From sound therapy to yoga, wellness treatments and therapies inspired by traditional eastern techniques are essential for any wellness routine. Here’s more about spa treatments at international hotels inspired by eastern techniques.
The Saxon Spa, at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
An oasis nestled in the metropolis of Johannesburg, the Spa at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is a lovely and transcendent retreat from the busy city. The spa boasts many natural features and design elements which are strategically integrated throughout the facility to promote both vitality and balance. A signature spa treatment influenced by Eastern culture is Sound Therapy Advanced with Crystal Therapy, which utilizes the therapeutic sound vibrations of gongs, cymbals, Tibetan singing bowls and bells to balance and restore the body’s natural energy centers. This treatment allows guests to reach a deep state of relaxation and re-energize their chakra centers with the unique healing properties of clear quartz for expanding consciousness, amethyst for purifying the mind, rose quartz to promote love and inner healing, and aventurine crystals to combat electromagnetic pollution while bringing about calm. Used together with the Tibetan singing bowls, their vibrational frequency is enhanced, cleansing, balancing and re-energizing the body’s energy flow. The therapy aids in reducing stress levels and stimulating the immune system.
Ellerman House
The Ellerman House Spa is a natural extension of the property’s commitment to personalized service and showcasing the best that South Africa has to offer in terms of hospitality. Surrounded by lush indigenous plants, ocean views and a tranquil garden, this spa has been designed to encourage relaxation, rejuvenation and self-improvement. The spa offers a Bellabaci Massage, one of the best deep tissue massages available. This massage is a wonderful ancient technique that has found its place in the modern world of healing and incorporates the use of Bellabaci cups to release toxins from the muscles and enhance circulation. It creates a vacuum up to four inches into the tissue, causing it to release toxins and waste from the body. Cupping therapy has been practiced all over the world for thousands of years and was believed to cure almost every disorder. It forms part of the traditional Chinese school of medicine, working on acupressure points to relieve the stagnation of Qi and blood. Traditional Chinese medicine also practices cupping to treat respreitory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis. Beyond a message, cupping has a number of benefits and can help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, overall relaxation and well-being.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel, located in the Alpine region of Arosa, is known for its uniquely designed Tschuggen Bergoase Spa and the various wellness experiences they offer from across the globe, including their Abhyanga body therapy. Rooted in Ayurvedic medicine and teachings from India, Abhyanga is the ultimate oil massage providing lasting effects on the body and soul. Fragrant oils are swept across the body in a circular motion, alternating the pressure applied to specific points allowing guests to unwind and their bodies to be brought into harmony. Following their therapy, travelers can soak in the Tschuggen Bergoase's pools and rock grotto for ultimate relaxation.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Set amid fragrant gardens and hot springs, the new Spa Chasi La Sothys just launched at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The brand-new bespoke spa interweaves Japan’s ancient wellness tenets with the French techniques Sothys is known for. Like the ever changing landscape of Niseko, the spa takes cues from nature, incorporating land-sourced ingredients into signature treatments such as Nature’s Wisdom, a 150-minute treatment that relieves stiffness and pain with a traditional massage and facial but with a twist - using hot spring water.
Additionally, every treatment at the facility begins with a special Ritual of the Earth that combines the mysterious healing power of natural black silica that has been harnessed since ancient times with western techniques. A rare ore, black silica is only extracted from the mountainous upper stream of Amano-kawa (river) that flows through the Kaminokuni region in Hokkaido.
Fregate Island
Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, newly reopened Fregate Island is a renowned conservation sanctuary and luxury resort with a total of 17 private villas. Fregate Island is home to the Rock Spa, a shaded sanctuary within a peaceful teak house on a granite hilltop, with views across the rain forest canopy to the Indian Ocean. Every guest receives a complimentary Yoga session and Welcome Ritual, helping them attune to the island’s rhythm. Yoga sessions and treatments offered at Rock Spa can also be arranged to take place in guests’ villas. Treatments include coconut milk body scrubs, facials and massages that use many of the botanicals and fruits found right on the island. Guests can collect their own fruit and ingredients in the gardens, to create an organic treatment for natural beauty.