Imagine embarking on an exotic vacation only to relax in the spa to find a menu of services similar to what you’d find in the chain of spas located near your home.

What you need to do is find a remote location where you’ll get not only a luxury vacation but an exotic spa treatment as well. Looking for something unique? Try one of these spectacular body treatments.

9. Gold Body Mask – Oman

In some ancient cultures, gold was used to symbolize wealth, power, and immortality. Now, the science of chrysotherapy – or using gold to treat certain medical maladies – is becoming more and more popular. Therapists believe that mixing powdered gold into spa treatments can help absorb pollutants from the skin, giving it a very natural and healthy glow. The Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay in Oman offers a gold-and-clay body mask followed by a massage featuring gold-infused body oils.

8. Black Pearl Body Buff – Tahiti

Black pearls, which can only be found in the French Polynesia, are coveted due to their rarity but have virtually the same healing properties as the white pearls you’ll find elsewhere in the world. Pearls, when crushed, are known to have anti-aging properties and when used in skin care products are known to improve circulation. It makes sense, then, that spas throughout Tahiti would crush up black pearls and mix them in nut oils for a massage experience designed to smooth and hydrate the skin at the same time.

7. Queen Conch-Shell Scrub – Turks and Caicos

Off the shores of the Rusk and Caicos islands you’ll find the beautiful queen conch. These shells are incredibly popular because they contain an internal lining made of mother-of-pearl, which is rich in proteins. Because these shells are soft, they can easily be ground and used as a gentle exfoliant to scrub off dead skin. The Regent Palms offers a Mother of Pearl Body Treatment as do several other hotels in Turks and Ciacos.

6. Cedar Massage – Wisconsin

Image credit: Putneypics

Cedar wood, found in abundance in the Wisconsin woods, is touted by Native American tribes as having purification and cleansing properties. Cedar is used for smudging (burning to cleanse negative energies) and has also been incorporated into massage sessions in several Wisconsin spas. The oils are infused with cedar for a fragrant treatment sure to sooth.

5. Coca Leaf Body Mask – Peru

In South America the coca (not to be confused with cocoa) leaf has long been used in Andean medical treatments. It has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including depression, high blood pressure, and even simple headaches. Spas in Peru, like the Inkaterra Machu Picchu,  love using the leaf as part of a total body therapy – incorporating it into massages, body masks, and body moisturizers.

4. Argan Oil Massage – Morocco

Women have been collecting the fruit of the Argan tree for centuries – crushing the olive-like fruit and using the oils in both cooking and beauty treatments. The oil has very high levels of Vitamin E and fatty acids and is excellent for hydrating the skin. Resorts in Morocco usually incorporate the oil into their massage treatments, mixing it into body scrubs and clay masks.

3. Tepezcohuite Body Drench – Mexico City

Believe it or not, the Tepezcohuite tree has been known as the “skin tree” for hundreds of hears. The Mayans used the bark of the tree to treat lesions, infections, and wounds. Scientific studies have shown that the bark has a number of antimicrobial properties and nutrients. At the Aurora Spa in Las Alcobas, spa guests can enjoy a Tepezcohuite Body Drench which combines the extracts from the bark with other soothing ingredients for a sensual skin-hydrating experience.

2. Maple Sugar Body Scrub – Vermont

Ever wonder how maple trees survive year round in such cold climates like those found in Vermont? A chemist named Ben Kaminsky wondered the same thing and, after testing the trees, found that maple sap contains a number of incredible antioxidants and minerals. He invented an entire line of products featuring maple ingredients but our favorites are the simple maple sugar body scrubs found in several Vermont resorts and spas.

1. Jade Hot Stone Massage – Beijing

In most Asian countries, Jade is considered to be very powerful. It represents health, beauty, and power and is believed to have a number of healing properties as well. Some cosmetics are made with powder from the beautiful green stones because they are believed to help reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin (probably because of the silica contained within). At The Peninsula in Beijing you’ll find the Jade Hot Stone Massage featuring a facial, acupressure, and hot stones of jade instead of the usual volcanic rock.

You work hard and deserve to treat yourself to something special every once in a while. Relax and let the specialists at your spa take care of the rest!