With health and self-care becoming a priority for many of us, therapeutic holidays are becoming increasingly popular. From invigorating Turkish hammams to the ultimate relaxation of an Indian Head Massage, there are many incredible treatments to enjoy across the globe.
With so many options to choose from though, it can be difficult to decide which location and treatment is right for you. Now One Body LDN, the world-class physiotherapy company, has pinpointed the places to go for the best possible experiences.
Kurt Johnson, founder of Body One Body LDN, said that therapeutic treatments are essential for the wellness of the mind and the body, and can be instrumental in helping the body heal.
“Treatments such as massage have long been send as a nice-to-have but not essential part of self-care, but actually they are vital in keeping the mind and body healthy. Taking a therapeutic break is a brilliant way to relax after a stressful period of work, in our personal life, or after a physical injury.
“It’s also a fantastic way to combine seeing the world and different cultures with experiences that are beneficial to our body and mind.
“However, there’s so much choice it can be difficult to work out where and what to go for. Our guide identifies the best of the best, and all come highly recommended, so why not treat yourself.”
Here are OneBodyLDN.com’s fantastic massage location tips from around the world:
Turkey
Visit a Turkish bath for a Turkish hammam. This traditional massage uses steam, humidity and water to cleanse and purify the body. It’s a therapeutic ritual that extends back to ancient times and is an integral part of Turkish culture. You will find Turkish baths located in any town or city in Turkey and can expect to pay around £10 per session. However, for the ultimate experience, Cağaloğlu Hamamı in Istanbul is one of the top-rated Turkish baths, and for a traditional hammam massage prices start at £110 per person.
Thailand
Thai massage differs in many ways from traditional massage. Instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility. Prices for a Thai massage range from 300 to 800 Thai Bhat, which is the equivalent of around £6.50 – £17.50. Banyan Tree Spa, Phuket is one of the best spas in Thailand. A classic Thai massage here will set you back 5000 THB for a 60-minute treatment, around £110.
India
Indian head massage focuses on massaging acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders, often using circular massage strokes to improve hair and scalp condition. Prices for an Indian head massage range from 500-1500 Indian Rupees, which equates to £5-£15 for a 30-minute session. Muktaa, The Wellness Clinic & Luxury Spa in Mumbai, is one of the top-rated in India and offers an Indian head massage for 6000 rupees, equating to around £55 per person.
Japan
Shiatsu, literally meaning “figure pressure,” is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered a form of acupressure massage. Shiatsu is unique from other forms of acupressure, as it uses finger and thumb massage techniques to treat patients’ pain and health conditions by applying rhythmic pressure along the body’s acupressure points.
A shiatsu massage costs 6,000~9,000 yen which is the equivalent of approximately £30-£45.
Halekulani Spa, a luxury resort in Okinawa offers its signature 90-minute massage for 41,00 yen, around £210 per person.
Sweden
Swedish massage is a whole-body therapeutic massage that works the soft tissue and muscles to help restore health. This will include stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping or pounding/vibration. A classic Swedish massage costs around 495 SEK, which equates to around £42. The Grand Hotel in Stockholm offers one of the best experiences in the country, with a 60-minute massage priced at SEK 2 095, which equates to £155.
Hawaii
A traditional Hawaiian massage. Called “Lomi Lomi” or “Loving hands” combines a number of massage techniques including kneading nut oils, prayer, breathing and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. It works gently but deeply into the muscles, with continuous strokes allowing you to relax and give in to the nurturing touch. A 60-minute massage in Hawaii costs $70 which equates to around £55. However for a more luxurious experience, a 2 hour Lomi Lomi massage at the upscale resort The Kahala Hotel and Resort in Honolulu will cost you $395, around £310 per person.
Bali
The Balinese massage is a full-body treatment, ideal for those who want to take care of their body from scalp to foot. During the treatment, patients are gently massaged with scented oil chosen according to their preferences and type of skin. This technique includes gentle and relaxing strokes as well as vigorous pressure-point stimulations. You can expect to pay around 150,000 to 400,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for a one-hour massage which equates to £8-£24. However, for the ultimate massage experience, the Sacred River Spa in Bali, offers a traditional bali massage for 1,750,000 Indonesian Rupiah which is around £85.
