Image courtesy of Blue Lagoon
The In-Water Massage: Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Enjoy a hydro massage with a difference at one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater is surrounded by a volcanic landscape, which feeds minerals into the surroundings. During this signature 120-minute treatment, the skin is scrubbed with salt and wrapped with silica or algae while you lie on a floating mattress. The second hour is spent on a full body massage. Bluelagoon.com
Image courtesy of Porto Elounda Six Senses Spa
The Spicy Lipolysis: Porto Elounda Six Senses Spa, Crete
If you have a special event coming up, or just want to streamline your body temporarily, try this refreshing 90-minute treatment. It utilizes red and black pepper along with a combination of warm and cold techniques to help tone the skin, while the firming strokes help stimulate blood and lymph circulation. Sixsenses.com
Image courtesy of Jumeirah Messilah
The Algae Body Mask: Talise Spa at Jumeirah Messilah, Kuwait
This hour-long treatment tackles dimpling and uneven skin on the hips and thighs in three phases, using Anne Semonin products. It begins with cryotherapy techniques, which purports to boost circulation. Next, red and brown algae are massaged into the skin, with a firming mask applied to the most problematic areas. Jumeirah.com
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The Sleep Treatment: Palazzo Versace, Dubai
English lavender, sweet basil, and jasmine. Blend them together with 16 other essential oils and what do you get? A treatment that induces deep sleep. This 60- or 90-minute massage, which begins with guided meditation, incorporates Neom’s Tranquillity fragrance. A reflexology massage follows, drawing upon techniques from shiatsu, cranio, Thai massage, and trigger point work. Even the most stressed individuals will leave in a peaceful state, ensuring a perfect night’s sleep. Palazzoversace.ae
Image courtesy of Tierra Santa Healing House
The Restorative Ritual: Tierra Santa Healing House, Miami
The spa rituals at Faena Hotel are based on holistic therapy. The Tree of Life Vibrations signature treatment begins with your choice of essential oil, which is then poured on tension points along the spine. As you lie on a heated bed, a hot stone massage is applied on your back, shoulders, and neck, while handmade Nepalese singing bowls are used to release tension from the lumbar region. You can also extend this 110-minute treatment with further sound therapy. Faena.com
Image courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia
The Rainfall Retreat: Auberge Spa at Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica
Head into the heart of the jungle at Hacienda AltaGracia, starting with a full body exfoliation in a Vichy shower, with jets of water cascading over your prone body. This is followed by a soak in a private Jacuzzi overlooking the lush gardens and a full body massage. Aubergeresorts.com
Image courtesy of Corinthia Hotel
The Historical Journey: The Spa by Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon
Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama and the ingredients he brought to Europe in 1498 are the inspirations behind this 80-minute treatment. Flor de sal, clove buds, and cinnamon are blended and used for a full body exfoliation, which is followed by a massage featuring an oil blend of clove bud and Indian bay to relax the mind and warm the soul. Corinthia.com
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The Live Music Experience: Bota Bota, Montreal
This spa on the water is housed in a 1960s ferryboat, which, after a stint as a showboat, was transformed into a spa. Its most unique treatment is the 60-minute Bota Bota massage – a single or double massage choreographed to the music of a live harpist. Botabota.ca
Image courtesy of The Twelve Apostles
The Mountain Escape: The Spa at The Twelve Apostles, Cape Town
Drawing upon the nature that surrounds it, this 105-minute treatment features stones from Table Mountain, indigenous medicinal fynbos vegetation, and shells. After easing into it with breathing techniques, the therapist gives you an Ayurvedic salt scrub followed by a full body massage, scalp massage, and foot ritual. 12Apostleshotel.com
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Punta Mita
The Cactus Massage: Four Seasons Punta Mita Spa, Mexico
The indigenous Hakali or Nopal cactus is full of antioxidants and is famed for its healing properties. After removing all the spikes, the cactus pads are moved across the skin in soothing strokes. The 50- or 80-minute treatment also uses sage and aloe to rehydrate the skin and leave you feeling completely relaxed. Fourseasons.com
Image courtesy of Four Seasons, Seychelles
The Starlight Experience: Four Seasons, Seychelles
This 90-minute ritual takes place under stars, with the sound of the Indian Ocean lulling you into a deeply relaxed state. After being escorted to the hilltop spa at 7pm, you’ll find yourself on a massage bed surrounded by candles. The therapist uses a blend of essential oils and fluid massage techniques inspired by Ayurvedic rituals. Bags saturated in warmed pine, amber, and frankincense further relieve tension. Fourseasons.com
Image courtesy of Sanduny Baths
The Russian Steam Bath: Sanduny Baths, Moscow
The Sanduny, the oldest and most famous bathhouse in Russia, dates back to 1808. The design is elaborately 19th century Russian: think sculptures, red carpets, marble columns, and lots of gold. Try a traditional Russian banya venik – being slapped with bunches of oak and birch twigs while sitting in a steam room, wearing a felt hat to protect your head from the intense heat. Eng.sanduny.ru
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