When enjoying a relaxing break by the sea, the setting is key. The sea air, the light, the horizon, the proximity to the beaches, the walks you can take, the flavours of the sea on your plate, the sound of the Atlantic in the background… All of this contributes to the experience. In Anglet, this setting takes on a special quality. It is in this environment that Atlanthal truly comes into its own. Here, in a single location, you’ll find the seaside setting, the thalassotherapy, the heated seawater, the restaurants and the nearby beaches in Anglet.
With a view of the ocean, the living room takes on a whole new feel
The first thing you notice about a holiday by the sea is the sense of a break from the everyday. You leave your everyday surroundings behind for a space that is more open, brighter and more airy. Your gaze reaches further. The pace naturally slows down.
In Anglet, you get that feeling straight away. The beaches They are close by; the Atlantic horizon is ever-present; the sea air accompanies you on your travels. What the seaside actually brings to the experience:
- a real sense of being disconnected,
- a more open and less restrictive environment,
- walking sessions that are easy to fit into your day,
- natural light to accompany moments of rest,
- a slower, simpler pace, more conducive to relaxation.
Sea air: a breath of fresh air during your stay
Seaside air is one of the tangible benefits of a holiday by the sea. Rich in moisture and salt spray, it creates a naturally more breathable environment. The tiny droplets of seawater suspended in the air can help to moisturise the airways and make breathing more comfortable, particularly when spending time outdoors by the coast.
Added to this is another very simple effect: the seaside encourages you to walk and stroll along the coast and on the beaches.
During your relaxing stay overlooking the sea, you can explore the local footpaths whilst taking a breather; there are several routes that are perfect for this:
- The Victor Mendiboure Coastal Promenade: a footpath that runs along the beaches of Anglet for around 4.5 km, from La Barre to La Chambre d’Amour.
- Cavaliers Beach: very close to Atlanthal, known for its powerful waves and its surfing atmosphere.
- La Barre: a place to visit for a more expansive view, set amongst the ocean, the mouth of the Adour and wide open spaces.
- The Pignada / Chiberta Forest: a forest A dune near the beaches, planted in the 19th century and popular for its shaded paths.
- The Chiberta Forest and Anglet Beaches circular walk: a more comprehensive option that alternates between pine forests and footpaths, finishing with a walk along the coast, particularly towards the beaches of Les Cavaliers and La Madrague.
- The Little Chamber of Love: at the foot of Cap Saint-Martin and the Biarritz lighthouse, for a shorter, more heritage-focused walk, offering a very different view of the Basque Coast.
Seawater: what really sets thalassotherapy apart
Thalassotherapy is based on the use of the marine environment: seawater, seaweed, marine mud and the coastal climate. This is what sets it apart from a traditional spa. The experience is not just centred on relaxation, but on resources derived directly from the ocean.
Seawater naturally contains minerals and trace elements, such as:
- sodium,
- magnesium,
- calcium,
- potassium.
In thalassotherapy, it is heated for use in baths, pools, jets or hydrotherapy treatments. Heat plays a vital role: it promotes muscle relaxation and opens the pores of the skin. This opening of the pores facilitates contact between the skin and the marine active ingredients used during treatments: seawater, mud, seaweed or body wraps.
Iodised products: the ocean finds its way onto our plates
A holiday by the sea is also experienced at the dinner table. After a walk along the coast, a dip in the heated sea water or a day of rest, the food on your plate can help you feel even more connected to the local area.
Seafood provides this sense of continuity. Fish, shellfish, the taste of the sea, seasonal cuisine: the meal remains closely linked to the immediate surroundings. What we see before us is reflected on our plates: the Atlantic, the coastline, freshness, and the flavour of the sea.
Seafood also offers real nutritional benefits. It is often rich in high-quality protein, iodine, minerals and, in the case of certain fish, omega-3. Mealtimes then become an extension of the setting, rather than simply a practical break; the ocean finds its way onto the plate too.
Anglet and the Basque Coast: a history linked to sea bathing
On the Basque Coast, the link between the ocean and wellbeing goes back a long way. As early as the 19th century, sea bathing began to take off along the coast. Biarritz became a major seaside resort, whilst Anglet gradually established its own culture centred on the beach, swimming and a connection with the ocean.
A little local anecdote: In Anglet, sea bathing began to take shape in the second half of the 19th century. Beach facilities were regulated, bathing was organised, and the ocean was already attracting visitors as much for the pleasure of the seashore as for the sense of well-being associated with the sea air and bathing.
Atlanthal: a seaside setting designed to offer a complete experience
At Atlanthal, the setting is not just what you see from the hotel. It is part of the experience. The ocean, the sea water, the treatments, the warmth, the movement, the dining and the rest all come together in one place, without disrupting the rhythm of your stay.
On site, you’ll find:
- the 4-star hotel, where you can enjoy a peaceful stay, right by the coast,
- the thalassotherapy centre, where you can enjoy treatments using seawater, seaweed and marine active ingredients,
- the heated seawater lagoon, to extend the marine experience in a comfortable pool, complete with massage jets, swan necks, counter-current channels, and micro-bubble seats and loungers,
- the sauna and the hammam, to provide a real moment of warmth, respite and relaxation,
- the fitness area, to stay active, combining gentle exercise, recovery and getting back into shape,
- the Beautémer Institute, to treat yourself to a more tailored treatment: facial, body treatment, massage, bespoke ritual, anti-ageing or body-sculpting treatment,
- Le Gulf Stream restaurant, where you can extend your ocean-view experience with seasonal cuisine and the flavours of the sea,
- the nearby beaches of Anglet, where you can go for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, gaze out at the Atlantic and let the setting become part of your holiday.
