Top 10 places in the world for rest, spa and relaxation

There are healing places that help restore physical and mental strength. From mineral springs in the Empire State to primeval forests in Japan, these magical places fit the bill for relaxation. Travel And Leisure.

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Some places can heal various ailments, others can restore your spirit. Whichever cocktail is on offer, expect a lot of magic at these 10 locations around the world.

Dead Sea, Israel

Besides being breathtaking, this landlocked salt lake has long been known for its healing properties. From being smeared with black mud to exfoliate and relieve skin ailments like psoriasis, to a claimed natural power to treat asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis and other problems, the pond also boasts a low content of pollen and other allergens. Another unique feature? At an altitude of 400 meters below sea level, harmful ultraviolet rays are filtered through the evaporation layer above the Dead Sea, the ozone layer and an additional atmospheric layer. This is said to mean that sunbathers can absorb the beneficial effects of vitamin D from sun exposure without the risk of sunburn and subsequent skin damage.

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And lest we miss a little mythical story, it is also believed that Cleopatra traveled here with her ancient Egyptian retinue to bathe in the waters and let the gentle waves do their thing. This healing ritual continues into modern times as countless wellness seekers come to this place to dabble in the legendary mud.

Yakushima Island, Japan

If bathing in the forest is good for the soul, then uniting with nature under the shade of trees from time immemorial should really recharge your cells. Covering one-fifth of the island, this particular mountainous rainforest region is a popular "place of power" in Japan, celebrated by the Japanese for its healing properties. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site, each peak is revered as the home of the gods, and there are many shrines around the island. A giant cedar tree known as Jōmon Sugi, estimated to be between 2000 and 7200 years old, grows here and is believed to be the oldest tree on the island. Jōmon Sugi and many thousand-year-old trees are also reported to have medicinal properties.

The Healing Hole, Bimini, Bahamas

This tranquil freshwater pond, unlike any other, and accessible only by boat, is located in East Bimini. Some believe that a cold channel of fresh water that mixes with warm salt water outside of the Bahamian mangroves is a panacea. It is not easy to find this mineral-rich place on your own, so hire a guide on a shallow water boat to pave the way to the miracle.

And it is worth noting that neurophysiology researcher Dr. Richard Wingate tested the composition The Healing Hole and found that it contains high levels of lithium, sulfur and magnesium. Lithium is used to treat mood disorders, magnesium is used to improve muscle function and energy production, and sulfur is essential for your body to function, making Healing Hole a triple health benefit.

Taos, New Mexico

It is not difficult to go to a sanatorium, especially when there are natural mineral springs full of healing properties. IN hot eye in Taos, one of the oldest health resorts in America, you can marvel at rocky desert cliffs and overgrown bosque cotton forest (a type of forest in the southwestern United States), between bathing in mud pools, arsenic pools, or Kiva pools, each of which advertises its own healing properties and aura. Ojo Caliente's claim to fame lies in its apparent status as the only hot springs in the world with four different types of sulfur-free mineral waters, including iron, arsenic, soda and lithium.

The iron-based source is supposed to be good for immunity, and the arsenic source is recommended for those seeking relief from arthritis and ulcer pain. Jump into a soda pool surrounded by rock if you're hoping to calm your jaded mind, or a lithium-rich pool for potential help with digestive issues and depression.

While in the city, go to El Santuario de Chimayo, famous for its so-called "holy mud", located in a round well in a small room, with a healing effect in every drop. They don't call New Mexico the Land of Magic for nothing, folks.

Salt marshes, Jan Thiel, Curaçao

The moment you arrive on this Dutch-Caribbean island, the spiritual hum becomes almost palpable. Yes, wild flamingos are a sight to behold, but they are nothing compared to the transformation that is claimed to be taking place in these legendary salt marshes. Guests will find it almost impossible to sink to the bottom of these natural mineral water pools (much like the Dead Sea) due to the high concentration of minerals. Let yourself enjoy these invigorating waters at the eastern end of the island.

