The Best and Wildest Spa Treatments From Around The World

Spas are portals helping us on our healing journeys. Sometimes those journeys end up wrapping us in seaweed, and sometimes sweet smelling hay. No matter what it is you seek, better skin or a calmer nervous system, keeping an open mind is the key to unlocking a better and healthier you. There is a whole world of treatments that stem from ancient remedies. Once you educate yourself on their origins and benefits, some of the wildest treatments begin to make sense. Keeping that in mind, let’s familiarize ourselves with the world’s quirkiest spa treatments.

Hotel Heubad Hay Bath in Northern Italy (Fie' Allo Sciliar)

Hay Bath

Believe it or not hay baths go back hundreds of years. Farmers from all over the world like to sleep in hay and swear by its healing powers to rid them of aches and pains. The effects of hay were first researched in 1888 with pastor Kneipp, the water doctor, gaving it his stamp of approval. The hay bath treatment can be found at a family-run hotel, Hotel Heubad in Northern Italy. In fact, they have been offering it since 1903, and even incorporate aromatic hay into the spa amenities. The hay bath treatment can allegedly help treat everything from obesity to a stiff neck. Those you tried it swear by its therapeutic effects and help with arthritis, rheumatism, sleeping disorders, digestive problems and more. While Hotel Heubad is no longer allowed to claim this treatment as a cure, visitors come from near and far to try it for themselves. Those that do, find themselves coming back. A hay bath typically consists of local plants, like arnica, ryegrass, lady’s mantle, and others.

What is the experience like? You will lie down on a sheet and get covered with warm, pre-soaked hay. More hay is piled on top of the body, and all the way up to your chin. The sheet is then wrapped around you and you are lowered onto a water bed, which is heated up to about 107 degrees. Those who enjoy the treatment are welcomed to indulge five to six times a week. It would seem that there is no such thing as overdoing a hay bath. Those with allergies are, of course, discouraged from trying it.

Osmosis Day Spa Cedar Enzyme Bath in California.

Cedar Enzyme Bath

Immerse yourself in a mixture of ground cedar and rice bran with living enzymes. This Japanese deep-heating body treatment gained international attention and popularity in the 1970s, after the Sapporo Winter Olympics. During the 11th Winter Olympics held in Japan, athletes were seen recuperating in hot enzyme baths. The rejuvenating treatment helped them recover faster, while relieving pressure and stress. The Cedar Enzy Bath is ideal for athletes, people with poor circulation, and any skincare enthusiast. The Osmosis Day Spa in California was the first and only spa in the United States to offer it, thanks to their founder, Michael Stusser.

What is the experience like? During your treatment you can choose to immerse your entire body, or have your hands free. You will be immersed in a fermented mixture of fragrant found cedar and rice bran. The mixture feels warm and soft, allowing for calm and relaxation. The warmth is generated by biological fermentation, mimicking your body’s natural metabolic processes. The entire process allows for improved circulation, joint and muscle pain relief, and uninterrupted relaxation. The mixture even cleanses your skin, giving it a healthy glow. For added stress-relief, book yourself a head massage.

Rebecca Matthews Photography

V-Steam

V-Steam, also called the Yoni-Steam or Womb Sauna is a straight forward treatment of vagina steaming. While you may have heard about it from Gwenyth Paltrow, the V-steam is an old-age treatment practiced in a number of cultures. It was mainly used for fertility issues, cleansing, and cramp relief. Not only is the experience surprisingly relaxing, it allows you to celebrate your womanhood. In some cultures, this calming treatment gets incorporated into a social and ceremonial ritual, during which you bond with other women.

What is the experience like? During the V-steam you are seated in a squat like position on a chair that opens up to a steaming bowl of water and an herbal mixture, consisting of basil, calendula, chamomile and lavender. It is recommended you enjoy the treatment for about 15-20 minutes. Those who provide it, swear by its cleansing benefits. The treatment is also said to help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce stress, improve circulation, alleviate painful menstrual cramps, and even help with bladder and vaginal infections. It is not recommended you try it home, but if you do, be careful not to burn yourself.

The Original Beer Spa in Prague

Beer Bath

The Czech Republic has found a way to not only enjoy making and drinking beer, they want you to bath in it as well. The beer bath dates back to the kingdom of Bohemia, when monarchs enjoyed bathing in a frothy mixture of hops and barley. While the idea of a beer bath sounds alarming, there is no need to worry your delicate disposition. A 2013 study has shown that beer ingredients can be healing for the skin. In fact, beer baths have become so popular with skincare enthusiasts, the treatment is now offered all over the world.

What is the experience like?

To start, you should decide if you would like to experience the beer bath alone or with a friend. Trying the treatment with a friend can a bonding experience, especially if you drink a few beers together. Spas will typically have you reserve a private room, which may include a hay bed, a sauna, and even refreshments. A beer bath is simply what it says, a bath. You are submerged into a large cedar tub, filled with warm and relaxing liquid. The beer bath typically includes ingredients like barley, hops, and other seasonal and local ingredients. There is no need to worry about the bath being sticky. It is just the opposite. Your skin will feel clean and soft. There are many beer spas to choose from, but for a real authentic experience, try it while visiting Prague or the countryside of Czechia. After all, this relaxing treatment will surely leave you feeling stress and jet-lag free.