It doesn’t take much, just mention the word “spa” and I’m there! For me, it conjures up an image of beautiful serenity and peaceful bliss. And afterward, I always feel more connected…body, mind and spirit. Taking the time for self care, not only honors our need to relax, reflect and rejuvenate, but makes us better people to those around us.
Studies show that treatments such as massage, can help the body in myriad ways, including, but not limited to: lowering blood pressure, managing anxiety and depression, and boosting immunity. It can also help you feel more grounded, and ready to take on the world. There are really no negative aspects to a day at the spa!
For those interested in exploring some of the more exotic spas around the globe, I’ve got the skinny on 5 of the most talked about spa properties out there. Some may be more exotic than others, but surely there’s one just for you:
Revitalizing Moroccan Deep Tissue Massage – The Royal Mansour Marrakech
Built by the King of Morocco, The Royal Mansour Marrakech recreates a traditional Medina within the Old City walls. Comprised of 53 elegant riads (Moroccan style homes) with interior gardens, the hotel staff provides unparalleled service through a series of underground tunnels. The property hosts two gastronomic restaurants guided by three-Micheline Star Chef Yannick Alleno.
Treatments at the stunning 27,000 foot Moroccan spa are tailored to suit the individual. Experience one of their signature varieties, like a Moroccan deep tissue massage with argon oil (endemic to Morocco), focusing on therapeutic pressure points; or an ancient bathing ritual combining hot saunas, fragranced steam and cold plunge pools to revitalize the body and soul, in a state of the art hamman.
Ancient TokSen Massage in Texas – Lake Austin Spa Resort
Along the scenic shores of Lake Austin, about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, discover The Lake Austin Spa Resort. This award-winning lakeside retreat hosts 40 casually elegant guest rooms and world-class spa facilities. The 25,000-square foot LakeHouse Spa features 20 indoor treatment rooms, as well as outdoor options like the Bamboo Room, an Outdoor Garden Suite with private outdoor shower, in-ground hot tub with waterfall, lush gardens and an treatment tent for two.
The “deeply relaxing” treatment known as TokSen, an ancient massage from Northern Thailand that utilizes the stretching of Table Thai massage combined with rhythmic tapping on the energy lines of the body with a special wooden hammer to create deeply healing vibrations. The soothing vibrations help release energy blockages and stimulate circulation, leaving the body feeling relaxed and rebalanced.
Maori Treatments in New Zealand – The Treetops Lodge and Estate
Nestled in an 800-year old native forest of Rotura, New Zealand, is 2,500 acres of wilderness retreat called The Treetops Lodge and Estate. This “uniquely New Zealand experience” centers around a magnificent natural setting with 7 streams, 4 lakes and over 43 miles of adventure trails located a short distance from the Maori ” heartland”, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Amidst this wildlife sanctuary lies their newly renovated spa.
Here you’ll enjoy authentic styles of Maori treatments, known for their ancient and sacred healing properties, using products created with locally sourced ingredients “believed to combine physical and spiritual cleansing”. Try the mirimiri (meaning “natural gift”)massage, believed to calm the central nervous system, “begins with an ancient Maori prayer and powhiri (welcome) to honor you and your ancestors, followed by deeply relaxing theraputic massage with native kawakawa oil to raise the vibration of your physical body. Your mauri (life essence) and wairua (spirit) are encouraged to synchronize thus giving a sense of well-being, connectedness and balance.”
Body Glow Treatment in Belize – Blancaneaux Lodge
In the verdant Maya Mountains of Belize, you’ll find a secluded mountain retreat named Blancaneaux Lodge. Owned by famed movie director/producer Francis Ford Coppola, the resort serves as ideal backdrop for nature pursuits to please all–spectacular horseback riding, exotic bird watching, and adventurous cave exploration. Near the lodge is The Acun Tunichil Muknal, ranked as one of the “Top 10 Caves in the World” by National Geographic Magazine.
Also on the property, set on the banks of the Privasson Creek, is the the acclaimed Waterfall Spa. It is here that the ancient techniques of Thai massage are practiced by staff who are professionally trained at the Sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bankok. Experience one of their unique “body glow” treatments using a combination of local, organic ingredients like bananas, custom blended honey and salt crystals. Afterwards, bask in the warm waters of their rejuvenating hot pool, overlooking cascading waterfalls.
A Spa Package on the Beaches of Brazil – Uxua Casa Hotel
A boutique property in the heart a small fishing village on Brazil’s southern Bahian coast? That’s Uxua Casa Hotel and each of the 10 casas were created by Dutch Fashion designer Wilbert Das, with local artisans, using reclaimed materials. Does it get any better than that? Well, yes! Did I mention it’s spectacular beach location? Or its two restaurants specializing in Bahian cuisine? How about the swimming pool created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz, thought to have powerful healing qualities.
If that’s not enough to get excited about, let’s talk about UXUA’s Almescar Spa, a tranquil escape located “at the edge of the Atlantic rainforest, where jungle meets the sea”. The spa’s signature treatments incorporate oil derived from the Almescar tree, indigenous only to Southern Bahia and the Amazon. For a real treat, try the Bahian Spa and Wellness Experience, a 5 day package that includes a warm welcome to your casa with homemade herbal tea, a warm foot bath with aventurine quartz stones, daily sessions of morning Yoga, white clay lagoon trip with on-location mineral-rich mud treatment, Bahian cacao facial treatment, classic brazilian hand and feet spa – with manicure / pedicure and an assortment of daily massage treatments, such as almescar tree oil massage, Moonbath, pre-sun body scrub and hydrating massage, after sun skin repair with extra virgin coconut oil, lymphatic drainage massage with essential oil of ginger.