7 most unusual spa treatments from around the world

A traditional facial has got nothing on these

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / July 14 2017

For many of us, the most adventurous spa treatments we’re likely to indulge in include a facial, massage and that’s about it. And while we’ve heard of the luxurious treatments the likes of Kim Kardashian and Victoria’s Secret Angel Taylor Hill indulge in, we bet you never knew you could treat nasal congestion or use burning herbs to boost your energy levels during a trip to the spa.

But as it turns out, these and so many more extravagant and glamorous treatments are on spa menus around the world. Read on to find out more about seven of the most luxurious and unusual spa treatments you can spend your hard earned money on across the globe.

#1 / Moxibustion Chinese Therapy in Italy

The Lefay SPA in Gargano, Italy promotes an east-meets-west philosophy of wellness where the Chinese therapeutic technique of Moxibustion is practiced. Moxibustion (which means burning herb) involves the burning of mugwort, a small spongey medicinal herb, on various acupuncture points and energy pathways on the body. Despite how it sounds, the treatment doesn’t cause patients any pain as the mugwort is lit and extinguished before it burns the skin. Supposed benefits include strengthening the blood, boosting energy levels and improving the results of other therapies.

#2 / Red and Black Pepper Lipolysis in Greece

The Six Senses Spa, overlooking the stunning Mirabello Bay in Crete, offers a detoxifying treatment that’s bound to raise a few eyebrows. The treatment uses the medicinal properties of red and black pepper to stimulate the breakdown of fatty tissue, while deeply moisturising the body. A combination of warming and cooling techniques are used to tone the skin, followed by a firming massage to increase blood and lymph circulation to stimulate detoxification.

#3 / Green Coffee Sculpting in Oman

While we know the lifesaving properties coffee delivers us at 7am on a Monday morning, it turns out green coffee also has rejuvenating, cellulite-busting properties when topically applied to the body. The Green Coffee Sculpting Treatment at the Six Senses Spa in Oman targets the thighs, waist, stomach and glutes to break down fat cells, stimulate circulation and boost metabolism.

#4 / Nasal Treatment in India

If nasal congestion is of concern, the SwaSwara Spa in India might be for you. Nasya is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves the administering of medicinal herbs and oils up the nasal passage to clear sinus congestion and expel toxins from the neck and head region.

#5 / Chavutti Thirumal Massage in St Lucia

The BodyHoliday wellness retreat in St Lucia offers the ancient massage technique of Indian Rope Massage, where the therapist holds onto a rope above your head for balance while using their feet to deeply massage. The technique is ideal for relieving muscle tension, stretching the body, improving circulation and energy flow, and for those who love deep tissue massages.

#6 / Eye Therapy in Nepal

The Ananda Spa at the foothills of the Himalayas combines traditional practices of Ayurveda with contemporary Western approaches for a truly unique spa experience. The eye therapy treatment involves applying ghee to the eye area to treat eye disorders or revive tired eyes. To begin with, a ring of flour paste is applied around the eyes before medicated ghee is poured over the area. This is followed by occasional opening and closing of the eyes.

#7 / Anja Light Therapy in Thailand

This unusual treatment at Phuket Cleanse on the tropical Thai island uses dynamic neural stimulating brainwave technology to induce deep meditative states. Once in this meditative state, you are supposedly able to develop clarity and direction, reduce stress and anxiety.

If you’d like more information on these unusual treatments or maybe even want to try one out for yourself, head to Health and Fitness Travel.

If you want to delve into all things spa, then check out our guide on the best spas around the world.

Do these unusual spa treatments fascinate you? Let us know what treatment you’d most like to try in the comments below.

Image credit: Supplied

Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.