Seven Unique Spa Treatments You Can Find in Massachusetts

Floating photo via istock.com/kzenon

Any spa day is a good spa day, in our book. But how many pedicures and Swedish massages does one person really need? Next time you treat yourself, try one of these seven unique spa treatments available in Massachusetts.

1. Vinotherapy

What it is: This treatment legitimately lets you bathe in wine, a.k.a. live out your dreams. Most spas use red wine grapes, seeds, vines, and processing byproducts to supposedly harness the anti-aging properties of resveratrol, boost circulation, and help mask harmful free radicals. (It’s worth noting that there’s been little research to prove these claims.)

Where to do it: Stone Hedge Inn and Spa, in Tyngsborough, offers a unique take on vinotherapy. Instead of red wine, Stone Hedge offers a dry skin-busting Chardonnay bubble bath followed by a Chardonnay body moisturizer.

Starting at $50. 160 Pawtucket Blvd.,Tyngsborough, stonehedgeinnandspa.com.

2. Acupuncture Massage

What it is: Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality that uses tiny, slender needles to stimulate some areas of the body while reducing discomfort in others. In this hybrid treatment, acupuncture is followed by a results-boosting massage.

Where to do it: Exhale’s Back Bay and Battery Wharf locations both offer this experience.

Starting at $105. Two Battery Wharf and 28 Arlington St., Boston, exhalespa.com.

3. Stem Cell Facial

What it is: Stem cell face creams have been on the market for a few years now, promising to use the star ingredient—which can regenerate and propagate new forms of tissue—to slow, stop, or even reverse the aging process. (Doctors are a bit more skeptical.) Many creams use stem cell extracts from plants.

Where to do it: Balans Organic Spa, on Newbury Street, uses a cream made with live stem cells from the roseroot plant. The spa says its live cell therapy can stimulate cell renewal, skin repair, and collagen production, while treating wrinkles and protecting the skin from free radicals.

$275. 216 Newbury St., Boston, bostonbalans.com.

4. Infrared Sauna Therapy

What it is: Infrared saunas use light to create heat, warming the body and prompting sweating and an elevated heart rate. Proponents say time in one can rid the body of toxins, help prevent chronic diseases, and spur weight loss.

Where to do it: You can book 20-, 25,- or 30-minute appointments at Cabral Wellness Institute, in the Back Bay. Choose among add-ons like chromotherapy (color therapy), acoustic resonance therapy, and more.

Starting at $39. 142 Berkeley St., Boston, cabralwellnessinstitute.com.

5. Digital Wellness Escape

What it is: Glued to your phone? This digital detox promises to ease your tech-induced stresses and strains with bodywork concentrated on the head, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet.

Where to do it: This tech escape was developed by the Mandarin Oriental.

Starting at $200. 776 Boylston St., Boston, mandarianoriental.com.

6. Salt Therapy

What it is: Simply inhaling pharmaceutical-grade salt circulating in the air, advocates say, can improve respiratory and skin conditions, sharpen athletic performance, ease anxiety and depression, and help you relax.

Where to do it: Though Massachusetts is home to several salt caves, Just Breathe Salt Room, in Westborough, offers yoga and meditation in its facility, as well as standard treatments.

$17 for yoga, salt therapy starts at $30. 45 East Main St., Westborough, justbreathesaltroom.com.

7. Flotation Therapy

What it is: Also known as sensory deprivation therapy, this practice involves shutting yourself in a sound- and light-proof tank and floating in water that’s been totally saturated with epsom salts. It’s said to provide total physical and mental relaxation, boost creative thought, and even occasionally inspire visions and mild hallucinations.

Where to do it: Somerville’s Float Boston offers 60- and 90-minute floats, as well as monthly floating memberships.

Starting at $60. 515 Medford St., Somerville, floatboston.com.