Thalassotherapy is fast becoming a popular therapy amongst Indians as they become more aware of wellness tourism and self-care. Even the hospitality industry has seen a rise in this sea-based wellness treatment.
This marine-based treatment uses the healing properties of coastal and marine ingredients. Some of its hero treatments include hydrotherapy, algae body wraps, seawater jet showers, marine mud applications, and inhaling marine-rich air. According to Dr Renuka Nalawade Rajale, a dermatologist, Thalassotherapy helps improve circulation, skin, and detoxifies the body using cryotherapy and hydrotherapy. It also includes sea-air breathing and sea-based movement treatments, which tone the muscles and improve lymphatic flow, giving the body a complete revamp.
According to Kanav Kundra, a resident of New Delhi, thalassotherapy is expensive but a very relaxing treatment, and he routinely attends four sessions annually. He believes it heals the soul that has endured so much stress, chaos, and pollution. Even celebrity chef Priyanka M did her session while on a work trip in Bali. Sara Loldicic Vodaric, director of sales, leisure and corporate at Losinj Hotels & Villas in Croatia, said that this treatment is popular with Indian tourists looking for result-oriented and natural wellness therapies, which blend customisation with marine-based treatments.
Despite its popularity with Indian tourists, thalassotherapy is not commonly found in Indian spas. According to B Rajesh Srinivas, general manager of Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary, the primary reason is that proper thalassotherapy requires filtered seawater pools and other infrastructure, which can be challenging to maintain in India due to the high cost of real estate and significant pollution. In addition, there is little access to marine resources here. Renuka adds that Indian skin has a higher tolerance and can react when exposed to too much seawater. Also, the sea water in India is high in calcium and iodine, which are known to dehydrate the body and worsen skin conditions. Thus, it is always better to get this therapy done from trained wellness centers. However, premium properties in tourist towns of Kerala, Goa, and Puducherry are fast becoming go-to destinations for these marine-based wellness offerings.
