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.

These warm heart-shaped salt stones and pomelo oil to promote inner peace

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.

The therapist uses their feet to deliver a deeper massage

(4) Green coffee sculpting in Oman: Zighy Bay Sense of De-stress

Discover a whole new world on the Arabian Peninsula of Oman, in a secluded bay surrounded by mountains.

Wake up and smell the green coffee with an energising body treatment focusing on the thighs, waist, tummy and derriere, aimed at breaking down fat cells, stimulating circulation and boosting metabolism.

The treatment begins with dry skin brushing, before being massaged with the thermogenic, salon-strength chilli and coffee oil for a caffeine hit to rival your morning java.

(5) Nasal treatment in India: SwaSwara Ayurveda

Escape to India on a holistic healing retreat, where you can rediscover the simplicity of the earth at this wellness haven nestled in the secluded, unspoilt Indian countryside.

The spa focuses on the power of Ayurveda, with an extensive list of internal and external therapies that are not to be sniffed at. One of which is Nasya, an ancient Ayurvedic practice that encourages nasal administration of medicinal herbs, decoctions and oils, to clear sinus congestion and expel toxins from the head and neck region.

With the nose being the gateway to the brain, you’ll breathe easy knowing you’re healing your mind as well as your body, giving you a sense of clarity in other aspects of your life upon your return.

(6) Colour therapy in Malaysia: The Banjaran Rejuvenation

Set amongst tropical jungle and limestone hills, you can experience chromotherapy, a spa technique using colours to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that encourage greater health and harmony.

By cultivating the frequencies of individual colours to balance and re-shape the energy in our bodies, a greater level of physical and spiritual healing can be achieved. Have you been staring at a computer screen for too long?

Try a blue light. It can promote relaxation and calm whilst aiding the recurrence of the symptomatic headaches. Or perhaps you’re tense from sitting? Violet eliminates stress and relaxes muscles.

Once you’ve discovered your favourite colour, head for the green, with luscious jungle, Japanese gardens and a world-class golf course all nearby, making it the perfect choice for a destination spa holiday.

(7) Chavutti thirumal massage in St Lucia: BodyHoliday De-Stress

When it comes to spa therapies, this leading St Lucian wellness retreat designed to maximise wellbeing and improve health.

Whilst having someone walk all over you may not seem like therapy, this ancient Indian massage technique releases muscular tension, stretches the body and improves circulation and energy flow, and is perfect for those who enjoy deep tissue massage.

Also known as Indian rope massage, the therapist holds onto a rope above their head for balance and to adjust pressure, while using their feet to deliver a stronger, deeper massage.

Feel like you need a change of scenery? Spa therapies on the next page can be found in locations such as the Himalayan foothills, while there’s a way to unlock astral projection.

A light cleanse could result in astral projection

(8) Farm-to-facial in Italy: Borgo Egnazia Spa

A million miles from the swarming rush hour in the untouched region of Puglia, this wellness haven takes relaxation to another level.

A tantalising menu of spa treatments awaits, including their signature “Abbel Bel” treatment (translating to “slowly slowly”), that features fresh herbs harvested in Borgo’s kitchen garden, making it an ideal destination for an eco-friendly spa holiday.

With an ingredients list that reads more like a salad dressing, this “sentimental” treatment for the face combines lemon, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, almond milk, camellia oil and olive oil to create a facial treatment that nurtures the skin, relaxes the senses, and promotes an overall sense of wellbeing.

(9) Eye therapy in Nepal: Ananda Rejuvenation

Based at the Himalayan foothills, the spa at Ananda integrates the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda with contemporary western approaches, ensuring a truly unique spa experience.

For a real eye-opener, try “Akshi Tarpana”, an ayurvedic spa treatment that involves applying ghee to the eyes to treat eye disorders or simply revive tired office eyes.

Whilst lying down, a “ring” of flour paste is formed around the eyes into which medicated ghee is then gently poured, followed by intermittent opening and closing of the eyes.

After treating the windows to your soul, turn your attention inwards with a variety of holistic wellness activities available at this spa retreat, including Yoga, Pranayama and meditation.

(10) Anja light therapy in Thailand: Phuket Cleanse

For a life-changing wellness holiday, look no further than Phuket Cleanse on the tropical island of Phuket, where you’ll find a range of spa therapies to detox the body and relax the mind.

Anja Light Therapy uses dynamic neural stimulating brainwave technology to induce deep meditative states; a state usually only obtained by meditative experts such as Buddhist monks and Shamans.

As you explore the depths of your perception, develop clarity and direction, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a more profound connection with a broader reality. You might even be lucky enough to experience out-of-body and astral projections.

Paul Joseph is the co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel