There are few greater pleasures in life than indulging yourself in a luxurious spa treatment in some exotic part of the world, but for most of us, it’s not that easy to find the time and the funds to travel to far-off locations like Bali, Indonesia or Bangalore, India.
That’s why we’ve brought you these DIY spa treatments that are the hallmark of a few amazing spas around the world. Just because you can’t get there in person doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to the ultimate spa experience by mixing together a few simple ingredients, readily available in any grocery store.
1Coffee Body Scrub
Source: Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore, India
The low lying hills a few hours away from Bangalore, India’s bustling, high-tech hub, play host to a plethora of coffee plantations. The fresh beans have amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and come into their own when ground up and mixed with oatmeal (known for its powers to sooth irritated skin), rice powder (an Asian beauty staple for centuries, used for its skin brightening and lightening properties), and the moisturizing wonder of delicately scented rosewater, a staple in all Indian kitchens. The result: an invigorating, cellulite-smoothing body scrub that exfoliates and tightens.
1. Mix all powders together, adding in rosewater until you get a paste.
2. Rub this mixture gently in a circular motion over the skin.
3. Apply more pressure in the areas where the skin has hardened or where cellulite has begun to appear.
2Maldivian Body Scrub
Source: Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives
Ah, the Maldives. An island paradise of the very best kind that conjures up images of turquoise waters and sugar-white beaches that beckon you to relax in the warm, spice-scented air. You may be far, far away from the Maldives, but you’ve probably got what it takes for this wonderful body treatment in your kitchen: ginger (it’s packed with the power to fight those damaging free radicals to brighten and rejuvenate the skin); nutmeg (its restorative properties smooth away marks and blemishes); cinnamon (a multi-faceted wonder that, among others, exfoliates dead skin and fights acne) and clove (its antimicrobial properties make it a wonderful cleanser).
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and gradually add hot water until you get a paste-like texture.
2. Apply the mix wherever you desire on your body. Leave on for 15 minutes or until your skin begins to feel warm.
3. Wash off.
3Crushed Cabernet Body Scrub
Source: Mathilde Thomas, Vinotherapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux, France
The ubiquitous little grape seems to have it all and its seed is packed with oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs), a type of flavonoid that’s rich in miraculous antioxidant properties to protect and repair the skin tissue. Mixed with the gentle but effective exfoliating power of brown sugar and the antiseptic properties of honey, you don’t need to go to Bordeaux, France, to have amazing skin.
Simply mix all the ingredients together and scrub.
4DIY Treatment for Soft Hands
Source: Lapis, the Spa at the Fontainebleau, Miami
Don’t we love the way a tiny bit of sea salt can rev up our food? Those same crystals also work great to stimulate skin renewal and boost its radiance. Soften the scrub with some olive or canola oil and your hands will be beach ready, Miami-style.
5Purifying Turmeric Facial Mask
Source: Fivelements Luxury Healing Resort, Bali, Indonesia
The island of Bali in Indonesia, a primarily Islamic country, has been a tourist haven for decades, where most of the population practices Hinduism. One of the main ingredients in Balinese food is turmeric, integral, too, to Indian cuisine, and known for centuries for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. This mask combines turmeric with soybeans that are naturally high in plant fats like lecithin and sterolin, as well as in vitamin E. All of these ingredients soften and smooth the skin, and are particularly beneficial when mixed with vitamin- and mineral-rich aloe.
1. Soak the soybeans in warm water for around 20 minutes until soft.
2. Drain the soybeans and blend with the turmeric to create a paste.
3. Slice cucumber into four thin pieces and peel the aloe.
4. Dab the fresh aloe on clean skin so that it absorbs completely. Include the eye contour area, which is particularly grateful for some much-needed moisturizing treatment.
5. Apply a thin layer of your soy-turmeric mask to your face, excluding the eye contour area and let it dry for 20 minutes.
6. Apply honey on your lips and the cucumbers on your eyes. Relax.
7. Rinse off with warm water.
