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Ever since Hippocrates, the father of medicine, advocated the therapeutic benefits of seawater thousands of years ago, the Greeks have been tapping into its healing powers.

Today, seawater has been shown to effectively address a number of ailments, from arthritis pain to cosmetic issues like excess weight and cellulite. 

Now called thalassotherapy (from the Greek thalassa, for “sea,” and therapeia, for “treatment”), this ancient method of healing has been embraced with fervor, especially in France: After falling off the radar for centuries, thalassotherapy was rediscovered in Brittany during the 1800s.Indeed, the northwestern French coastline is now a destination for the therapy, which can include baths; high-pressure showers; hydromassage with water jets; or masques and scrubs featuring sea algae, muds, or salts. 

What makes these treatments so effective are the many mineral-rich organisms living in the water, which are absorbed by the skin through osmosis. Because these organisms are very delicate, true thalassotherapy spas follow strict protocols in handling the sea-water: It is pumped from a certain depth and distance from the shore so it’s pure; warmed to 98 degrees to keep the organisms alive; and used soon after it is pumped to ensure the maximum concentration of organisms, which is why these spas must be located near their water source.

A number of full-fledged thalasso centers that adhere to these practices have cropped up in Canada, Mexico, and along the North Atlantic coast of the United States, as well as in further-flung locales like Bora Bora. Meanwhile, dozens of beauty companies are drawing on the benefits of algae, muds, and salts from the sea, resulting in plenty of options for home spa treatments. 

Whether you’re looking to blast cellulite, address a persistent skin issue, or simply soothe weary muscles, thalassotherapy provides a natural and effective solution.

Where To Find It: These thalassotherapy spas provide a host of seawater-infused treatments.
–Maria Wakem and Amy Westervelt

Bora Bora InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa draws water from the Pacific Ocean for its marine-themed spa menu. The Deep Sea Hydromassage Bath ($68, 20 minutes) combines seawater with bubbles to stimulate circulation. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, +(689) 607600; doubles from $1,077

Mexico Take advantage of the outdoor seawater pool at Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya by participating in an aqua gym class or booking a Janzu treatment ($156, 50 minutes)—a hydromassage that involves gentle rocking and stretching. Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, The Thalasso Center & Spa, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico, +(52) 9988728300; doubles from $556

Greece Guests of Blue Palace in Crete can absorb ocean minerals and relieve pain during a Submarine Shower in Sea Water Bath ($65, 25 minutes), which features a hot soak and an underwater shower massage. Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Elounda, The Elounda Spa and Thalassotherapy, Elounda, Crete, Greece, +(30) 2841065500; doubles from $450

New York At Gurney’s Inn Resort & Spa the Marine Kur Therapy ($220, 90 minutes) starts with a seawater hydrotherapy massage and is followed by a gentle exfoliation with seaweed toning gel, a mineral-rich seaweed body masque, and a seaweed body cream application. Gurney’s Inn Resort & Spa, Sea Water Spa & Thalasso Center, Montauk, New York, (631) 668-2345; doubles from $255

Try It At Home: Marine-based spa products you can incorporate into your daily routine.
–A.W.

Phytocéane Lumière Océane Brightening Night Fluid Shea butter, algae extracts, and samphire (a sea plant) are the stars of this hydrating nighttime treatment. ($66)

Osea Black Algae Mask Algae extracts and marine salt make this masque ideal for brightening skin. ($48)

Phytomer Toning Body Scrub Marine salt crystals exfoliate while red algae oils tone and nourish skin. ($47)

Seaflora Soothing Sea Kelp Soak The organic seaweed and salts in this soak are sustainably harvested from the Pacific Ocean. ($29)

Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30 This firming face cream combines spirulina maxima—a freshwater algae rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants—with mineral-rich deep-sea water. ($195)