From Ayurveda to Watsu, our definitive glossary of spa treatments will help you choose the right ritual for your body, your mood and your wellness goals.
Whether you are booking a destination spa retreat, a city express treatment or a restorative wellness escape, understanding the terminology can transform your experience. Below, we decode the most commonly offered spa treatments — from ancient healing therapies to modern clinical innovations.
Choosing the right treatment isn’t indulgence — it’s intelligent wellness.
A
Abyhanga
A gentle, rhythmic Ayurvedic massage using warm herbal oils to stimulate circulation, support immunity and encourage detoxification.
Acupressure
Targeted fingertip pressure applied to the body’s acupoints to improve the flow of qi, release muscular tension and support natural healing.
Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese therapy involving the insertion of fine needles along meridian points to restore energetic balance and overall health.
Ayurvedic Shirodhara
A deeply calming ritual where warm oil is streamed continuously over the forehead (the ‘third eye’), often followed by scalp or full-body massage.
- Best For: Stress relief, nervous system reset, mental clarity
- Origin: Ancient India
- Wellness Focus: Dosha balancing and deep relaxation
B
Balinese Massage
A traditional Indonesian massage combining long flowing strokes, palm pressure and gentle stretching, usually performed with aromatic oils.
Body Scrub (Body Polish)
An exfoliating treatment using salt, herbs or mineral blends to remove dead skin cells, improve circulation and leave skin glowing.
Body Wrap
A detoxifying or hydrating ritual in which the body is cocooned in mineral-rich mud, algae or marine extracts, often followed by relaxation under heat.
If massage restores the muscles, exfoliation restores the skin — together they reset the body.
D
Deep Tissue Massage
A firm, targeted massage designed to release chronic muscular tension, break down adhesions and improve mobility.
Dry Floatation Bed
A weightless relaxation experience allowing the body to enter a deeply restorative alpha-wave state without immersion in water.
- Ideal For: Desk workers, athletes, chronic tension
- Pressure Level: Firm to deep
- Result: Improved mobility and muscular release
F
Facial
A tailored skincare treatment including cleansing, exfoliation, mask application and massage to improve complexion and tone.
Flotation Therapy
Floating in mineral-dense water within a sensory-reduced environment to promote profound relaxation and nervous system reset.
True luxury in modern wellness is silence, stillness and nervous system recovery.
S
Shiatsu
A Japanese technique applying rhythmic pressure along meridian lines to release blockages and restore energetic flow.
Swedish Massage
A classic oil-based massage using long gliding strokes, kneading and rhythmic tapping to promote relaxation and circulation.
Stone Therapy
Heated or cooled stones placed on energy points and used in flowing massage movements to ease tension and rebalance the body.
T
Thai Massage
An oil-free therapy combining assisted stretching, acupressure and rhythmic compression performed on a floor mattress.
Thalassotherapy
Marine-based treatments using mineral-rich seawater and seaweed for restorative and preventative wellness benefits.
- Best For: First-time spa guests unsure which treatment to book
- Includes: Massage therapies, holistic rituals, hydrotherapies and clinical treatments
- Tip: Always inform your therapist of medical conditions or pregnancy before booking
Treatment names and protocols may vary between spas. Always consult the spa directly to confirm suitability for your individual health needs.