8 To Die For Spa Treatments

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For most spa goers, indulging in a treatment incorporating exotic mineral essential ingredients or visiting a spa in a unique location is about as exotic as things get. But for those in search of something truly unique, consider these 8 bizarre spa treatments, according to Forbes Traveler:

1. Snake Massage

In Northern Israel, therapist Ada Barak is a snake handler extraordinaire who performs a service for those knotted with stress and who are not faint of heart. According to Barak, knotted muscles find relief with her $70 treatment using six non-venomous serpents. Clients lie face down as Barak places the snakes on clients' aching muscles. The slip and sliding motion down the spine supposedly relieves tension. For the remaining 98 percent who find snakes anything but relaxing, perhaps a good old Swedish massage is in order.

2. Perscentoelogy (or your toes are the window to your soul)

Phoenix-area spa goers who have "been there and done that" should seek out the services of Marie Bernat, toe reading expert. Plying her trade at various Phoenix spas, Bernat invites clients to kick off their shoes for a life analysis with perscentoelogy. Apparently, toes tell secrets, and Bernat is happy to read and share them. In fact, "people laugh because they are surprised that I can tell more about themselves in 10 minutes than people who have known them their whole life," said Bernat.

3. Nightingale Dropping Facial

For skin as beautiful as the geisha, Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa in Maui has the secret to flawless skin - nightingale excrement. It's the tried and true beauty regime for Kabuki actors and geisha in Japan who smear the enzyme-filled excrement on their faces to keep complexions clear, white and smooth. The Diamond Spa begins all of their facial treatments with a layer of dehydrated and scent-free nightingale excrement, providing clients with flawless skin.

4. Cupping

A fave detox treatment for the A-crowd, cupping is a preferred treatment at JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. Who can forget Gwyneth Paltrow's arrival at a movie premiere in a backless gown, a series of circular welts along her spine? Paparazzi images caught the unusual markings, creating a media buzz and sending spa-goers in search of this treatment whose powerful suction is created by glass cups lit with a flame. The ancient Asian practice helps boost circulation and promotes healing. Clients report feeling more energized and relaxed for several days following the service.

5. Beer Therapy

Relaxation is as close as the tap - but preferably at the spa rather than the local pub. Beer therapy indulges clients with a soak in heavenly hops at places such as the Chodovar Family brewery in Chodova Plana, Czech Republic. The onsite spa offers guests a dip in the dark beer bath while enjoying a pint. The bath is reputed to increase circulation and aid in detoxification (not to be confused with Hollywood's favorite form of detox).

6. Cactus Massage

For a distinctly Mexican flair spa treatment, try a cactus massage at Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Punta Mita, Mexico. Clients enjoy a blend of nopal, a prickly pear cactus, and pulque, an alcohol made from the agave plant (predecessor to modern-day tequila) massaged into their skin using spine-free cactus paddles.

7. Booty Facial

For those seeking some real pampering, the Fanny Facial focuses the indulgence purely on the derriere at Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa in New York City. The treatment includes a three-step session of exfoliation, microcurrent and sunless tanning treatment created to better the backside. In fact, the service has become one of Smooth Synergy's most popular, and bootylicious, treatments.

8. Caviar Facial & Body Treatment

A-listers (and those who like to live like they are) can now be coated from head to toe in a high-priced delicacy at Rome Cavalieri Hilton's Grand Spa. The Caviar Facial and Caviar Body Treatment incorporate the beneficial and skin-firming properties of caviar extract. These edible eggs create younger-looking skin and make clients feel like a million bucks.

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