China
Tuina or tui-na massage originated in ancient China and is believed to be the oldest system
of bodywork. It’s based on the theory that the body’s vital life force or energy, can cause blockages or imbalances that lead to symptoms such as pain and illness. Tuina massage stimulates flow to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture. An hour-long massage might cost 150 to 200 or 300 RMB which is around £16.50 to £33. For a more luxurious option, Mandarin Oriental in Sanya offers a 90 minute Oriental essence massage for 1,380 Chinese Yuan, setting you back £150.
Morocco
A Moroccan hammam treatment uses therapeutic heat and steam to prepare the skin for the ultimate deep cleaning. What makes this treatment distinctive is the application of a topical body mask with medicinal ingredients to improve skin quality. An hour-long massage in Morocco will set you back £20.For the premium option, The Oberoi, Marrakech offers their signature 75 minutes massage for 980 MAD costing you around £77.
Philippines
Hilot is a traditional healing practice in the Philippines that includes acupressure, deep tissue massage, chiropractic methods, and light exorcisms as part of the therapy. Hilot is effective for treating pain, stiffness, aches, cramps, and stressed joints. The cost for a 1-hour long massage in the Philippines ranges from 500 pesos at the low-end to 1400 pesos on the high end, so approximately, £8-22. For a more luxurious feel, The Peninsula in Manila has several massage options including the traditional Hilot massage, which is 5200 peso for 75 minutes which is around £70 per person.
Mexico
Cactus or ‘Hakali’ massage utilises a combination of indigenous flora, sage, tequila body lotion, and local massage techniques. Hakali or cactus is the key ingredient used in the massage, and has many antioxidant healing properties. These massages are around £80 for an hour-long session. If going for the 5-star option, Playa Mujeres Condo Complex, in Quintana Roo is one of the top spas in Mexico. Here they offer their signature Mexican massage which is 80 minutes long, costing $259.00 around £200.
Laos
While the origins may be similar to Thai, Laos Massage prevents pain and provides a sense of calm. It’s common to enter a herbal steam sauna before receiving a Laos Massage in a different room, where you will be laying down on a flatbed. The masseuse applies pressure to different parts around the body in a repetitive flow while stretching the entire body. The price usually runs 40,000-60,000 kip per hour, depending on the calibre of the place, which is incredibly cheap at £1.50-£2.30 per session. For an upscale treat, The Kiridara Hotel in Luang Prabang offers the Lao traditional massage lasting 90 minutes for $60, around £47.
Budapest Baths
Budapest is home to more thermal and medicinal baths than any other capital city in the world. The mineral-rich waters are said to be medicinal, and drinking or bathing in the warm pools helps relieve a variety of conditions and diseases. Budapest baths include geothermal pools, sauna and steam chambers, spas and massage treatments. Entrance to most of the older thermal baths in Budapest costs between 4,000 and 8,000 forints, around £9-£18.
Iceland
Almost half of the hot water in Iceland is geothermal water. The geothermal water is used to make geothermal swimming pools across the country. All of these pools provide you with soothing, warm waters that are perfect for relaxation. Iceland is also renowned for its ice baths – a type of cold water therapy. Taking an ice bath lowers your body temperature and triggers more blood flow to your core. Ice baths may help improve alertness, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. A 1-hour visit will cost around £30 per person.
Turkey mud baths
Turkish mud baths are rich in sulphur and contain minerals that soothe and rejuvenate your skin. Regular treatments can tighten up the skin and erase wrinkles. After having a mud bath in these pools, you wait until the mud is dried then clean it off at the hot springs. For cost-effectiveness, this is superb at around £3 per person. If you want an adventure, head to Izmir where you can visit the ancient city of Ephesus combined with a day trip to Dalyan mud bath.
United Kingdom
Whilst you can’t swim in the “actual” Roman baths in Bath, due to the poor water quality, there are several alternatives. Baths help the circulatory system, reduce tension, improve the respiratory system, and detox the body (and mind). One of the alternatives to the Roman baths, Thermae Bath Spa, costs £41 per visit.
