In the past, a spa was a place where people gathered to relax and rejuvenate in mineral-rich spring or salt waters for their curative properties. Over the centuries, spas have evolved to include massage therapy, nutritional guidance, beauty treatments and much more to ensure that visitors leave looking and feeling better. While you can still find old-school spas and bathhouses throughout the world, new spa experiences continue to emerge that employ some of the oldest healing traditions on Earth. The next time you need some well-deserved R&R, route your private jet to one of these spa destinations for a unique experience.
Unusual Spa Treatments for the Ultimate Indulgence
Ku Nye
A type of therapeutic Tibetan massage that’s nearly 4,000 years old, Ku Nye practitioners use herbal oils to restore the harmonious balance in the body, relieve pain, eliminate toxins and calm nerves. During the massage, the practitioner rubs and kneads oil on different muscles and joints, focusing on pressure points. Some also combine Ku Nye with complementary therapies, such as salt scrubs.
Where to have it done: ITC Grand Bharat in Gurgaon, New Delhi, India
Gemology Treatments
Gemology treatments pair massage techniques with spa products that contain precious stones. For example, an anti-aging wrap mask may contain raspberries, cranberries and garnets. Instead of a traditional cushion, you may lay on a warm amethyst mat. Instead of hot stones, a massage therapist may use rose quartz. The moisturizer in a facial treatment could contain gold flakes, lapis lazuli or sapphire.
Where to have it done: The Guerlain Spa at the Saint James Paris in Paris, France.
Euga Geneous
Euga generous is a type of aquatic plant, similar to seaweed and kelp. Spas use it for rejuvenating facial treatments that cleanse pores, moisturize skin and help you relax.
Where to have it done: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan
Watsu
A newer type of therapy, watsu combines the therapeutic benefits of warm water with gentle Zen Shiatsu stretches. During the treatment, you float in a pool while a practitioner moves and stretches your body to relieve pressure along your spine, calm nerves, relieve pain and achieve a deep state of meditation.
Where to have it done: Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, California.
Enzyme Baths
An enzyme bath treatment begins with a cup of herbal tea in a Japanese garden before you sit in a wooden tub filled with rice bran, living enzymes and fine fragrant cedar shavings. The combination of ingredients in the bath stimulates the metabolism, improves circulation, cleans toxins and relieves pain. After the enzyme bath, you brush off the cedar coating and rise off in a traditional bath.
Where to have it done: Osmosis in Freestone, California.
Chocolate Treatments
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, B vitamins and other nutrients the body needs. It triggers the feel-good sensors in the brain, making it a delightful choice for a specialty spa treatment. Chocolate treatments include cocoa baths, hydrotherapy, bean polishes, fondue wraps, massages and facials.
Where to have it done: To immerse yourself in chocolate, visit The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Ask for the Cocoa Facial Experience, which uses ingredients that are therapeutic and, best of all, edible.
*I didn’t use doctor fish as an example because the CDC advises against this type of treatment and several states banned the practice because of hygienic and animal cruelty concerns. In addition, I could not find anything online about hun ye fiver and germology treatments.