The salt or mud being used for your spa treatments is invariably sourced from one of these five destinations. Rather than being holed up in a spa setting, why not go for the real deal?
They provide one-stop solutions for all your skin-related woes and leave you refreshed and stress-free.
Sultaniye, Turkey
The popular saying in Sultaniye, a tiny but popular, village by Lake Koycegiz is, 'It's forbidden to get old here' due to the skin revitalisation benefits of mud and sulphur baths. The natural spas in Sultaniye are of historic significance, with some ruins dating back to the Roman era. A day-long boat ride takes you around rock tombs, turtle beaches and mud baths. The mineral-rich water is believed to work wonders fordigestion and aid in quick recovery of fractures. Jump into the swamp, get smeared, hop onto a hot spring and rinse your wrinkles away.
Lake Techirghiol, Romania
Legend has it that Tekir, a blind old man, reached the lake with his donkey. When the animal fell into the mud, Tekir tried to extricate it, in the process falling in too. Miraculously he was cured! Since then the lake and the mud are hailed for their miraculous curing abilities. Today, this southeast town of Romania is popular among tourists seeking skin treatments. The sapropelic (rich in organic matter) mud from the lake has also been certified by global institutes as containing therapeutic properties recommended for skin elasticity, hydration and healing.The Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland
The popular joke in this picturesque fishing town of Iceland, popular for its salt water fish and vocalic ash baths, is 'We may not have the cash, but we have the ash'. The Blue Lagoon area is, in fact, among the most popular mud bath destinations of Europe. Silica and sulphur-rich waters are considered an elixir for all skin problems by thousands of travellers who throng this place every year. Situated on lava fields, the water is naturally warm due to geothermal activity. There's a research facility devoted to finding cures for skin ailments using mineral-rich water.Calistoga, California, US
Celebs across the globe have often credited volcanic ash mud bath as the secret of their timeless appeal. There's no better place in the world to enjoy a volcanic ash mud bath than in Calistoga. The city is swathed by volcanic ash left behind by earlier eruptions which also formed many natural springs and mineral water sources. A combination of mineral water and volcanic ash mud promises a blissful beauty bath, along with a unique spa experience.Dead Sea, Jordan
Mineral-rich black mud from the Dead Sea is a popular feature at spas across the globe. Thousands of tourists make an annual wellness pilgrimage to this site, probably the most popular globally. The mud is known to suck out impurities, stimulate blood flow, renew cells and balance moisture. The results are smooth and glowing skin and recharged muscles and joints.- Avoid if you suffer from any allergy.
- Most of the baths have a high sulphur content and thus emanate an odour.
- The mud baths are public bathing spaces. Be prepared to bathe in the open with fellow tourists.
- Most of these spaces follow a strong hygiene policy and will expect you to have a shower before entering the bath.
