SPAS, THE MADNESS OF THE WELL-BEING | TF1 | Reportages

Sanitas Per Aquam: health through water. This Latin phrase is said to be the origin of the three letters that inspire increasing numbers of the French: SPA. Today, they stand for those places of relaxation where you can be massaged, bathe, use a steam bath or sauna and, for a few moments, forget your troubles.   Faced with increased stress at work and, this year, particularly tragic events, the French are looking for anything that might help them feel better. As a result, the market for well-being, and that of the SPA in particular, is exploding. Whereas, 10 years ago, they were rare in France, they can now be found everywhere: especially in the hotel business, but in cities too, in shopping centers, airports, campsites, etc. They are reckoned to be nearly 2,000 establishments in France. Everybody wants his SPA, including individuals, who are prepared to spend considerable amounts of money to fit their homes with a wave pool!   However, the term SPA has no legal protection and anybody can use it. It has become a selling point for beauty salons or B&Bs with only a simple Jacuzzi. How are these establishments inspected? What health regulations must be respected to open a SPA? What is the training for the people responsible for providing the treatments? This film will reveal the other side of the pretty decors. With their good and their bad aspects.