Curious curatives: Unusual spa experiences

Snake massage

If you thought getting a fish pedicure was weird, take note that it's not the only way to get up close and personal with the animal kingdom. How about letting snakes slither across your bare skin and face?

It sounds like an ophidiophobe's worst nightmare but at Ada Barak's "Snake Spa" in Northern Israel it's a way for humans and animals to form a deeper connection. This unique massage treatment uses six non-venomous species -- including California king, Florida king, milk and corn varieties -- to deliver deep and light massage. Barak, the spa's owner, got the idea from people who reported that handling snakes was a pleasant experience.

While having snakes crawl all over you isn't everyone's idea of a relaxing experience, Barak reports that most clients find it quite soothing once they get over their initial misgivings.

If you happen to be in the neighbourhood (Talmei Elazar, to be precise), the snake massage costs about $70-80. However, t his is one treatment you have to see in action -- click here to see the video from Time Magazine.

The Geisha Facial

Ever wondered how Geishas got their porcelain perfect complexions? It might surprise you to learn the secret ingredient in their skin care regime was nightingale excrement (i.e. bird droppings). Now the Shizuka New York Day Spa in Manhattan is using this Japanese tradition as the central part of its Geisha Facial. The treatment incorporates a mask made from uguisu no fun (the excrement has been dried and sterilized, of course). The natural enzymes in uguisu no fun exfoliate nourish and brighten the skin.