Tourists looking to immerse themselves into different cultures should be aware of unusual bathing rituals from around the world. The team at Vidalux.co.uk has highlighted a selection of unique bathing rituals for travellers to experience around the world. For those looking to try something out of the ordinary, Japan offers sand baths, where visitors are buried up to their necks in warm sand – a practice believed to aid relaxation and detoxification.
Beer lovers might enjoy visiting the Czech Republic, home to beer spas where guests can soak in tubs filled with the drink itself, which is said to have soothing and skin healing properties. Travellers seeking a more spiritual experience can head to India and take a dip in the sacred Ganges River, which is believed to offer powerful cleansing and healing benefits.
A spokesperson from Vidalux.co.uk said: “There are countless unique bathing rituals around the world that travellers should consider experiencing.
“In Japan, for example, you can try a sand bath – where you’re buried in warm sand up to your neck. This unusual practice is believed to help detoxify the body and promote deep relaxation. The Czech Republic, Russia and Finland also offer fascinating traditional bathing experiences that are well worth exploring if you’re visiting.
“If you prefer something a little more low key, Iceland’s geothermal pools or a Moroccan hammam offer soothing and more familiar ways to unwind.”
Unusual bathing rituals across the world:
Sand baths, Sunamushi – Japan
Sand bathing is a traditional Japanese practice that involves immersing yourself up to your neck in warm sand. This can be found in places such as Ibusuki where the sand is naturally heated by geothermal hot springs. These types of baths are believed to boost circulation, detoxify the body, relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Beer spas – Czech Republic
Beer lovers will want to head to the Czech Republic where they combine the benefits of beer with spa treatments to create a unique wellness experience. Visitors can bathe in a tub filled with beer or enjoy a massage using the alcoholic beverage. Beer is thought to have soothing and healing effects on the skin as well as helping to promote blood circulation. There is also usually a beer tap available throughout the spa for visitors to enjoy a refreshing drink.
Smoke saunas, Savusauna – Finland
Smoke saunas are a traditional and unique type of sauna in Finnish culture that provide a ritual experience. Wood is burned inside of a stove without a chimney which allows the smoke to fill the entire room. After several hours, the smoke is let out of the room and people then enter for a deep and smokey soak. This is believed to be soothing and gentle due to the long heating process.
Russian Banya – Russia
The Russian banya focuses on shock therapy and involves getting into a sauna (banya) where the air is typically much hotter and humid than a traditional sauna. Once inside, a bundle of birch, oak or eucalyptus twigs known as venik is used to gently whip the skin to help promote circulation and relieve tension. Visitors then immerse themselves into a cold plunge to boost the immune system.
Ganges river – India
Those looking for a spiritual experience should consider bathing in the Ganges river in India. Hindus believe this washes away sins and impurities and provides spiritual renewal. It is believed the water also has healing properties due to its minerals.
Hammam Maghribi – Morocco
A Moroccan hammam focuses on exfoliation and is even a weekly ritual for many locals. Savon noir, a black soap made from olives, is applied to the skin before you sit in a steamy room to let it soak into the skin. The body is then scrubbed with a kessa mitt to remove layers of dead skin and impurities. After this is rinsed, a clay is applied to detoxify the skin and oils are used on the body to finish.
Geothermal pools – Iceland
While they are not unusual, geothermal pools such as the Blue Lagoon are extremely popular and are believed to help the muscles and joints as well as rejuvenate the skin. The combination of warm water, fresh air and scenic views are great for overall wellbeing.
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