The most interesting and luxurious spa treatments revealed

WHO doesn’t love some serious downtime in a spa? Book in for one of these treatments and get downtime and a whole lot more.

The world’s most incredible spa treatments

PICTURE yourself relaxing and completely letting go in some astoundingly beautiful location. You’re feeling restful and blissfully happy as the soothing, calming music takes over your body and you drift off into another world.

Then suddenly (but gently, of course, you’re in paradise remember) you are roused as a mangku (that’s Balinese for Balinese priest) begins to perform a climactic karmic cleansing. His voice is melodic and you feel like you are flying as he ritualistically pours sacred water and flowers through a Balinese gayung — and onto you. Is this even real? Yes.

Luxury spa resorts are located all over the world. On snow-capped mountains, beside far-stretching oceans, next to tranquil lakes, underground, above ground — anywhere that shouts exclusivity. There are resorts that go above and beyond in making sure the customer feels indulged, relaxed and restored, starting with the exceptional views and surroundings.

That said, there are some spas that are offering something a little bit different … Yes, the views and the ambience that comes with being at a luxury spa is all there, but visitors are offered special treatments on top of the traditional ones.

Lush treatments in beautiful surroundings make for the ultimate spa escape. Pictured here is the serene pool at Titanic Spa in the UK. Picture: Supplied

The Karmic Cleansing Ritual is part of the new Extraordinary Experiences created by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay (pictured above), centred on the traditional Balinese journey of self-renewal. It begins with Balinese dongs, involves a traditional Balinese massage and ends with the climactic karmic cleansing (Balinese priest included), which is aimed to purify the body and soul. Want something different? Tick.

Of course, Four Seasons are not the only ones making use of their surroundings and local insider talent. At LeSpa at Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa in New Zealand the signature treatments are based on traditional Maori traditions. Think century-old rituals and traditional therapies with ingredients such as manuka honey, beeswax, Pounamu, and volcanic clay from the North Island’s famed Rotorua geothermic region, famously used by Maori healers. Perhaps the most luxe of the lot is the aptly named Greenstone Ritual, in which indigenous greenstones (which are first hand picked from Central Otago’s riverbeds, then carved and blessed by local Maori elders) are used to massage the body after a steam, body wrap and a scrub.

The greenstones are hand picked from Central Otago’s riverbeds, then carved and blessed by local Maori elders At LeSpa at Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa. Picture: Supplied

On the other side of the world in the USA, thanks to its unique location atop one of the world’s largest subterranean aquifers, Desert Hot Springs in Greater Palm Springs is home to more than two dozen spas and spa hotels. One of them, Two Bunch Palms Resort Spa Resort, has mud baths that are … well, muddy. Those who book in for Moss, Minerals and Mud treatment end up in a tub filled with a mixture of peat moss and mineral-rich clay and water, feeling as if they are floating. According to the Two Bunch Palms team guests walk away feeling rejuvenated like never before — and most come back to play in the mud again.

Muddy baths are in at Two Bunch Palms. Picture: Supplied

If you prefer your baths alcoholic head to the Czech Republic where you can unwind after a long day of castle hopping by having a long dark lager beer bath at Hotel U Sládka. According to the hotel, Real Beer Baths are an original curative spa therapy (original in the Czech Republic perhaps?) and by bathing in beer (which is teamed with warm mineral water) organism functions are harmonised … some say drinking beer has the same effect.

Those who aren’t keen on bathing in mud or beer can opt to have their face and body treated with black pearls at The Spa at Sheraton Melbourne. Germaine De Capuccini’s Black Pearl Treatment uses Mother of Pearl extracts to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, after which a mask (you guessed it, made of black pearls) is applied to the face. Apparently these exotic stones assist with hydrating the skin, anti-ageing and minimising the effects of fatigue.

If diamonds are more your thing, at Titanic Spa in the UK you can get a diamond beauty treatment. Aimed at regaining youthfulness, a fusion of plants and diamonds are used throughout the treatment. The final stage is a diamond ultra firming mask ... of course.

If you prefer your skin care scented, at Raffles Dubai Spa you can get caviar smothered on your face.

“Just relax now while I go get the caviar,” said the therapist at Raffles Dubai Spa. Picture: Supplied

Caviar has long been considered one of the most decadent (and pricey) foods to eat … apparently caviar is good for the skin too! It contains a fair amount of antioxidants, such as Vitamin A and E (which both help to correct and protect the skin) and potassium and selenium (these nutrients improve the skin’s dermis elasticity and help to prevent the erosion of tissues). Just don’t eat the product … it can’t be good for you.