Is it a vain world we live in or just necessary treats that we’ve entitled to? We’re talking spa treatments here of course. Many of us will have experienced some kind of spa treatment in our lives (some more than others of course) but recent news stories have revealed that there are some spas offering some new and rather peculiar treatments. Gone are the days of regular manicures, pedicures and massages; welcome to the world of the craziest spa treatments in the world!
1. Fish Pedicure
A treatment that first arose in Turkey then became popular throughout Asia is now offered in most spas around the world. Women (or men if that’s your thing) dunk their feet into a tank containing 150 Garra Rufa fish. These fish have no teeth but use their suction-like mouths to eat away the dead skin leaving perfectly smooth skin in its place. The treatment was originally used for those suffering from eczema and psoriasis. In Japan they offer full body versions of this treatment!
2. Snake Massage
A spa in northern Israel has introduced a new type of massage with the use of snakes. Owner Ida Barak came up with the unique concept because she believes snakes have a calming effect (probably because the client’s are scared shitless!) and that they can alleviate joint pain. Each to their own I guess…
3. Cactus Massage
The Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico have introduced a new “relaxing” Hakali massage with the use of spine-free cactus paddles. These massage in a blend of nopal, a prickly pear cactus, and pulque – an alcohol made from the agave plant and a relative of modern-day tequila.
4. Golden Facial
Very dodgy name aside this treatment is said to maintain the skin’s youthfulness. It is said the Cleopatra slept every night in a golden mask and this has inspired this unique but expensive treatment that is based on the Queen of the Nile experience. Paper-thin squares of 24-karat gold are applied to the face along with hydrating compounds. This will leave skin tighter and more supple.
5. Butt Facial
At Detroit-area spa Euphoria owner Lisa Johnson has come up with a soothing treatment for people’s butts. “We always try to come up with different ideas for services and I just hadn’t seen it,” said Johnson. “And that’s an area that never gets the treatments it needs. Clients are still covered up as they have their derrieres cleansed and exfoliated. Then a masque is applied and any waxing, if needed, is done. The treatment ends with a warm paraffin treatment.”
6. Reiki on Horseback
In Japanese culture Reiki is the practice of healing energy transferred from practitioner to client. This is believed to correct any imbalance between the spirit and the body. Christina DiBartolo is a Certified Reiki Master and owner of Rockin’ Heart Ranch, and she believes that horses possess a healing energy unlike that of humans. A client receives this experience of Reiki on horseback either alone (depending on their confidence of riding a horse) or with DiBartolo. This treatment is said to relieve everything from physical aches and pains to emotional anxiety.
7. Wine Bath
A popular spa in Japan, located in Kowakien Yunessun, use hundreds of gallons of Beaujolais Nouveau, which is the most popular wine in the country. The pool is constantly fed with the red wine, which clients can bathe in or drink! The wine is poured into the pool through a wine-bottle-shaped spring. A sommelier stands by offering those who wish to indulge in drinking the wine, which is a relief because it seemed for a moment then that they just drank the stuff from the pool everyone bathed in – that would have been nasty!
8. Gondola Massage
Image source - noholidaynolife
The most romantic city in the world offers a weirdly romantic spa treatment: a massage on a gondola. At Casanova Spa at Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy clients can book themselves and their loved ones in for a relaxing gondola massage, which is performed in a private location in one of Venice’s alluring lagoons. They’ve even thought about the threat of the baking sun so to protect the clients skin they use a massage oil with SPF protection.
9. Snow Cave Anti Sauna
Image source - metro
At the Butlins Ocean Spa in Bognor Regis, UK an anti-sauna room has been installed. Its purpose is to cool the person down after using the sauna. The indoor artificial snowstorm is used to create an ambience but the burst of cold is believed to be very good for the body and can help reduce hypertension and tighten pores.
10. Beer Baths
Spas across Germany have introduced beer baths which are said to soothe irritated skin with B vitamins as well as protein compounds. First yeast is thrown into the warm water, then wheat, some hops and lastly some dark German beer. Research from a German University revealed that drinking moderate levels of beer can be good for the body as it can improve bone density. Spas around the country have cottoned onto this idea and introduced the baths.
