Mireille Maillot: “The clientele looks for a family aspect”

She is full of energy.  The manageress of the Cilaos Thermal springs, Mireille Maillot aims to boost the activity of the institution in offering even more comfort and treatments.  An explanation. 

Runweb: A few words to introduce the thermal spring of Cilaos...

Mireille Maillot:  The thermal spring was as it is today past the route de Bras-Sec, since December 1987.  It is the only thermal spring in the Indian Ocean.  It's a Health centre.  As far as the treatment is concerned, a medical prescription is required.  The thermal waters of Cilaos are recommended for the treatment of rheumatism (mud bath of cataplasm, whirlpool baths and underwater massage by a physio...) and treatments for digestive illnesses (local hepatic bath and abdominal cataplasm...).  Well-being and relaxation packages based on thermal waters and combined with complementary treatments like sauna, Jacuzzi, berthalaix and massages... are offered for ones well-being.              

Runweb: Who are the clientele of the thermal spring?  

M.M.: We have a regular clientele.  90% of the clients are locals and the rest come from Mainland France.  In 2006, 17 000 persons went at the thermal spring for the well-being's treatment and 500 persons followed the hydrotherapeutic cure.  The clientele looks for a family aspect at the hot spring.  We support them, we care for them and this is not always the case as in larger thermal springs.  We can accommodate a maximum of 70 to 80 persons per day, which is not huge.  Unfortunately, the flow of the sources (Véronique: 11 000I/h and Irénée: 7 000 I/h) does not enable a higher effective.            

Runweb:  How are the treatments being done?

M.M.: We have a thermal doctor in our department.  Otherwise, we work with the doctors of Cilaos.  The medical follow-up is compulsory when one is undertaking a hydrotherapeutic cure.  The patients are also monitored daily by the nurse of the thermal spring (blood pressure, weights and dialogue...).  The daily treatments last from 01 30 to 2 hours.  The patient can hence, remain in the thermal spring to rest, we have a solarium, many deckchairs both inside and outside and a gymnasium...  Then, there is the "Joyau des Crimes," a beauty parlour which offers complementary esthetics and relaxing packages.  We always try to innovate and be up to date.   

Runweb: Hygiene is fundamental in this type of activity...

M.M.: There is a very strict rule.  For every treatment, there is a protocol that the officers must abide to, under the control and responsibility of the nurse.  These are the draconian hygiene rules which comply with the regulations of the thermal springs.  It's the department that manages the hot spring.  It is responsible for the renovation and maintenance.  Indeed, we've recently refurbished the system of distribution.  The works of the several months are essential to the sustainability of the activity and safety of the waters.            

Runweb: Do the patients find an accommodation easily in Cilaos?

M.M.: Yes.  We get the patients in touch with the Tourist Office of Cilaos for everything that concerns their stay.  There are around 2000 beds with several options at Cilaos.  A comprehensive mode of accommodations is available: staying at a dweller's place, three star hotel, gite, inn and bed and breakfast.  One can have a tailor-made holiday, according to ones desires and ones budget.   

Interview conducted by Florence MERLEN