From Snake Massage to Vampire Facial: The 10 Most Bizarre Spa Treatments

Cherese Weekes
by Cherese Weekes
Last updated: 3:00 AM ET, Sun February 23, 2014

Relax, Release, Relate…

When it comes to outrageous spa treatments, don't knock it until you try it - especially those that seem too bizarre to fathom.

Unusual spa treatments are becoming more of a reason for travelers to jet set across the globe in search for an opportunity to feel and look better.

Even if it does involve wild animals, blood transfusions, and bathing in beer.

Fish Pedicure or Doctor Fish Massage

From the river basins of Turkey to many nail salons across the U.S., fish pedicures are becoming a hot commodity for travelers wanting an extraordinary pedicure.

Forget about the regular wash and pleasing scrub.

With this pedicure you will be required to dump your feet in a pool of water and feel the sucking of many Garra rufa or Doctor fish nibbling the dead skin off of your feet.

This bizarre treatment is expected to exfoliate the skin, provide relaxation and modulate the nervous system to relax the body.

Snake massage

Calling this massage skin-crawling is both extremely apt and a bit of an understatement.

Many flock to Israel to have their naked skin completely covered with numerous non-venomous corn and king snakes. As these slithering masseurs wiggle down the body they release any unwanted kinks and relieve clients' ailments including migraines.

Bird- Poo Facial

It is said that getting splattered with bird droppings is a sign of good luck. We're not sure who said it, but we admire their optimism.

Well, in Wailea Spa in Maui, the Nightingale's droppings are a Japanese age-defying beauty secret commonly used among geishas. For about $220, you can feel its affects too.

Here, the Nightingale's droppings is stored and treated with ultraviolent rays to kill bacteria, and transformed into a silky powder, which is used to prevent blemishes, plus brighten and heal damaged skin.

Galos Salt-iodine Caves

The Galos Salt-iodine caves in Chicago takes the resort experience to a whole new level - namely, underground.

Stretch out on a lawn chair for about 45 minutes and inhale the scented aromas of crystalized salts while the caves heal you with their soothing sparkle. The caves are purported to provide a plethora of benefits such as clear sinuses and alleviation of ulcers, allergies, skin conditions, colitis, and hypertension.

Leech Therapy

Demi Moore reportedly visited Austria for this unusual spa treatment, which offers a unique form of detoxing in addition to fighting many other illnesses like arthritis.

This age-old remedy releases Hirudo Medicinalis (medicinal leeches) on the patient's body for bloodsucking fun for about an hour, releasing enzymes in the blood that detox the body until the leeches are full and eventually drop off.

Vampire Facial

Appearing on an episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians", the vampire facial is a Hollywood beauty trend that requires drawing of blood from the arm, which is then purified in a machine to remove platelets.

After numbing cream is applied to the face, the drawn blood is then injected in the face to prevent wrinkles and revitalize the skin.

Beer Spa

The Czech Republic is a popular travel destination for many reasons.

Since 2006, the Chodover brewery is flooded with many visitors in need of an unusual bath.

Here, you can spend about 20 minutes soaking in a tub of authentic Czech beer as its natural elements cleanse the skin and stimulate the body.

Mud Baths

From the Dead Sea of Jordan to California's Napa Valley, mud baths were designed centuries ago to rejuvenate the body, beautify the skin, release tension, and increase blood circulation.

Chocolate Facial Therapy

If you're a chocolate fanatic, then this spa treatment will definitely be calling your name and your tummy.

Located in the Aquapura Douro Valley in Portugal, this spa smothers you with the creamy delicacy of Swiss chocolate. Enjoy a decadent treat smeared all over your face as its age-defying toxins heal damaged skin and rejuvenate the face.

Just try not to eat it!

Manaka Tapping Treatment

If you've heard of acupuncture, here is the next best thing.

Guests of the LakeHouse Spa in Austin Texas resort to this peculiar 16th century Japanese treatment, where wooden pegs are tapped along the patient's back to release tension, provide balanced energy, and relieve the body from any sore muscles.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...