A long time ago, there was an ancient Roman city on the current territory of Belgium, named Aquae Spadanae, known for its natural mineral springs. Today, that city is called Spa. Still, even though it is the city that gave the name to every spa in the world, it is not the one which perfected the practice of pampering to the point of near-divine experience. Wellness trends became much more than a gym, spa, yoga, and meditation – now they need to involve distant getaways and a dose of luxury. In the search for the most luxurious spa treatments, we must travel around the globe since there is no single spa Mecca in the world, each of them is unique in its own way.
It’s Gold Rush All over Again
Is there anything more luxurious than pure gold? Well, hardly. Many ancient civilizations (remember the Egyptians) believed that this precious metal gives immortality. The main function of gold in today’s treatments, though, is far from immortality, but it does improve poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension and depression. Also, many beauty experts claim that it can be beneficial for body detox since it can absorb pollutants. If you decide for this ultimate pampering in Oman, you will first get a basil-mint scrub and then you will be treated with a gold and clay body mask.
Legally Addictive
In many countries of Latin America there has been quite a controversy about consumption of coca, which is the main ingredients of cocaine, but it has been proven that without the chemical processing, it is not harmful, on the contrary. The leaves of coca are packed with calcium and skin-friendly alkaloids. They are used in traditional Andean medicine to treat muscle pain, headache, depression, high blood pressure, etc. In Peru, you can get a coca leaf body mask treatment, designed to improve blood circulation and detoxify your body. Spa starts with Andean sauna, continues to a sublime coca-oil body massage, coca leaf body mask, and finishes with a coca leaf moisturizer.
Pancakes Anyone?
When someone says “maple syrup” your original thought must be “pancakes”. And although the two combine perfectly, maple extract can and is used in spa treatments, because it is packed with antioxidants, minerals and polyphenols which make it hydrating, reparative and soothing. In Vermont, you can try a maple sugar body scrub which can help your body release toxins and get rid of dead skin cells. The maple sap is extracted from local trees.
The Power of Pearls
Remember when we asked is there something more luxurious than gold? Forget about that. In Tahiti, you can get a black pearl body buff. Black pearl is rare as it is beautiful since it is found only in French Polynesia. When crushed it can have skin lightening and anti-aging properties, and it can also improve circulation. If you choose for a treatment in Tahiti, you will get an out-of-this-world buff with real Tahitian black pearls and indigenous hydrating nut oil (monoi), which will make your skin smooth and glowing.
Following the Footsteps of the Mayans
Achiote is a plant that is mostly grown in Brazil, Peru and Mexico, and it has been used for health and beauty ever since the time of Mayans. Locals use it to deal with stomach distress, skin problems, high cholesterol and obesity. The oil extracted from achiote acts as a UV protection and has moisturizing and antioxidant properties. An achiote hydrating wrap you can get in Cancun is ideal for nourishing tired and dry skin. Besides achiote, this therapy also uses mud from the Chicxulub meteor crater.
Go Green
Forget about the veggies, go for the most luxurious green there is – jade. The stone is considered a symbol of power, beauty and good health in Asia, and it is thought that it can help to even the skin tone, add moisture, reduce inflammation, etc. If you visit Beijing, you must try the jade hot stone massage, which is a true process of pampering. First, your face is cleansed and then you get an acupressure head massage. After, your body is doused in warm scented oils and then the hot jade stones are used for a deep massage to loosen the muscles and achieve spiritual harmony
These were six spa treatments around the world offering impaired luxury, and they are well worth the travel.
