slimming package and a variety of well-being packages of different durations. For new moms, there are special post-natal programs.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The jacuzzi overlooks Soma Bay

Thalasso Manager Pascale Coquillaud ensures guests are treated to top-notch service at all times. This is evident in the royal treatment you get, starting in the luxurious locker rooms where you receive a fresh kit consisting of a bathrobe, towel and slippers. You return after treatment to a refreshing shower, complemented with lotions and potions to your heart’s content.

Les Thermes Marins des Cascades is operated in association with Les Thermes Marins de Saint Malo, one of France’s pioneers in the field. The professionals who provide the amazing treatments hail from across the globe, and the staff makes certain that you are pampered all the way, with a pleasant surprise in every corner. For example, the refreshment station had my favorite brand of flavored tea, and my wife’s preferred lemonade was custom-made to perfection. We were more than satisfied.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The spa’s airy lobby.

The first of its kind in the Middle East, this thalasso therapy center is complemented by the exquisite Soma Bay resort area, with its clean and rich air, excellent weather all year round and natural beauty. The Thermes Marins des Cascades Spa serves guests from all of the area’s hotels, including the Les Résidence des Cascades, Sheraton Soma Bay, and Robinson Club Soma Bay.

After a blissful break of pampering your body and mind, it’s hard to leave the spa behind. You can’t take a masseuse home with you, so stop by the body care shop for some natural soaps and oils at very reasonable prices. These may help keep your sanity amid life’s little stresses until Les Thermes Marins decides to open a center next door to you. Or better yet, until you have time to come back for one more of those magical underwater massages.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The Aquatonic pool has a series of therapeutic stations.

courtesy of Les Résidence des Cascades The outdoor seawater pool