Wellness Principles Including Sand Beds And Mindful Farming Embrace Nature

The therapeutic benefits of nature’s bounty have been well documented – dating back centuries — and can assist in revitalizing the skin, calming nerves, detoxifying the body and refreshing oxygen levels. The ancient Mayans devoted the treatment of symptoms based upon the effects of certain herbal remedies which could be swallowed, smoked, snorted or rubbed on the skin. The medicinal use of licorice root can be traced back almost 4,000 years, with an entry inscribed in the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi revealing its use as a treatment for asthma.

Destination spas in Europe, the Caribbean and other parts of the world are embracing nature this summer by rolling out new treatments that celebrate their natural environments. From incorporating blue-zone ingredients to immersing in alpha quartz, along with volcanic rituals among centuries-old lava slopes, spa goers have an array of authentic offerings in which to indulge.

Volcanic-inspired Rituals, Magma Resort Santorini

Opened in August 2022, the 59-room hotel is a secluded sanctuary among the hilltops of Vourvoulos in Santorini. Surrounded by lava sand beaches, sweeping vineyards and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, the tranquil and soulful resort boasts Santorini’s largest spa with Lava Spa, a subterranean retreat set in centuries-old lava slopes surrounded by ancient volcanoes. The spa menu features volcanic-inspired rituals with carefully selected ingredients like shells, crocus, honey bee pollen, artemisia, algae and more. Inspired by its setting, the spa has volcanic-inspired treatments like “Running Lava” using candles and “Magma” using shells.

Longevity Treatment, Abi d’Oru, Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is the first-ever declared Blue Zone, now one of five areas globally known for having a larger part of the population that reaches 100 years in age. Abi d’Oru Hotel & Spa, a recently renovated luxury property on Marinella Beach in Porto Rotondo, is now revealing the secrets to this longevity. A new treatment at their upgraded Abi Spa – the Longevity Treatment – is celebrating some of the local ingredients that Sardinians have attributed to this unique distinction. The treatment uses Cannonau grapes from Sardinia, which contain three times more anti-aging polyphenols compared to other grapes, to provide powerful antioxidant protection and visibly firmer and younger looking skin. The one-of-a-kind treatment increases collagen production and stimulates the synthesis of youthful skin protein.

The Mindful Farmer, The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, PA

With a degree in Regenerative Organic Agriculture and a backing in consciousness-based education, Stefani Fabiano, The Mindful Farmer, illuminates the integration of spirit and agriculture through grounding, journaling, herbal medicine and becoming more present with the symbiotic relationship with nature. The Lodge at Woodloch, a luxurious destination spa in the Poconos, has tripled the production of their shiitake mushroom logs and added a permanent home for honey bees at an apiary in the orchard, a crucial part of the ecosystem that the gardening team stewards.

Sand Bed Treatment, Aurora Anguilla

The recently renovated Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a Caribbean paradise created for the most discerning travelers. The 178-suite resort is home to a collection of world-class amenities including six restaurants and lounges, its very own hydroponic farm, the only golf courses on island and the 27,000-square-foot Sorana Spa. Unique for the Caribbean, the resort just introduced a new Sand Bed Treatment where guests can immerse themselves in alpha quartz while experiencing a touch dynamic flow massage. Inversion gravity to relieve compression and reduce back pain is complemented by the therapeutic benefits of singing bowls. The massage bed is inspired by the ancient practice of sand bathing. Delivering proven anti-inflammatory action, guests experience relief from chronic pain and deep relaxation for the body, mind and spirit.

Jamaican Bush Bath, Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Set on two miles of private beach, Half Moon offers the ultimate beachside retreat. Guests can visit the Fern Tree Spa to experience a Jamaican Bush Bath. The outdoor bath is set up with warm water and fresh herbs, roots, leaves and fruits from the spa’s own garden, meant to cleanse your soul and revitalize your body. Guests also have access to: over-water bungalows in the spa; more than ten restaurants and bars; three swimming pools and natural swimming cove; an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course; private villas with chefs and butlers; equestrian center with horseback riding along the beach or in the water; tennis and squash facilities.

Aloe Plant, Aruba

Thanks to its medicinal and restorative properties, aloe is a versatile plant that heals and softens the skin. Mandara Spa at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers an indulging Aloe and Milk Bath Wrap, a refreshing treatment to hydrate and replenish the skin after sun exposure. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba Spa, Misterio di Aloe treatment, is a complete hydrating, cleansing and rejuvenating experience that unlocks the benefits of the local aloe plant. Spa del Sol at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa offers the After Sol Aloe Cooling Wrap, which mixes fresh Aloe, essential oils and cucumber to condition your skin after sun exposure. ZoiA Spa at Hyatt Regency Aruba offers two unique local treatments, including the Aruba Sun Rescue which wraps the skin with healing local Aloe, reducing inflammation and redness while restoring essential hydration. Eforea Spa at Hilton Caribbean Resort & Casino utilizes the local Aruba Aloe plant in the treatment, Aloe Soolo Healer.