10 Of The World’s Most Unusual Spa Therapies

Many of us associate spas with massages and facemasks, but in some luxury spas around the world, therapists offer so much more.

From having herbs burnt on your skin to being kneaded with coffee, some treatments appear highly unorthodox, if not a little painful. However, these bizarre-sounding remedies can stimulate energy levels blood, boost metabolism and leave you feeling utterly relaxed.

Here are ten such unusual spa therapies to look out for on your travels.

1. Anja Light Therapy in Thailand

On the tropical island of Phuket, at Phuket Cleanse “lighten-up” has more than one meaning.

Anja Light Therapy uses dynamic neural stimulating brainwave technology to induce deep meditative states; a state usually only obtained by meditative experts such as Buddhist monks and Shamans.

You’ll explore the depths of your perception, develop clarity and direction, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a more profound connection with a broader reality. You might even be lucky enough to experience out-of-body and astral projections.

2. Red & Black Pepper Lipolysis in Greece

At Porto Elounda’s spa, in the north-eastern corner of Crete, dinner table staples are put to use for their detoxifying properties.

Using the medicinal properties of red and black pepper to stimulate the breakdown of fatty tissue, this treatment is both deeply moisturizing and refreshing.

A combination of warm and cool techniques is used to tone the skin, followed by a firming massage to increase blood and lymph circulation, which stimulates detoxification, to further enhance the treatment’s slimming properties.

3. Himalayan Heart Stone Massage in Vietnam

At Fusion Maia, a tropical spa paradise on Vietnam’s East Coast, it’s a simple stone that will rejuvenate you.

The Himalayan Heart Stone Massage, a gentle, alkalizing therapy, uses warm heart-shaped salt stones and pomelo oil to promote inner peace.

The warmth from the stones will ease tense muscles and soothe aches and pains, while the stones’ positive ions are believed to rid your body of harmful vibrations and clear the air around you.

4. Green Coffee Sculpting in Oman

Coffee is not just for drinking at Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, a luxury resort nestled in a secluded bay surrounded by mountains.

The energizing body treatment focuses on the thighs, waist, stomach and bottom, aimed at breaking down fat cells, stimulating circulation and boosting metabolism.

The treatment begins with dry skin brushing, before being massaged with the thermogenic, salon-strength chili and coffee oil for a caffeine hit to rival your morning java.

5. Moxibustion in Italy

East-meets-West wellness is the philosophy of luxury spa retreat, Lefay.

On the shore of Lake Garda you can encounter ‘Moxibustion’, a Chinese therapeutic technique meaning ‘burning herb’.

Nothing whatsoever to do with smoking recreational ‘herbs’, this therapy sees mugwort, a small, spongey medicinal herb, burnt on various acupuncture points and energy pathways around the body.

Fortunately, the herb it is extinguished and removed before it burns the skin, producing a pleasant heating sensation.

This treatment strengthens the blood, stimulates energy levels and boosts the results of other therapies.

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6. Color Therapy in Malaysia

Surround yourself with tropical jungle and limestone hills, at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and color yourself better.

Chromotherapy, a technique using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies is said to encourage greater health and harmony.

By cultivating the frequencies of individual colors to balance and re-shape the energy in our bodies, a greater level of physical and spiritual healing can be achieved.

A blue light can promote relaxation and calm whilst aiding the recurrence of headaches and nervous tension, whilst pink eliminates impurities in the blood.

7. Farm-to-Facial in Italy

Herbs are normally eaten or drunk but at the Borgo Egnazia, in the untouched region of Puglia, your face is slathered with them.

The signature spa treatment is “Abbel Bel” (which translares to ‘slowly slowly’), and features fresh herbs harvested in Borgo’s kitchen garden.

With an ingredients list that reads more like a salad dressing, this “sentimental” treatment for the face combines lemon, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, almond milk, camellia oil and olive oil to create a facial treatment that nurtures the skin, relaxes the senses and promotes an overall sense of well-being.

8. Nasal Treatment in India

Rediscover the simplicity of the earth at SwaSwara Ayurveda, a holistic healing retreat tucked away in the secluded, unspoilt Indian countryside.

The spa focuses on the power of Ayurveda, with an extensive list of internal and external therapies that are not to be sniffed at. One of which is Nasya, an ancient Ayurvedic practice that encourages nasal administration of medicinal herbs, decoctions and oils, to clear sinus congestion and expel toxins from the head and neck region.

With the nose being the gateway to the brain, you’ll breathe easy knowing you’re healing your mind as well as your body.

9. Eye Therapy in Nepal

The spa at Ananda, in the Himalayan foothills, integrates the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda with contemporary western approaches.

“Akshi Tarpana”, an ayurvedic treatment, involves applying ghee to the eyes to treat eye disorders or simply revive tired eyes.

Whilst lying down, a ‘ring’ of flour paste is formed around the eyes into which medicated ghee is then gently poured, followed by intermittent opening and closing of the eyes.

10. Chavutti Thirumal Massage in St Lucia

You’d think going to Caribbean would be an escape from people walking all over you, but that’s precisely what a treatment at The Bodyholiday Resort offers.

Perfect for those who enjoy deep tissue massage, this ancient Indian massage technique releases muscular tension, stretches the body and improves circulation and energy flow.

The method is also known as Indian rope massage and sees the therapist holding onto a rope above their head for balance and to adjust pressure, while using their feet to deliver a stronger, deeper massage.

For advice, guidance and booking visit healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891.