"Dead Sea Israel" by Israeltourism via Flickr Creative Commons

Opt for Ayurveda in India, horse whispering in Arizona, soaking in the Dead Sea of Israel or escape to an island for your very own survivor. There are plenty of opportunities to clear the mind and free the soul around the world.

  1. Ayuverda treatments, India This traditional system of holistic medicine has been practiced in India for more than 5,000 years and works on the principle that the body comprises five elements: fire, water, ether, air and earth. This treatment is offered around India but is particularly renowned in Kerala, Goa and in the Himalaya. The Ananda Spa near Rishikesh in the Himalayan foothills is considered the most exclusive place to take a treatment. Treatments can be mud wraps, Thai massage or an oil bath. There are special diets, a fabulous pool and gym.
  2. Horse Whispering, Arizona The Miraval Resort and Spa is unique amongst those seeking health and wellness vacations. Here the therapists are chestnut in color, although there is a human therapist resident also, the famed Wyatt Webb. The Equine Experience is the most popular program on a list of up to 30 different activities offered each day. The idea is for you to communicate with the horses and understand your own strengths and weaknesses through the way they mirror your skills. The idea is once you understand what’s going on you can improve the way you handle different areas of your life.
  3. Dead Sea, Israel The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth (more than 400m below sea level) and its waters are ten times saltier than the ocean. The waters have remarkable health-giving properties and the mud and thermo-mineral springs, climate and filtered sunlight make it a natural spa second to none. Come to rejuvenate, recover and relax or to seek cures for skin disease, arthritis, rheumatism and respiratory problems.
  4. Moroccan Hammam Pack your bath lotions and strip off for the ultimate in scrubbing and pummeling. You’ll never have felt cleaner by the time you get out of these public baths. It’s a real social occasion too with families and groups meeting to chat and talk.
  5. Bath, England This spa town southwest of London owes its existence to hot springs that reputedly have unique healing properties. The ancient Celts, Romans and 18th century Jane-Austen compatriots all took the plunge here and today the thermal spas are still popular. Thermae Bath Spa consists of five Georgian buildings and a new stone-and-glass construction and boasts four spring-fed pools with naturally-heated thermal water enriched with 43 minerals. Guests can choose from more than 50 indulgent options and it’s not too expensive. Soak in the historic pool or take a Cleopatra Bath.
  6. vacation Hévíz, Hungary Budapest is known as the spa capital of the world, thanks to 100 hot springs that bubble up through the city. While locals use the baths built on them as an every day ritual they usually holiday at Hévíz, Europe’s largest thermal lake. It is filled with mineral-rich water and the thick mud beneath is said to soothe everything from rheumatic ailments to skin conditions. There are plenty of choices for packages and visits should you come.
  7. Watsu Water Massage, Hawaii This is a popular choice around the islands at many resorts. Each Watsu session takes place in chest-high warm water and involves both massage and a series of flowing, dance-like movements. It is said to cause healing shifts on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.
  8. Masthead Island, Queensland Really get away from life’s stresses by doing some remote camping on this magnificent coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. By remote we mean no food, no toilets and no water are available on this island. There is just sand, trees, birds and other wildlife. You have to take everything – food, water, tents, snorkeling gear and get dropped off for 1-3 weeks by a fishing trawler and picked up again at the end.
  9. Rotorua, New Zealand The public hot springs in Rotorua are said to cure arthritis in three months! You can go and test this theory for yourself lazing in the hot alkaline pools of varying temperatures for a very reasonable cost.
  10. Temazcal, Mexico This traditional healing method involving heat is practiced by indigenous North and Central Americans. However in Mexico it was not primarily for ceremonial purposes, relaxation or cleaning but therapeutic or medical instrument. In Mexico the structures are permanent and made of a circle of bricks. A hole in the center carries heated stone and water is poured over them. Herbs are released depending on the needs of the patient.

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