Thanks to the magic of Curaçao (the word for "sweet" in the country's native language), spiritual transformation in the so-called healing whirlpools around the island is quite common. Bathing in these salt flats can quell skin inflammation, make you feel more attuned to yourself, and cleanse you of any negative energy.

Saratoga Spa State Park, New York

There are so many mineral waters in this always charming city, named after its famous spring waters. In the state park Saratoga Spa State Park ride your bike or walk through the green acres to sample the many sources that contain iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and more. It is claimed that for the treatment of skin diseases, help with digestive problems and in general to improve well-being, visitors came to Saratoga Spa State Parkto "cure" since the 1700s. INo during your trip, in addition to traveling to the springs to drink water, you can also take a private mineral bath in sparkling, carbonated waters in the mineral baths and spa Roosevelt Mineral Baths and Spa for treatment, the effect of which will delight you for many years.

Spotted Lake, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The city of Osoyoos is rich in minerals spotted lake, known to the indigenous people of the Osoyus area as Kliluk, a sacred place that has been used for centuries for healing. The shimmering, shifting blue-green-yellow lake is simply ethereal (the mottled surface changes during the hot summer months as the minerals in the water evaporate). It is also filled with some of the highest amounts of calcium, sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate in the world. In addition, the lake also contains strikingly high levels of eight other minerals, as well as small doses of four others, including silver and titanium.

It is claimed that each circle or "spot" in the water has its own set of medicinal and healing properties. The land around the lake was privately owned for 40 years, but in 2001 the federal government purchased it for the people of the Okanagan, thereby protecting it from development. Worth noting: out of respect for this sacred site and the indigenous communities that live here, visitors are not allowed outside the lookout, but the lookout from the highway is amazing nonetheless.

Ibusuki Sand Bath, Kagoshima, Japan

What is a sand bath, you ask?Ibusuki Sand Bath in Kagoshima Prefecture is the only natural sand bath in the world. On this idyllic stretch of Ibusuki coastline, people from Japan and beyond have traveled for over 300 years to lie in a shallow hole in the beach. As volcanic hot springs stretch along the coast.

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Kagoshima University School of Medicine found that these sand baths improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the body. It's no wonder so many locals visit the Japanese-style sauna regularly. We feel renewed just by reading about it.

Niagara Falls, New York

As anyone who has visited these towering falls can attest, the views are breathtaking. But did you know that waterfalls are believed to be a natural source of negative ions, and Niagara Falls is considered one of the largest springs in the world? For those not well versed in their earth particles, negative ions are electrically charged molecules in the air that can have positive physiological effects on mood and stress levels. Translation: The cascading avalanche of water at Niagara Falls releases negative ions into the air, and possibly brings good feelings to your heart and soul.

Lithia Fountain, AshleyLithia Parknd, Oregon

Head to the Litiya Park located along Ashland Creek in Southern Oregon and you'll find a fountain named after natural deposits of lithium oxide. These waters have been revered as beneficial to health since the late 19th century, and in 1911 Ashland personnel discovered that they were located next to the second-highest lithium content of spring water. Officials decided to bring spring water to the city using a drinking fountain with several spouts near the city center. Since 1982, the American Plumbing Association has given it landmark status.

Therapeutic properties attributed to sulfur and other minerals in the springs include helping to treat skin conditions, digestive disorders, arthritis, and muscle pain. Even if you are skeptical about the detoxifying properties of spring water, it is safe to say that you will feel calmer and less burdened by the stresses of everyday life in Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden, a great place to experience this mystical H2O. The hotel has implemented an aeration process that minimizes the strength of the pungent smell of sulfur while preserving beneficial minerals.

During your stay, you can drink or bathe in the water. You can also sit in an Adirondack chair by the wine garden's landscaped pond and enjoy a glass of this rejuvenating water. Who said Pinot Grigio and healing can't go hand in hand?

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