Coca Leaf Body Mask, Peru
The Claim: Native to northwestern South America, the coca leaf—which contains the alkaloids used to make cocaine, but is not, in itself, addictive—is an integral part of traditional Andean medicine and has long been chewed, brewed, and applied topically to treat everything from headaches and depression to muscle pain and high blood pressure. Besides having a high concentration of calcium, the leaf also contains skin-friendly alkaloids like papaine and benzoine.
Where to Try It: Designed to detoxify and improve blood circulation, the three-hour Inkaterra Therapy service at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu’s UNU Spa starts with a stint in an Andean sauna (in a eucalyptus-wood hut), then moves on to a stimulating coca-oil body massage, a coca-leaf body mask, and hydration with a coca-leaf moisturizer.
Where to Try It: Designed to detoxify and improve blood circulation, the three-hour Inkaterra Therapy service at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu’s UNU Spa starts with a stint in an Andean sauna (in a eucalyptus-wood hut), then moves on to a stimulating coca-oil body massage, a coca-leaf body mask, and hydration with a coca-leaf moisturizer.
Tepezcohuite Body Drench, Mexico City
The Claim: Known for centuries as the “skin tree” all over Mexico and in parts of Brazil, Tepezcohuite (pronounced “Te-pez-co-whee-tay”) was traditionally used by the Mayans to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and treat lesions. More recent lab studies have shown that the tree’s bark has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, while its extracts contain anti-aging flavonoids, skin-smoothing tannins, and nutrients like zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Where to Try It: Opening in March 2009, the Aurora Spa at Mexico City’s Las Alcobas hotel will feature influences from the Mayan, Aztec, Toltec, Nahuatl, and contemporary Mexican healing cultures. The one-hour Tepezcohuite Body Drench is a cooling, hydrating, and therapeutic body salve combining the restorative bark with aloe and mint—perfect for parched or sunburnt skin.
Where to Try It: Opening in March 2009, the Aurora Spa at Mexico City’s Las Alcobas hotel will feature influences from the Mayan, Aztec, Toltec, Nahuatl, and contemporary Mexican healing cultures. The one-hour Tepezcohuite Body Drench is a cooling, hydrating, and therapeutic body salve combining the restorative bark with aloe and mint—perfect for parched or sunburnt skin.
Maple Sugar Body Scrub, Vermont
The Claim: About a decade ago, Canadian dermatologic chemist Ben Kaminsky was on a midwinter fishing trip when he began pondering the ability of maple trees to thrive in such cold temperatures. Many tests later, Kaminsky discovered what he calls the Bio-Maple compound in the tree’s sap—a combination of antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals that makes maple extract a deeply soothing, hydrating, and reparative substance. Alpha hydroxy acids also help make it an effective, but gentle, exfoliant.
Where to Try It: Bio-Maple is now an integral part of the B. Kamins, Chemist product line (a particular favorite of people with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin), but the pure stuff is also used in spa services in maple-rich Vermont. Both the Topnotch Resort and Spa and the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa offer maple sugar body scrubs that exfoliate and moisturize using sap from local trees.
Where to Try It: Bio-Maple is now an integral part of the B. Kamins, Chemist product line (a particular favorite of people with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin), but the pure stuff is also used in spa services in maple-rich Vermont. Both the Topnotch Resort and Spa and the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa offer maple sugar body scrubs that exfoliate and moisturize using sap from local trees.
Black Pearl Body Buff, Tahiti
The Claim: Found only in French Polynesia, rare black pearls are naturally more prized than their paler counterparts. But though they’ve got superior cachet (and dazzling shades that include deep purple and green), black pearls’ beauty benefits are the same as those touted in China for more than 3,000 years. Crushed, pearls reportedly have anti-aging and skin-lightening properties and also act as a mild sunscreen; in skin products, they’re said to improve circulation and elasticity and encourage cell turnover to leave complexions smooth and even.
Where to Try It: During the Monoi Poe treatment at the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort in Tahiti, you’ll get buffed with a combination of real Tahitian black pearls—harvested at one of Manihi’s 60 pearl farms—and indigenous monoi, a hydrating nut oil used by all local women. Skin is left smooth and glowing.
