Summary of Wacky Spa Treatments
Slathered with seaweed, bent like a pretzel, or pounded to a pulp, Dave and I have had our fair share of unique spa treatments.
World’s Wackiest and Weird Spa Treatments
Throughout our travels, we have indulged in luxurious treatments such as deep tissue and hot stone massages, acupuncture, and bamboo therapies. However, it is the crazy, zany, and downright wacky spa treatments that have left a lasting impression on us.
Moreover, we always share a good laugh when reminiscing about our zaniest spa memories, so we thought we’d share some of these amusing experiences with you.
Discover our selection of the wackiest spa treatments experienced around the world.
1. Hot Cupping in Yangzhou
Many may wonder, “What’s so wacky about hot cupping? Gweneth Paltrow swears by it!” However, we believe you haven’t truly experienced hot cupping until you’ve done it in China.
Since that time, I’ve visited several places for a tame version, involving just a few cups. In contrast, in China, approximately 40 bamboo cups were placed on our backs and left for 20 minutes while the practitioners worked their magic.
The sensation was intense as the cups suctioned onto our skin, pinching our backs and creating a feeling of being tightly squeezed. Consequently, I had to calm my breath while the cups were applied at rapid speeds.
Dave amusingly noted, “It would have been better to go first because watching was downright frightening.”
2. Seaweed Bath in Ireland
In Ireland, it’s an old tradition to relax in a tub filled with seaweed harvested from the North Atlantic coast. While driving along the Wild Atlantic Way, Dave and I decided we must give it a try.
Initially, Dave was hesitant, stating, “I normally avoid touching seaweed while swimming, so bathing in it doesn’t sound appealing.” However, I countered with, “When in Rome… err, Ireland.” It’s hard to describe the experience, so we’ll let our video convey it.
3. Hammam in Morocco
What is a Hammam?
If you’re unfamiliar, a Hammam is among the most unique and wacky massages you might ever experience.
It begins in a steaming hot room, where everyone is nude and visibility is minimal. You are then guided to a marble slab where an attendant scrubs and positions your body as they see fit.
Before this, I never realized I could become a contortionist! As Dave amusingly remarked, “I thought he was going to break my back at one point!” Notably, the experience starts with a vigorous body scrub that likely removes several layers of skin. If this sounds intriguing, Morocco is the place to go.
4. Turkish Bath
Similar to the Hammam, the Turkish Bath begins in a dry sauna instead of a steam room and concludes with a refreshing plunge in a cold pool.
While the process is reminiscent of our Hammam experience, we received scrubs and massages on a marble slab in a grand domed room. Although it was strange and uncomfortable, embracing the experience allowed us to enjoy it immensely. Heat, scrubs, and slippery massage surfaces made for an unforgettable experience.
5. Ayurvedic Massage in India
During our visit to Alleppy, we discovered one of the best Ayurvedic Massage centers in India.
Initially, a massage wasn’t part of our plans, but it appeared to be the popular choice, so we thought we’d give it a shot. Both therapists assigned to us spoke no English, allowing us to relax and let them do their work.
Our Unique Massage Experiences
Dave’s therapist enveloped him snugly in a little loincloth and began the treatment.
Meanwhile, my therapist applied oil liberally, focusing on my upper body, which was unexpected yet strangely delightful.
Afterward, as we walked back home, still radiating with oil, Dave humorously remarked, “I wasn’t sure whether to tip him or take him to dinner.”
6. Salt Cave in Canada
Experiencing a salt cave seemed bizarre to us. Yet, surprisingly, we’ve visited at least two more since! The crunch of salt beneath our feet contrasted with the cold room where we sat bundled under blankets for 45 minutes.
Benefits of a Salt Cave
We were told that spending this time in the salt cave was equivalent to a two-week detox cleanse. However, all Dave could think was, “Is this a massage space or a place to store my wine?”
While we sat in the cave observing the twinkling lights, I found it hard to embrace relaxation due to the coldness. Aren’t spas meant to be warm and cozy? I can step outside in Canada during January if I want to feel chilly!
7. Mud Bath in Vietnam
Although we visited Vietnam years ago, this spa treatment has remained vivid in our memories.
After traversing Thailand and Laos with various Thai massages, we were eager for something different at the mud baths in Vietnam. So, we decided to indulge and soak in ooey-gooey mud.
A Mud Bath Experience
We walked into hot mud pits, poured mud over our heads, and massaged it into our skin. It was spontaneous fun as we moved from one pool to another, completely covered in mud.
After drying under the sun, we simply washed off – that’s the whole experience.
8. Dead Sea of Jordan
Tourists from all over the world flock to the Dead Sea for its healing properties, and we were certainly excited to join in! We eagerly jumped into the warm waters and coated ourselves in the therapeutic black mud.
Salt Sensations
However, upon entry, the salt stung our sensitive skin. The discomfort made me long for fresh water, and even after rinsing, the pain persisted.
In the hopes of relief, we diligently applied black mud all over ourselves, only to experience increased discomfort as it dried. Despite the pain, our stubbornness urged us to persist and keep the mud on for as long as we could tolerate.
9. Reflexology in Penang, Malaysia
Have you ever watched early seasons of the Amazing Race, where contestants endured foot massages with visible discomfort? Did you find them weak? Well, we have lived through that very experience in Penang, and let me tell you, it was intense!
An Excruciating Experience
Every pressure point hit on my foot was agonizing. As I grimaced and twisted, I warned Dave of the pain awaiting him. However, to my surprise, he remained calm and at ease throughout his treatment.
In the therapist’s defense, I was battling Graves Disease and hyperthyroid at the time, which made me quite tense. Perhaps this massage experience contributed to my eventual recovery!
10. Ion Foot Bath in Nepal
After months of wandering the streets of Asia in flip-flops, our feet were in dire need of attention. Following our trek to Everest Base Camp, we decided it was time for a foot treatment and opted for an Ion foot bath instead of a traditional pedicure.
Understanding the Ion Foot Bath
This treatment promises to detoxify the body, with changing colors in the water indicating the release of toxins. To our amazement, the water turned dark, illustrating the toxins being eliminated.
However, when a young girl next to Dave requested her own footbath, her water remained nearly clear, proving the treatment was legitimate and revealing just how toxic our bodies had become!
11. Fish Spa in Greece
It took us a while to gather the courage to try a fish spa, as the thought of little critters nibbling at our skin was rather off-putting.
Fish Spa in Santorini
However, while in Santorini, we decided to take the plunge and were pleasantly surprised! The fish targeted our tired feet, working on our cracked heels and dry toes, leaving our feet incredibly smooth afterward.
Is it clean and safe?
Although they assured us the water was regularly cleaned, we remained skeptical, acknowledging our status as adventurous travelers willing to try anything once.
In summary, these are our fascinating and wacky spa experiences from around the world. Some are stranger than others, some downright silly, while others offer incredible relaxation.
Would we repeat these experiences? Absolutely! The odder, the better.
We cherish the memories created and are eager to try new and unusual treatments, regardless of how peculiar they may seem.
What’s the strangest spa experience you’ve encountered?
