Voyage de Miel blog content evolves alongside our lives, and we wanted to share with you the unique concept of mother & baby thalassotherapy. This offers a way to travel and recharge with your newborn during the delicate and precious postpartum period (after the birth).
The concept of mother & baby thalassotherapy (or spa cure)
Mother & baby thalassotherapy, or postnatal thalassotherapy, is designed for postpartum mothers and their babies aged approximately 2 to 10 months (the age range varies depending on the centers). Over several days, young mothers are supported by wellness and health professionals to enjoy massages, beauty treatments, physical therapy, and rehabilitation while benefiting from the therapeutic properties of a thermal spa. A thermal spa uses natural spring water for healing treatments.
The uniqueness of these stays (unlike those exclusively for the mother) lies in their inclusion of the baby. Babies are cared for during treatments either by a designated caregiver or an accompanying adult, but they are also included in activities like massages, aquatic sessions, and access to pools.
Our spa holiday project
Before our first child was born, we were immediately intrigued by the concept. Unfortunately, due to the 2020 context, we had to postpone our reservation three times and, by the time we could plan again, our baby was too old for it. When expecting our second child, we reserved right away and were thrilled to enjoy this experience as a family, in August 2023. We chose to leave our eldest child with family at home to fully embrace this special, timeless moment as a couple with our newborn.
Because of the significant cost, on our birth registry we asked for funding for this thalassotherapy. Note that prices can vary depending on the time of year.
The Sea & Mother & Baby program at the Thermes Marins in Saint-Malo
There are many different mother & baby thalassotherapy programs across France. After thorough research and benchmarking (given the investment, we didn’t want to make a mistake), we chose the Thermes Marins in Saint-Malo. Key factors influencing our decision included:
- A 7-day program
- The variety of treatments
- Availability of a free daycare service staffed by professionals
- The location: Saint-Malo was a reasonable distance from both our home and where our eldest was being cared for.
Additionally, we were excited to explore the city and its surroundings.
The Sea & Mother & Baby day-to-day treatments at the Thermes Marins in Saint-Malo
On the first day (Monday), Clémentine met with a doctor to tailor her program. Being new to thalassotherapy, she followed the doctor’s guidance but later wished she had selected her treatments herself (as she had no medical contraindications). Midway through the program, she swapped some treatments she liked less, making the final days more enjoyable. Tip: Don’t hesitate to select the treatments that appeal to you.
Treatments include:
- Physiotherapy massages
- Hydrotherapy treatments (some quite surprising)
- Seaweed body wraps
- Spa treatments
- Supervised pool sessions
There were also two group baby massage sessions, which were available to the accompanying person as well. However, we were slightly disappointed by the lack of more personalized or frequent baby activities, such as daily pool sessions.
For the accompanying person during the Mother & Baby thalassotherapy
Mothers can attend alone (thanks to the daycare service: The Thermes Marins Children’s Club) or bring an accompanying person. The latter has access to:
- A beautiful indoor pool
- The fantastic Aquatonic water circuit
- Sauna, hammam, and a serene mist room (perfect for reading a book)
- A fitness room (we didn’t use it)
- Morning oxygenation walks through Saint-Malo’s ramparts and along the beach
The accompanying person can also book their own treatments during the daycare hours, which must be reserved in advance. Between treatments, we cherished brief moments together at the pool or hammam.
Baby care during the Mother & Baby thalassotherapy
The Thermes has a dedicated Children’s Club. We were initially worried about leaving our very young baby (just 4 months old). However, the professionalism of the staff quickly reassured us. Since there were two of us, we were able to ease into it gradually, increasing the adaptation time each day.
The team was also very accommodating. Normally, the free childcare (5 hours per day) is only available during treatment sessions. However, they allowed us to adjust the schedule on one occasion, so we could enjoy a few hours together as a couple.
The Children’s Club can also care for older siblings, up to 6 years old. This option is fee-based and not included in the thalassotherapy package like the baby care. During school holidays, there is also a club for children aged 6 to 12 years.
Accommodation options for the Sea & Mother & Baby Thalasso at the Thermes Marins de Saint-Malo
When booking, there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from, with prices and distances varying significantly. For our initial reservation—which was ultimately canceled—we had opted for the Résidence Neptunia. That trip was planned for the winter, and this residence offers direct access to the Thermes Marins.
For our actual trip, which took place in the summer, we found the on-site prices too steep and decided to book our accommodation independently from the thalassotherapy package. We chose a small apartment on Airbnb, located on the top floor of a charming traditional house. It was just a 10-minute walk from the Thermes, we didn’t wanted to be further away due to the challenges of parking in the area (as staying off-site does not include reserved parking).
This arrangement worked reasonably well, and we saved money by cooking our own meals. However, we couldn’t help but envy those staying on-site. The rooms appeared to be incredibly comfortable, and everything seemed designed for maximum convenience. For instance, during one visit to the Children’s Club, we were told, “Your baby is napping; we’ll call your room when they wake up.” I’ll admit, I couldn’t help but dream of the full Thermes experience, including the delicious-looking meals served on-site.
Dining options around the Thermes Marins in Saint-Malo
Restaurants we tried:
- Le Cap Horn: Conveniently located in the Thermes, but expensive.
- L’Étrave: For seafood platters with a view.
- La crêperie de Louise: Classic Breton crêpes (we are not sure it is still open).
- Les embruns: Another great seafood spot.
- Le mignon café: Perfect for vegan/lactose-free brunch, though not walkable from the Thermes.
Tip: book ahead for dinner and even lunch during peak season.
Things to do in Saint-Malo
With our afternoons free of spa treatments, we explored the area. We loved to :
- Watch dolphins from the Sillon beach (not sure if there are that many, but we were lucky enough to see some). The beach itself is very nice for picnicking and swimming.
- Visit L’Étoile du Roy, a stunning pirate frigate and the 3rd largest traditional French sailing ship.
- Wander in the ramparts and enjoying ice cream (if weather permitting). It is also possible to walk around the ramparts to admire the view from above.
- Marvel at the unique atmosphere of the boat graveyard before swimming from the many beaches around.
- Stroll through the streets of the charming village of Saint-Suliac.
- Take a step back in time and travel to theJacques Cartier museum.
And nearby you can also explore the iconic Mont Saint-Michel (if you are not there in high season otherwise it is packed) or the town of Dinan.
