There’s nothing wrong with a Swedish massage or a classic facial, but might we suggest something a little more intriguing? We polled our editors to find out the weirdest spa treatments they’ve tried—that are actually worth it. See what they said, below.
We Tried It: Weird Spa Treatments
"The weirdest treatment I ever received was the watsu, or underwater massage. I heard people were trying this service for better circulation, healing joint pain and even out-of-body experiences. When I tried it at Rancho Valencia Spa in San Diego, I found myself in the weirdest position ever! I was cradled like a baby for an hour by a complete stranger in a private pool. Two things I got out of it: An awkward (but really funny) story and I think that was the first time I ever meditated."
—Stephanie Montes, Beauty Director
"At YHI Spa at Paradisus Los Cabos, I did hydrotherapy following a facial. They have a gorgeous long pool with various tall faucets that pummel your muscles in the best way possible. Once I got past the feeling of being at the car wash, the steady pressure actually loosened my sore neck without any of the human awkwardness. I'd totally do it again."
—Nicky Deam, Editorial Director
"I don't use the word exquisite a lot, but that's exactly how I'd describe the facial I had at Pendry Spa in San Diego. The aesthetician used aromatherapy oils to enhance the entire relaxing experience, which is what made it truly unique. She finished off the facial by coating my hair and scalp in essential oils, then doing this magical hair-brushing scalp massage treatment that I would 10/10 recommend. I left the room glowy, relaxed and smelling divine."
—Allie Flinn, Associate Lifestyle Editor
"When I went to Brazil, I got a massage with my best friend. We didn't know that they massage your, ahem, breasts as a normal thing there, so we were pretty weirded out laying next to each other, getting our boobs massaged by strangers. I don't know what the health benefits are but honestly, it felt pretty good!"—Erin Bunch, Lifestyle Contributor
"I tried the signature aloe vera scrub and wrap treatments at the Eforea Spa at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the scrub itself was challenging to get through as I'm a bit ticklish, but it served as a really nice exfoliant after a day lounging in the sand. The wrap was a perfect follow-up, giving my skin much needed moisture after sun exposure, and not at all sticky like I was expecting."
—Laura Lajiness, Senior Fashion Editor
"This technically isn't a spa treatment, but it is meant to heal you overall. I got a gemstone reading at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. The purpose is to help clarify your future or bring closure to certain aspects of your life. It was certainly interesting to learn more about the meaning behind different gems and crystals and how they can help you relax in your everyday life. As far as closure? I'm still trying to figure that part out." —Andrea Navarro, Associate Beauty Editor
"I got an oxygen facial at Erase Spa—minus the usual machinery facialists use to push those ingredients into the skin. Instead, the owner Lisa (who's worked with clients like Candice Swanepoel and Cardi B) delivered the therapy in a three-step solution: the activator and the detoxifier followed by the oxygenator. The curious part of this treatment was a key ingredient called hydrolyzed candida saitoana extract, which is quite literally a fungi that helps detoxify skin. While that doesn't sound very appealing, I can confirm that the result speaks for itself. I stepped out makeup free all weekend long."
—Samantha McDonald, News Editor
"I got a Vichy spa treatment at Terranea Resort. You basically take a shower lying down after receiving a massage or scrub, and it's the best thing ever. It's like floating below a waterfall and the water pressure and movement is supposed to aid in blood circulation, hydrate the skin and help your body absorb the oils and nutrients used during the massage. It was the most relaxing experience and would do it every weekend if I could."
—Amy Lee, Fashion Editor
