- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
5 Unmissable Traditional Spa Experiences From Around The World
From Turkish Hammams to the Icelandic hot pools, here are 5 traditional spa experiences you must try.
When it comes to wellness, rest and rejuvenation; We often end up inheriting habits and subconscious beliefs regarding it from our parents and grandparents. The truth is that rest, beauty, and wellness practices have been carried forward throughout generations, which means that many are unique to geography and demography. Many wellness practices are a great cocktail of traditional herbs, medicinal science and local spaces that help us stay in touch with our cultures even more.
A Brief History Of Spa & Wellness Centers
The first instance of an ancient spa experience can be traced back to the Romans when bathhouses were a great way for members of the local community to relax, socialise and even conduct business meetings. In fact, Greek and Japanese civilisations were some of the first to practice hot spring baths as a way to unwind and also socialise. Physicians even advised people to frequent hot spring baths as a cure for ailments and that is when medicine and leisure began merging, giving birth to the idea of wellness at large.
Today, conventional and time-honoured spa spaces such as Turkish Hammams, Icelandic hot pools and Japanese Onsen are considered some of the most excellently curated wellness experiences. We’ve listed down traditional spa experiences around the world that you can bookmark for your honeymoon or, better yet,your earlymoon! Read on…
Traditional Spa Experiences From Around The World
Turkish Hammams
Image Credit: TimeOut
Turkish Hammams are steam bath spaces where one is expected to be covered partially, preferably in towels. In most Turkish Hammams, you receive scrubs and massages from skilled attendants along with the steam sessions. Though the massages are not similar to what you may have experienced at a Western spa, most attendants have a certain kind of traditional knowledge of the art of massage and will still provide you with a service that’ll leave you feeling refreshed. Consider tryingHurrem Sultan HammamandAli Paşa Hamamıon your trip to Turkey, this time around.
Icelandic Hot Pools
Image Credit: Blue Lagoon
Icelandic hot pools (also known as thermal pools) are rich in minerals and are nature’s boon for skin, muscle, bone and lung health. Since the water comes straight from springs that naturally have hot water, taking a dip in one of these will also relax you on a mental and emotional level (because come on, who doesn’t love a hot bath?). You can try Icelands’s iconicBlue Lagoon, which has excellent spa facilities, accommodation as well as day visit options so that you can choose how extensively you want to indulge in the experience. Apart from this,Forest Lagoonis also a stunning resort option that you can consider, it offers both hot and cold pool amenities as well as dry saunas. And, as the name suggests, expect to be surrounded by the lush Vaðlaskógur forest and be in absolute tranquility.
Japanese Onsen
Image Credit: Matcha
Japanese Onsens are bath houses which are facilitated by spring water. But Japanese bath culture is both about mental as well as spiritual wellness and provides a sanctuary to an individual and the mind. The services at an Onsen can include facials and massages along with a great hot spring bath experience. It is advised to be partially covered in a Japanese Onsen, some provide you with towels or let you rent one. It is also discouraged to be loud or boisterous at a Japanese bathhouse as it’s considered a safe space for relaxation and quieting the mind. You can considerKusatsu Onsen, which is located amidst Gunma Prefecture and has a hot pool in the centre of the town andNoboribetsu Onsenlocated in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
Finnish Saunas
Saunas are known toaid cardiovascular healthand help decrease stress levels. Finnish civilisations happen to be one of the oldest to have integrated saunas into their social and wellness systems. It is an integral part of Finnish culture to visit saunas to unwind. Today, saunas can be found at exemplary resorts in the Nordic country of Finland. And you can have access to great restaurants and accommodation within the premises you decide to experience a sauna.Pistohiekka Resort(located at Lake Saimaa) andLöyly(a restaurant and public sauna located at Helsinki) are two of the nicest Finnish saunas you can consider.
Mexican Temazcal
Image Credit: One&Only Mandarina
Rather than a specific location, the Mexican Temazcal is a ceremony of sorts. It is conducted inside a sweat house, so the process does look a lot like a sauna situation. It is also conducted by a native healer who uses herbs, plants and songs for the entire experience. Expect to be inside what looks like a mud igloo, and detoxify your body in this mud house. ConsiderOne&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayaritand Templo de Calor, the Five-Star Los Cabos hotel for a relaxed visit and to experience a traditional Temazcal.
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