Palasiet Wellness Clinic & Thalasso, Spain

Why go?

To connect with nature and experience the transformative benefits of seawater before ultimately reconnecting with oneself. At this clinic and hotel in Bencassim on Spain’s Costa del Azahar, the sun rises from the ocean and sets in the mountains. The interiors are like stepping into someone's home. Warm and lived in, its heritage shines through the terracotta walls, antique wooden bureaus and sundrenched reading nooks. In the off-season, the peaceful atmosphere allows for more intimate groups and classes.

What's the backstory?

This family-run business was founded in 1970 by Dr Joaquín Farnós, a pioneer of thalassotherapy in Spain. Based on the benefits of seawater, this therapy was already recognised in the 1960s in France, where Farnós studied at one of Europe’s oldest thalassotherapy and functional rehabilitation centres in Collioure. He returned to Spain and set up his own clinic, Palasiet, now among the most highly regarded health centres on the continent.

What’s the wellness concept?

The unique ‘Palasiet Philosophy’ consists of five key pillars: thalassotherapy using seawater alongside healthy nutrition, physical activity, emotional balance and a combination of both modern and ancient medical techniques for functional recovery. The popular detox and anti-stress programmes draw people of all ages from around the world. Most stay for the recommended 7-10 nights to establish routines that can be applied back home. The first stop is usually with Katherine Lozano, doctor of integrative medicine, for a consultation and analysis of your individual needs and goals. An itinerary is then tailored and can be adapted throughout.

The main restaurant serves healthy Mediterranean dishes, heavy with vegetables, protein and healthy oils. Meals are planned, with an alternating set menu. The courtyard restaurant is perfect for sipping coffee in the sun; the menu here has more indulgent options like paellas and hamburgers. Wine is available for those who want it with dinner, but spirits and cocktails are not.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the natural surroundings through walks, including ‘the green walk’ or ‘coastal walk’, and they can borrow bikes for rides on dedicated paths with excellent views. The beach is a 10-minute walk away, perfect for picnics by the rolling waves.

What are the signature treatments?

The 90-minute Biomarin circuit is recommended once daily. In the thermal pool, guests lie or sit on underwater hydro-massage beds and seats while lumbar jets pummel the muscles most nicely. There’s also a sauna, a vapour room, and a cold plunge in the outdoor seawater pool, which, at 13˚C, is the same temperature as the Mediterranean sea in winter. Seawater relieves muscle tension and both physical and emotional stress. Those wanting to wind down with a warm bubble bath can choose from 20-minute baths with jets in dimly lit private rooms. Essential oils are added to the bath with the option for mud and seaweed.

Signature relaxation treatments include the craniofacial massage, a 20-minute scalp-and-face rubdown using acupressure to relieve stress around the top of the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Ancient techniques include Kobido, a Japanese holistic massage that restores balance and stimulates the muscles through rhythmic tapping and fast hand movements across the face and neck.

Despite initial concerns about adding aesthetic treatments to the programmes, the clinic now features a dedicated area with modern equipment for skin firming and revitalisation, boosting self-confidence. The team believes that feeling good about your physical appearance will positively affect your emotions. The hydrafacial begins with a skin analysis followed by cleansing, exfoliating, extraction, and hydration using a water suction tool to apply an antioxidant base to the skin for healthier and brighter skin.

Which therapist should I book?

The transformative Tuina massage with the calm and collected Victor Prades is a must. Literally meaning ‘pinch and pull’, this traditional Chinese medical massage stimulates the body's energy through acupressure using hand techniques, acupuncture, burning moxa near the skin to stimulate meridians, and placing warm hessian bags on the body’s meridians (energy pathways) to balance the energy. Post massage, guests sit in the gardens and sip herbal tea to fully absorb the experience and allow their systems to adjust. Everyone experiences the effects of this massage differently; one of the best things here is the flexibility to listen to one’s body's needs and alter the schedule accordingly. Those who are open to it can follow their sessions with Tai chi to focus on breathing and learn how to move with precision and purpose.

What makes it different?

This is 360-degree wellness that monitors your responses to the treatments and assesses how they can benefit you back home. There’s a very personal element to the service. The staff, some of whom live locally and have worked here for more than 20 years, treat you like an old friend and are genuinely focused on helping guests. They’ll even stay in touch with you for a month after departure to answer any questions and support your return to everyday life. The spa itself is open til 8 pm, so facilities can be enjoyed as the sun goes down.

Anything else to mention?

If exercise is your go-to for stress relief, the open gym has top-notch equipment and holds relaxation classes, group walks, pilates, meditation, a barre class with a personal fitness trainer and ballet fit instructor, Paula Coms, to boost self-confidence and strength. There are also cooking classes and group walks on the beach or along the green route through rocky terrain.

Final word

Watch the sun set over and fall asleep wrapped up in a blanket on a wicker lounger while you listen to the birds and the waves.