While most spas stick to deep tissue massages and facials, some have been going down the experimental route.

In the name of health and beauty, women have frozen themselves in liquid nitrogen, floated in salt chambers, and allowed fish to nibble off layers of dead skin from their bodies.

So at this point, how far are we willing to go for our bodies? Whoever first pioneered these bizarre spa treatments must have been a brave woman!

1. Snake Massage

Definitely not one for the faint of heart! In Israel, some spas offer a snake massage. The selling point here is that the larger serpents help with sore muscles, while the smaller ones create a soft tickling sensation (my skin is crawling just thinking about that!)

2. Geisha Secret

Allegedly the ancient secret of Geisha beauty, this rather cringe-inducing facial will leave your skin glowing – at the price of covering your skin in dehydrated bird feces.

3. Cactus Massage

Yes, you read that correctly: cactus massage. Don’t be too alarmed, the cactus is no longer prickly, and has been ground into a fine mixture. This liquid cactus is rumored to suck out toxins and rehydrate your skin.

4. Snail Moisturizer

If snakes and cacti aren’t edgy enough for you, try this unique facial. Most definitely not for the squeamish, this massage involves allowing live snails to crawl over your face (this is beginning to sound like something out of Fear Factor). The slime trail they leave behind contains healing properties, which can surprisingly help fend off infection in any cuts.

5. Gold Facial

Now this is more to my liking! For a truly luxurious treatment, go all out, and coat your face in a 24-karat gold mask. This pricey serum helps lift and tighten skin, making you look a decade younger (although your wallet may not thank you).

6. Leech Detox

Harkening back from the days leeches were hailed as the best form of medicine, leech detoxs are on the rise in Australian spas. These little bloodsuckers are applied to your body and suck out any toxins in your blood. Some have reported that the feeling itself is even somewhat relaxing.

7. Music Spa

Located right in the middle of nowhere, this spiritual spot in the desert is home to a cave brimming with crystals. The acoustics in the cave are perfect for amplifying sounds. The sound baths are performed by using a sequence of crystal bowls, rumored to harmonize your body’s chakras.

8. Beer Bath

If you ever find yourself in the Czech Republic and in need of a spa day, look no further than the “beer bath”. A twenty minute soak in the bathing beer is meant to stimulate the skin; you can even enjoy a complimentary beer while you relax.

9. Salt caves

Apparently, relaxing inside a salt cave can do wonders for your health. The air inside this cave is full of salt particles, which can help strengthen your immune system and ease the pain of ulcers.

10. Chocolate Spa

The hotel at Hershey Park has truly explored every use of their delicious chocolate. The spa offers over ten different types of chocolate treatments, ranging from a whipped cocoa bath to a chocolate-dipped coconut immersion (is this what Heaven looks like?). Aside from smelling delicious, these treatments are great exfoliators.