Health farms and spa hotel retreats are growing in popularity, and it’s no wonder – the deep satisfying sense of relaxation and wellness that they give the clients is sensational, and just the thing whether you’re looking to unwind and distress, or simply to pamper yourself while at a luxury hotel. But what kind of treatments can you expect to receive? Here are some examples of the treatments you can expect at all the best luxury spa hotels…

Hot Stone Therapy

The concept here is that basalt stones are gently heated, and then placed and rubbed upon key ‘energy paths’ to give a deeply warming feel that enhances the massage you’re having. It expands the blood vessels and gives a delightfully relaxing sensation across the body.

It’s surprising to many first-timers exactly how relaxing hot stone therapy can be, and many find themselves concerned that they are going to end up burned by stones that are too hot. Fortunately the stone’s heat is carefully monitored, meaning you can relax and enjoy the massage. Hot stones are available as a treatment in their own right or as a supplement to others at most luxury spa hotels.

Mud Treatments

Typically in this spa hotel treatment, the body is covered in a mudpack at a temperature and thickness designed to deeply warm the body. This is deeply relaxing to the muscles and is simply a luxurious way of unwinding, leaving you feeling completely rested.

Floatation

Floatation is another deeply relaxing treatment that allows the visitor to feel completely weightless. Unlike in a pool or ocean, spa floatation means you don’t need to make any effort to stay afloat, allowing you to switch off and relax. Luxury spa hotels will contribute to this by setting the mood for unwinding – a combination of lights, sounds and variations of temperature to allow deep relaxation.

Massage

Many luxury hotels have several different types of massage available, all with different styles and benefits. Here are some of the more common ones:

Balinese Massage

Balinese massage involves a combination of gentle stretching, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to encourage the flow of blood, oxygen and ‘qi’ around the body. This provides a feeling of deep relaxation, as well as physical health. It’s especially suited to soothing damaged tissue, relieving joint pain and strained muscles.

Indian Head Massage

As the name suggests, Indian head massage concentrates on the head, neck and shoulders and is as relaxing as you’d expect. It’s a deep massage that is traditionally believed to tap into the body’s seven “chakras” (energy paths) to encourage healing and balance. Whether you believe this or not, one thing is for sure: Indian head massage is deeply relaxing and perfect for any indulgent luxury spa hotel treatment.

Hydromassage

This is different to traditional massages by being completely under water. High powered jets aim to massage the skin and promote circulation. Although this may sound like a Jacuzzi, the jets of water are far more powerful, and the water is hotter in order to open the pores. It will leave your skin feeling cleansed, invigorated and refreshed, but may also leave you feeling a little tired.

Swedish Massage

This is very much the classic massage, and should be available at all spa hotels. It uses a variety of stroking, kneading, rubbing and tapping techniques to improve circulation and to relax the body and muscles. Although it is often portrayed as being brutal in its approach, this is actually not the case, and masseuses using this style of massage tend to use softer strokes on the bony and delicate parts of the body, and stronger parts on the areas with thicker muscle coverage.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a combination of yogic stretches, shiatsu and acupressure, designed to heal pain and release tension. The body is stretched and loosened by the spa hotel’s masseuses who will also apply pressure to key points of the body.

There are many more types of massage available, and if all of these sound a little too complicated, there is the traditional ‘relaxation massage’ available at many luxury hotels. This has no other aims than to gently relax the body with smooth rubbing and gentle music.

If you’re yet to enjoy the decadent delights of a luxury spa hotel, than you really are missing out. If you’re feeling slightly tense, maybe it’s time to book yourself into a spa hotel for some deserved pampering!

Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve “Beyond Special”. For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.