The Mélusine Spa at La Roche Posay, Poitou-Charentes, France, is to be reopened in spring 2012 as the Grand Thermal Spa, following a EUR3.65m (£3.17m, US$4.93m) overhaul.

Under the plans for the transformation, the medi-spa facility will be expanded from 800sq m (8,611sq ft) to more than 2,000sq m (21,528sq ft) and refurbished with new equipment.

Facilities at the new Grand Thermal Spa, La Roche Posay will include a 140sq m (1,507sq ft) thermal pool; a hydro-whirlpool; and a 22sq m (237sq ft) hammam, as well as a sauna.

It is expected that the investment in the transformation of the venue will generate a return of at least double, while new products are to be created to enhance La Roche's existing reputation.

A spokesperson for Tourism Poitou-Charentes said the spa represents a "new generation of chic spas" in the countryside, rather than coastal or town-based thalassotherapy resorts.

Architectural firm Latitudes is behind the design of the new-look spa, which will use natural materials such as baked bricks and tiles, along with extensive greenery.