Spa Treatments Around the World

There is no better way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body than with a spa vacation. But how do you choose a destination that’s appropriate for you? A variety of spas span the globe and their style of treatments vary, so hotelbook is happy to describe some of the more remarkable options.

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We will begin our spa tour by describing the ancient qualities of thermal and mineral spas, and then move on to enlighten you with the latest in technology offered by medical spas. Our journey will also take us through spa resorts, the mystical Far East and the natural Native American spa healing available in the United States.

Let’s begin our journey by discussing one of the classic spa experiences – thermal spas and healing mineral waters. Immersion in a warm thermal pool is one of the most effective ways of relieving stress and the healing characteristics of thermal and mineral spring waters have been known for ages. Ancient Romans created pools with these healing waters and added aromatic oils, flowers, leaves and herbs. Thermal centers offer treatments for relaxation, beauty, stress reduction, rehabilitation and more. These programs all center on using the mineral and thermal spring waters to revitalize physical and psychological health. 

Italy has many thermal spa regions, a fact well-known by the ancient Romans who used this water in their baths and mud baths. Italy’s mineral-rich soil combined with the spectacular scenery and mild climate make it a favorite of spa enthusiasts. In southern Italy, the numerous spas forming an arc around the Gulf of Naples are extremely important. This area is one of the most active volcanic zones in Italy, as magma bubbles just under the earth’s surface.

Another type of spa choice is the medical spa. In this type of facility, advanced medical treatments are combined with the usual spa fare. Those interested in improving their appearance often jet off to medical spas for magical rejuvenations. The glitzy city of Marbella, Spain is home to one of the most fantastic medical spas in the world, Inconsol Hotel. In-house doctors specialize in weight loss, cosmetic improvements and injury rehabilitation. An interesting assortment of massage choices focus on neurosedative effects, bone and joint strengthening and blood circulation. Guests interested in preventing the effects of aging can engage in Botox treatments, liposculpture and cosmetic filling.

The Far East is known for an exotic bevy of spa treatments. In fact, many of us will go to any length for beauty and relaxation. If you have ever joked that you love red wine so much you could swim in it, there is a spa treatment in Kowakien, Hakone, Japan that allows you to make the joke a reality. Bathing in red wine rejuvenates the body and supposedly, Cleopatra used to enjoy it. Or maybe an encounter with a mystical serpent is the cure for what ails you. One Tokyo spa treatment involves snakes that slither across the body, supposedly creating a soothing experience.

Ramen Noodles are traditionally thought of as an inexpensive and quick meal most often found in a college student’s kitchen.  In Japan, spa specialists are taking the noodle-based snack a bit more seriously. Imagine laying in a bathtub filled with Ramen Noodles and pork broth. Why would anyone do this, you ask? The treatment is thought to increase metabolism and cleanse the skin. The pork broth contains collagen, a common ingredient in skin treatments. While many claim that they would rather eat Ramen Noodles than bathe in them, others would do anything it takes to acquire beautiful skin!

A spa resort might be the perfect choice for a couple seeking a romantic spa getaway. A property that markets itself as a spa resort will likely have all the amenities you would expect from a luxury beach hotel – pools, various restaurants and an oceanfront location. Spa resorts are most commonly found in the Caribbean, where visitors combine beach frolicking with massages and facials.  Treatments are experienced in posh beachfront cabanas surrounded by lush palm trees. Since spa resorts are often frequented by celebrating couples, spa menus often include treatments that can be experienced in tandem, like aromatherapy massages. One spa resort we recommend is Dreams Los Cabos in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the beach resort offers multiple indoor and outdoor treatment options, cleansing saunas, hydrotherapy and personal training.

If burning sage and cleansing chakras sounds appealing to you, perhaps a Native American spa retreat is more your  speed. Those who desire this type of relaxing spa vacation flock to the Southwest. The cities of Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona, use holistic and spiritual spa services and incorporate Native American history into their treatments in order to set themselves apart from more traditional spa resorts. How about a Rain Dance? One Native American massage treatment involves oiled rain sticks covered with Indian rock drawings, or “petroglyphs.”  The sticks emit relaxing noises reminiscent of rainfall as they roll across the skin. One shared commonality with all Native American spa treatments is the use of very natural, organic local ingredients. Think mud wraps made from chocolate, earth stone massages and baths created from desert corn, sage and juniper.

Also positioned within the American Southwest, Taos, New Mexico is a popular city for spa retreats. The city offers gorgeous mountain backdrops, the perfect setting for relaxation and introspection. One of the best lodging choices in the area is El Monte Sagrado. The resort’s Living Spa offers the signature “High Desert Body Treatment” which involves plants and flowers indigenous to the area. A Zuni salt exfoliation is followed by a mineral-rich volcanic ash wrap that draws toxins from the body. A bevy of other options include Reiki, Thai massage and Bamboo Lemongrass Body Polish. Our favorite treatment is the Talistone Massage. Guests choose an engraved magical stone which is then incorporated into a warm stone massage.

This concludes our tour of amazing spa destinations around the world. Let us leave you with a bit of advice: One of the most common mistakes a first-time visitor to a spa resort makes is waiting until they arrive to book their treatments. Popular treatments such as massages, herbal wraps and facials book up quickly. It is wise to plan ahead and ensure you get the treatment you deserve. Also, when making your appointments, be sure to mention any medical conditions that would be helpful for the resort to know.

We hope you have enjoyed the latest hotelbook podcast. For more information on these and other great spa destinations, visit us on hotelbook.com.

Comments

[Dentist Norwalk]

Wow, thanks for sharing those places for a rewarding spa treatments after days or years of stressful work. It is wonderful experience to relax in a spa because you are pampered there.

nice to know about different spa around the world.. how I wish I can visit them all..