As you start to think a little more holistically when you travel, here are some of the weirdest wellness treatments lads on the move might want to sample.
In today’s ever-evolving wellness scene, it’s simply not enough to be mainstream; spas must constantly be one step ahead to cater for discerning millennials who demand treatments that give them a spa experience like no other. Health travel gurus Health and Fitness Travel give us their picks of the unconventional therapies that will raise the eyebrows of even the quirkiest spa aficionado.
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Moxibustion Chinese Therapy
Lefay SPA, Italy
Indulge in the East-meets-West wellness philosophy of this luxury spa retreat overlooking Lake Garda, where you can encounter ‘Moxibustion’, a Chinese therapeutic technique that translates as ‘burning herb’. This therapy, however, has nothing to do with smoking ‘recreationals’; rather, mugwort, a small, spongey medicinal herb, is burnt above various acupuncture points and energy pathways around the body.
For those concerned about combustion, after the ‘moxa’ is placed on the body and lit, 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. Once you’ve had your pyromania fix, unwind in Lefay’s saltwater lake.
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Red & Black Pepper Lipolysis
Porto Elounda Detox, Greece
Offering stunning views across Mirabello Bay, in the north-eastern corner of Crete, Porto Elounda is home to the award-winning Six Senses Spa, where you can experience a detoxifying treatment like no other. Using the medicinal properties of red and black pepper to stimulate the breakdown of fatty tissue, this dinner table staple delivers a deeply moisturising and refreshing treatment.
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. Finish off with a spirulina wrap and a dip in the thalassotherapy pool to feel thoroughly cleansed, toned, and well-seasoned.
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Himalayan Heart Stone Massage
Fusion Maia, Vietnam
Discover a tropical spa paradise on Vietnam’s East Coast, where you’ll experience a true sense of tranquillity with Fusion Maia and its range of healing therapies. For a massage with a heartfelt difference, try the Himalayan Heart Stone Massage.
This is a gentle, alkalising therapy using 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. Combine spa treatments with yoga and meditation for a complete mind, body, and soul experience at this tropical hideaway.
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Green Coffee Sculpting
Zighy Bay Sense of De-stress, Oman
Discover a whole new world on the Arabian Peninsula of Oman, in a secluded bay surrounded by mountains where the world-class Six Senses Spa awaits with a plethora of top-notch spa offerings. Wake up and smell the green coffee with an energising body treatment focusing on the thighs, waist, tummy, and derriere, aimed at breaking down fat cells, stimulating circulation and boosting metabolism.
The treatment begins with dry skin brushing before you’re massaged with a thermogenic, salon-strength chilli and coffee oil for a caffeine hit to rival your morning java. Put your new-found energy to use as you take part in a variety of outdoor activities available nearby, including mountain biking, diving, and paragliding.
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Nasya Nasal Treatment
SwaSwara Ayurveda, India
Rediscover the simplicity of the earth at this holistic healing retreat nestled 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 these 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, as you make the most of the holistic cuisine and advanced Ayurvedic treatments at this inspiring health retreat.
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Colour Therapy
The Banjaran Rejuvenation, Malaysia
Set amongst tropical jungle and limestone hills, The Banjaran is an acclaimed five-star hideaway, famed for its extensive wellness offerings. Here you can experience Chromotherapy, a technique using colours to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that encourage greater health and harmony.
By cultivating the frequencies of individual colours to balance and re-shape the energy in our bodies, a greater level of physical and spiritual healing can be achieved. Blue light can promote relaxation and calm whilst reducing the recurrence of headaches and nervous tension, while pink eliminates impurities in the blood. Once you’ve discovered your favourite colour, head for the greens of the world-class golf course nearby.
Chavutti Thirumal Massage
BodyHoliday De-Stress, St Lucia
Find your bliss at this leading St Lucian wellness retreat, which has been designed to maximise well-being and improve health. Whilst having someone walk all over you may not seem like therapy, this ancient Indian massage technique releases muscular tension, stretches the body and improves circulation and energy flow, and is perfect for those who enjoy deep tissue massage.
Also known as Indian rope massage, the therapist holds onto a rope above their head for balance and to adjust pressure, while using their feet to deliver a stronger, deeper massage. Take a step in the right direction to finding calm, with a range of holistic therapies and activities, including Reiki, craniosacral therapy, and sunset meditation.
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Farm-to-Facial
Borgo Egnazia Spa, Italy
Escape to the untouched region of Puglia and a majestic wellness haven that takes relaxation to another level. A tantalising menu of spa treatments awaits, including Borgo Egnazia’s signature ‘Abbel Bel’ treatment (translating to ‘slowly slowly’), which 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. Unleash your inner glow as you experience all that this state-of-the-art luxury spa has to offer, with alternative therapies ranging from music therapy to psycho-aromatherapy.
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Ghee Eye Therapy
Ananda Rejuvenation, India
Retreat to the mountains and discover the serenity of this wellness sanctuary based in the Himalayan foothills. The spa at Ananda integrates the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda with contemporary western approaches, ensuring a truly unique spa experience. For a real eye-opener, try ‘Akshi Tarpana’, an ayurvedic treatment that 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 gently poured, followed by the intermittent opening and closing of the eyes. After treating the windows to your soul, turn your attention inwards with a variety of holistic wellness activities, including yoga, pranayama, and meditation.
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Ajna Light Therapy
Phuket Cleanse, Thailand
For a life-changing wellness holiday, look no further than Phuket Cleanse on the tropical island of Phuket, where you’ll find a range of therapies to detox the body and relax the mind. Ajna 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.
As you 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. Once you’ve come back to earth, hit the ground running with a series of fitness activities, including kickboxing, beach boot camps, and TRX training.
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