Where to Try It: During the Monoi Poe treatment at the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort in Tahiti, you’ll get buffed with a combination of real Tahitian black pearls—harvested at one of Manihi’s 60 pearl farms—and indigenous monoi, a hydrating nut oil used by all local women. Skin is left smooth and glowing.
Cedar Massage, Wisconsin
The Claim: Regarded as sacred by numerous Native American tribes, cedar is thought to have qualities of purification and protection, as well as an ability to cleanse on an emotional level. As a result, it’s often used in ceremonies designed to release heavy emotional baggage and is also used for “smudging”—the burning of herbs to remove negative vibes and create a healthy, sacred space. (It also just smells really nice.)
Where to Try It: At the Aspira Spa in Wisconsin, cedar gathered from the ancient trees growing along nearby Elkhart Lake is used in the signature Cedars Massage. The treatment—which incorporates cedar-infused massage oil and a wrap in a blanket layered with fragrant sprigs—was influenced by the traditions of the local Ojibwa Tribe.
Where to Try It: At the Aspira Spa in Wisconsin, cedar gathered from the ancient trees growing along nearby Elkhart Lake is used in the signature Cedars Massage. The treatment—which incorporates cedar-infused massage oil and a wrap in a blanket layered with fragrant sprigs—was influenced by the traditions of the local Ojibwa Tribe.
Argan Oil Massage, Morocco
The Claim: Native to southwestern Morocco, the spindly Argan tree produces a small, pitted fruit that’s something like an olive. For centuries, native Berber women have ground up the pits and seeds of these fruits and pressed them to produce an oil for use in cooking and body treatments. Thanks to a high content of vitamin E, carotenes, and fatty acids, the oil is an excellent hydrator—it leaves skin nourished but not greasy—and also helps minimize wrinkles, restores elasticity, and stimulates cell oxygenation.
Where to Try It: At the Amanjena Resort in Marrakesh, the traditional communal hammam experience has been refined into the pampering Moroccan Bloom spa treatment. Guests enjoy a steam, a wash with locally made black soap, a thorough body scrub, and a rhassoul clay body mask, topped off by a dousing with refreshing eucalyptus-infused water. Once skin is squeaky clean and polished, a massage with Argan oil helps seal in moisture.
Where to Try It: At the Amanjena Resort in Marrakesh, the traditional communal hammam experience has been refined into the pampering Moroccan Bloom spa treatment. Guests enjoy a steam, a wash with locally made black soap, a thorough body scrub, and a rhassoul clay body mask, topped off by a dousing with refreshing eucalyptus-infused water. Once skin is squeaky clean and polished, a massage with Argan oil helps seal in moisture.
Achiote Hydrating Wrap, Cancún
The Claim: Grown widely in Peru, Brazil, and Mexico, the flowering achiote, or annatto, plant has been used for health and beauty ever since the Mayans first ground up its rust-colored seeds to make lipstick. Local cultures still use raw achiote leaves to treat skin problems and stomach distress, the roots for coughs and digestive issues, and dried-leaf tea to fight inflammation, high cholesterol, and obesity. On the beauty front, oil extracted from the seeds has moisturizing and antioxidant properties and also creates a light UV barrier when applied to the skin and hair.
Where to Try It: The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa’s Mayan-influenced menu includes an Achiote Hydrating Wrap—which does exactly what it says—and also an Xux Ek Venus Goddess Facial, which mixes mud from the Chicxulub meteor crater with achiote to nourish tired and dry skin.
Where to Try It: The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa’s Mayan-influenced menu includes an Achiote Hydrating Wrap—which does exactly what it says—and also an Xux Ek Venus Goddess Facial, which mixes mud from the Chicxulub meteor crater with achiote to nourish tired and dry skin.
Jade Hot Stone Massage, Beijing
Where to Try It: The Jade Hot Stone Massage at The Peninsula, Beijing, begins with a cleansing facial, “polarity balancing,” and an acupressure head massage, followed by a dousing of the body in warm scented oils. Next, hot jade stones are used during a deep massage, helping to loosen muscles and—ostensibly—impart mental clarity and spiritual harmony.
