I’ve always been deeply inspired by the healing practices of good old-fashioned water that are used around the world. Recently, my curiosity led me to discover luxurious and nourishing global bathing rituals that can rejuvenate at the deepest level — and the practices I uncovered are far too good to keep to myself.
To find inspiration for your next at-home spa day, keep tapping to learn about five traditional and celebrated soaking rituals from around the globe.
Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature by soaking in raw flower petals à la the traditional flower baths of Bali. Simply cover your bath water in fragrant rose petals (don’t forget to snap a pic for the grid!), then top off your practice with the Dove Pink Beauty Bar— it melts into the skin for extra softness and radiance all while adding a sublime tint to the mix.
Japanese Onsen are known for their steamy mineral water infused with natural gases to fully cleanse the body. Although you may not be able to mimic this therapeutic experience exactly at home, you can invest in a steam head for your shower. This will allow you to gloriously sweat out those toxins without the sulfur-y smell that often comes with hot spring bathing.
A Turkish Hammam usually involves a lot of washing and scrubbing to reveal your most iridescent skin. This calls for a pampering, oil-rich wash like Dove’s Mango Butter & Almond Butter Glowing Body Wash to renew and replenish dry, flaky skin. Then, finish with a powerful exfoliant to fully mimic the benefits of this practice, like Dove’s Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Polish.
Taking a mud bath in mineral-rich clay is one of the few times getting sticky will actually purify your body. These are usually popular in areas with previous volcanic activity, like Napa Valley, California. To reap the benefits of a clay bath at home, grab a jar of bentonite clay. It draws impurities out of the skin for a serious refresh without requiring you to leave the comfort of your own tub.
The traditional ancient Mayan cleansing ritual entails a shaman, piping hot rocks, herbs, and other goodies, but you don’t have to go that full-on at home. Mixing bath tea — a muslin bag filled with a few tablespoons of refreshing mint or inflammation-fighting rosemary — into your water can take your experience to another level. If you don’t have fresh herbs available, opt for a relaxing wash with ingredients like lavender and chamomile.