Top 5 Vacations for Your Health: Alternative Medicine Spas

Heather Johnson August 22, 2011

Alternative medicine has become more common place today than it ever has been. Whilst ‘Western’ medicine is still the norm, many people are turning towards natural forms of relaxation and healing in our modern society. If you are planning an upcoming holiday or a simple getaway at the week’s end, why not look for a spa that offers alternative or holistic therapies? Here are the top five spas and the therapies they offer.

1. Lifehouse

Lifehouse is located in Thorpe-le-Soken, United Kingdom. With alternative therapies that include a salt inhalation room, sauna and foot reflex pods, you’ll feel as though you are absolutely melting. Wellness services offered by the spa include hypnotherapy, kinesiology, natural fertility enhancement and food intolerance testing. If you are after a break for couples, the spa can tailor make a package for you and offers combinations for brides and grooms as well making it the perfect destination for your hen night or stag weekend.

2. Red Mountain Resort & Spa

Located in Ivins, Utah, United States, the Red Mountain Resort & Spa offers treatments and therapies designed to take guests to new levels of relaxation. Inspired by rituals from around the globe, the spa utilizes ingredients native to the local area. Complementary alternative therapies include acupuncture and chiropractic care. Massages on offer include acupressure, hot stone and reflexology, all alternative forms of massage designed to loosen and rejuvenate tired muscles.

3. Ananda in the Himalayas

You can find Ananda in Uttaranchal, India surrounded by green gardens and sparkling spring waters. The spa concentrates its efforts on providing guests a calming atmosphere by combining Ayurveda, Vedanta and yoga. The close to 80 treatments offered by the spa promise to stimulate the body, mind and spirit. Guests of the spa will meet with a personal guide who will develop a customized program tailored to aid in relaxation, detoxification and weight-loss. The signature service of the spa is an Abhyanga treatment consisting of a prayer, a foot-bath and a four-hands massage.

4. Kamalaya Koh Samui, Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa

Located in Na-Muang, Koh Samui, Thailand, the spa centers its services around all manner of holistic ritual and therapy. Treatments include sound healing, colonic hydrotherapy, Ayurvedic rituals, acupuncture and various massages including a lymph drainage massage. All guests will receive a complimentary consultation with a naturopath at the beginning of their stay. This consultation will allow programs to be customized for each guest’s individual needs and desires.

5. Canyon Ranch

You’ll find Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, USA. The spa offers amazing traditional therapies alongside complementary alternative therapies. Choose from acupuncture or biofeedback therapies coupled with lymph drainage, myofascial release, shiatsu or Thai massage. Guests may particularly enjoy the 80-minute ritualised Detoxifying Hamman treatment which is inspired by practices carried out at traditional hamman bathhouses. Complete your day at the spa with a Watsu water treatment and you’ll be sure to sleep like a baby; maybe for the first time in years.

About the author:

Heather Johnson writes for HoneymoonDestinations.org, the best honeymoon research and planning website. Discover some honeymoon ideas today.