Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa Hotel

Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa is situated in a long, three-story white building with inset balconies. The luxury seaside resort has origins in the mid-1960s, when the famous French cyclist Louison Bobet created the spa here. Interior decor is clean and contemporary -- if a bit generic for a luxury property -- with neutral hues accented frequently in burnt orange. The real "wow factor" here, though, is the views, which the hotel makes use of with panoramic or floor-to-ceiling windows in most all of the common areas and even the guest rooms. The hotel's primary selling point is its massive spa (it measures over 21,000 square feet), which includes a big seawater swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub overlooking the sea, a sauna, a hammam, a hair salon, and even an athletic rehab center with an anti-gravity treadmill. Guests can book packages that often include daily massages and other treatments, plus two meals a day. (Travelers should note that Sofitel Quiberon Diététique makes use of the same facilities, but offers a regimented experience focused on weight loss.)

This seafront hotel is situated right along a small, rocky beach in a quiet residential area of Quiberon, at the southern tip of a peninsula in Brittany. (Despite what it seems from map views, there's no street between the hotel and sea, only a walk that runs along the coast.) The views are excellent, with the island of Belle-Ile-en-Mer visible in the distance. The village of Quiberon, which has a handful of restaurants and shops, is a hike on foot (a 25-minute walk), but the hotel offers an hourly shuttle that heads into town during the day. Bikes can also be rented through the hotel for an extra fee. Lorient South Brittany Airport is a little over an hour drive, and the train station Gare d'Auray is about a 45-minute drive. Parking is free on-site. 

Guest rooms are tastefully done up in a contemporary color palette of neutral beige and white with burnt orange accents -- but decor can feel a bit forgettable for a luxury property. The highlight of guest rooms are the floor-to-ceiling windows, which double as sliding glass doors leading onto balconies or terraces. Sitting areas here have views of the garden or sea. Some guests find entry-level rooms smallish for a hotel at this pearl-level, but upgraded rooms can be quite spacious, and suites might include separate living rooms and expansive balconies.

Rooms have flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems, safes, free Wi-Fi (though a higher speed costs an extra fee), and minibars, but no coffee/tea service. Beige bathrooms are fitted with separate toilet stalls, cylindrical sinks, and walk-in showers or combo showers and tubs, plus amenities like plush bathrobes, hairdryers, and high-end toiletries (like Lanvin). One notable downside: not all rooms have AC. Guests suggests splurging for a sea-facing room to make the most of the view and get cool costal breezes as a bonus.

The massive spa (over 21,000 square feet) is this property's main selling point, and was created in the mid-60s by the famous cyclist Louison Bobet. It got a major revamp in 2011. One of the best features (though there are many) is the 82-foot long seawater swimming pool, situated in a zen-like room with lots of relaxation spots and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the beach. Aqua biking, aqua Zumba, and other aquatic activities are offered in the pool. Another highlight is the indoor/outdoor pool which leads to an outdoor hot tub, situated on a seaside terrace. There's also a sauna, hammam, salon, sundecks, and lots of relaxation and lounge areas. The range of treatments offered is impressive, and includes special hair, beauty, facial, massage, and seawater treatments. In addition to the spa, the property has its own athletic rehab center, added in 2013, with a huge cardio-training studio (which includes an anti-gravity treadmill). Fitness areas are designed for classes like pilates and barre. Guests can choose from all kinds of packages that include daily massages, beauty treatments, and sessions with personal trainers, physical therapists, dietitians, or even doctors who offer check-ups and blood tests as part of treatment plans. Most plans also include two meals per day. (The Dietetique portion of the hotel is a bit of a different animal -- it makes use of these wellness facilities, but offers its own calorie-controlled, weight-loss oriented daily regime.)

Wellness facilities aren't the only amenities this Sofitel has to offer. There are several on-site dining options including two sea-front fine-dining restaurants serving French food (La Presquile and L'Ocean), plus Le Delight, which focuses on healthy eating. A bar and lounge serves light fare and drinks, sometimes with live piano accompaniment. There's also lots of outdoor seating. Most packages provide two meals a day. A breakfast buffet is offered daily, but it may cost an extra fee. Food gets occasional mixed reviews, but overall guests find it good, though pricey.

The hotel offers high-end services including an attentive concierge, 24-hour room service, laundry service, and car service. For guests traveling with children, cribs and kids' menus are available, and babysitting can be arranged. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. The hotel offers free shuttle service into town, free parking, and bike rentals for an extra fee. Meeting and event rooms are on the ground, and Wi-Fi is free throughout, though higher speed service costs an extra fee.