Thalassotherapy makes a splash in modern wellness

It is a costly, relaxing and once-in-a-lifetime experience — one that most Indians today don’t mind spending on. Kanav Kundra (35), a New Delhi-based lawyer, has made it a routine to attend sessions up to four times a year. His last session was in Phuket in December 2024. Celebrity chef Priyanka M got her session done during a work trip to Bali last June. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime, 360-degree healing experience,” she says.The popularity of thalassotherapy is gradually rising among Indians with the rise in awareness around self-care and wellness tourism. Hospitality experts, too, have seen a rise in Indians exploring and demanding sea-based wellness therapies.With growing awareness around holistic health, more Indians are turning to thalassotherapy. Lara Soldičić Vodarić, director of sales, leisure & corporate, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, Croatia, tells us, “Thalassotherapy resonates with Indian travellers seeking natural and results-driven approaches to well-being. There’s an appetite for luxurious therapies that are also rooted in science. Indian guests are particularly drawn to such therapies that combine marinebased treatments with personalised care.”Kanav echoes this, saying, “Stress, chaos, and pollution harm the soul, which needs healing... A body needs a healthy soul to survive. When the soul is damaged, the body dies. Treatments like thalassotherapy help soothe the soul.” Thalassotherapy is a therapeutic treatment that harnesses the healing properties of marine and coastal ingredients.Typical treatments include hydrotherapy with heated seawater pools, algae body wraps, marine mud applications, seawater jet showers, and inhalation of mineral-rich marine air, all working together to promote holistic well-being. According to Dr Renuka Nalawade Rajale, a dermatologist, thalassotherapy is a broad concept.She explains, “Any marine-based treatment can fall under this category.”"Thalassotherapy supports detoxification, circulation, and skin health through hydro and cryotherapy, chromotherapy beds, and sea-air breathing. Further, sea-based movement therapies tone muscles and aid lymphatic flow resulting in a complete body reset."- Lara Soldičić Vodarić, director of sales, leisure & corporate, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, CroatiaThalassotherapy is rare in Indian spas. B Rajesh Srinivas, general manager, Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary, explains, “A typical thalassotherapy needs filtered seawater pools and large infrastructure, which is hard to maintain in India due to high real estate costs, pollution, and limited access to clean marine resources.Further, Dr Renuka Nalawade Rajale, a dermatologist, says, “Indian skin, being of a higher phototype, can react with photosensitivity when exposed to seawater frequently. Moreover, Indian sea water, other than having zinc and magnesium, which offer several benefits to the skin, is also high in calcium and iodine, which can dehydrate the body and worsen dry skin conditions. So, it is best to get thalassotherapy from trained and equipped wellness centres."Those with sensitive skin, eczema, open wounds or autoimmune issues should avoid this therapy. Heart patients should consult a doctor before trying the therapy."- Dr Bindu Sthalekar, celebrity dermatologistNevertheless, Megha Dinesh, co-founder, Meghavi Wellness Spa, says, “Luxury properties in coastal states like Goa, Puducherry, and Kerala are emerging as key destinations by adding marine-based wellness to their spa offerings. While Priyanka believes that the therapy makes minor muscle and joint pains vanish, Kanav says, “It helps me rewire my mind, energises me to get back to work with clarity and improves my ability to focus.”Thalassotherapy helps in:(As suggested by Dr Bindu Shathekar, celebrity dermatologist and Megha Dinesh, co-founder of a wellness spa)