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Special Treatment: The Most Unique Spa Experiences from Across the Globe

blue-lagoon-iceland

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

The Spicy Lipolysis: Porto Elounda Six Senses Spa, Crete

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

The Algae Body Mask: Talise Spa at Jumeirah Messilah, Kuwait

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

Palazzo Versace

Image courtesy of Palazzo Versace

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

The Restorative Ritual: Tierra Santa Healing House, Miami

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

Hacienda AltaGracia

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

Corinthia Hotel

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

Bota Bota

Image courtesy of Bota Bota

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

The Twelve Apostles

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

Four Seasons Punta Mita

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

Four Seasons, Seychelles

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

Sanduny Baths

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

Now Read: This Dubai Sanctuary Was Named the Best Spa in the Middle East

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