Call off the search. As founder of Health and Fitness Travel, I’ve trawled the globe to discover the most unusual spa therapies on offer.

From colour vibration therapy in Malaysia to pepper lipolysis in Greece, these unconventional spa therapies will raise the eyebrows of even the quirkiest spa aficionado.

(1) Moxibustion Chinese therapy in Italy: Lefay SPA

For those seeking to escape their hectic lives and busy work schedules, indulge in a luxury spa break overlooking Lake Garda. The award-winning spa pursues an East-meets-West wellness philosophy where you can encounter “Moxibustion”, a Chinese therapeutic technique meaning “burning herb”.

This spa therapy, however, has nothing to do with smoking recreational ‘herbs’; rather, the burning of mugwort, a small, spongey medicinal herb, on various acupuncture points and energy pathways around the body.

For those concerned about combustion, after the “moxa” is placed on the body and lit, it is extinguished and removed before it burns the skin, producing a pleasant heating sensation.

This treatment stimulates blood flow and gives your energy levels a well needed and sustainable boost.

(2) Red and black pepper Lipolysis in Greece: Porto Elounda Detox

In the north-eastern corner of Crete, Porto Elounda is home to the award-winning Six Senses Spa, where you can experience a detoxifying treatment like no other.

Using the medicinal properties of red and black pepper to stimulate the breakdown of fatty tissue, this dinner table staple delivers a deeply moisturising treatment, designed to refresh and rejuvenate over-worked bodies.

A combination of warm and cool techniques is also used to tone the skin. Counteracting years of sitting at a desk, the firming massage that follows stimulates detoxification and aids slimming by increasing blood and lymph circulation.

(3) Himalayan heart stone massage in Vietnam: Fusion Maia

Relinquish your responsibilities and find complete tranquillity as you discover Vietnam’s East Coast at Fusion Maia.

Of these spa therapies, for a massage with a heartfelt difference, try the Himalayan Heart Stone Massage, a gentle, alkalising therapy using warm heart-shaped salt stones and pomelo oil to promote inner peace.

The warmth from the stones will ease the common tensions, aches and pains that arise from the stresses of working life, while the stones’ positive ions are believed to rid your body of harmful vibrations and clear the air around you.

On the next page, find out which bizarre spa therapies involve green coffee and what’s required to unlock the gateway to your brain.

Share this story