With the evermore frantic pace of the modern world, spa hotels are constantly on the rise in popularity. Whether you live in the city or in the country, there is nothing quite like treating yourself to a pampering in a spa away from home. Perhaps treating a loved one with some spa gift vouchers and going together is even better, but you might be starting to think that all spas are the same these days. Well, think again, because there are all sorts of weird and wonderful spas popping up all over the world to cater for people who are getting bored of regular spas. We take a look at a few of them right here.

1: Galos Caves, USA

Chicago is probably the last place you would imagine there to be a bunch of salt caves to sooth your tensions, but that is exactly the case. You can enjoy the treatment simply by breathing, since the salt in the air is at such a level that it eases respiratory and digestive problems. The caves are filled with relaxing music to complement the airborne treatment.

2: Chiang Mai Prison Spa, Thailand

One of the most affordable spa treatments in the world is the massage service you can get in jail. Well, it’s not actually in jail, but the women at this correctional institute have been in jail and have, as part of a rehabilitation programme, been expertly trained in the art of massage. The training runs for around 200 hours, so you can be sure that they know exactly what they’re doing when you take to the table.

3: Beer Baths, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is famously one of the best places in the world for good beer and this spa adds weight to that claim. Not only do you get a complimentary cold beer to enjoy after the spa, you get to be in hot beer during the spa. This might sound pretty strange at first – well, it is – but it is actually very relaxing to spend time in a beer bath. You’ll feel totally refreshed afterwards and that’s even before the complimentary cold beer.

4:Caudalie Spa, France

While we’re on the topic of alcohol, we’ll take a trip to Bordeaux in France. The grapes at this spa – known as the world’s first Vinotherapy – are supposed to be an excellent way of banishing cellulite and slimming down. In such a beautiful setting, it’s hard not to feel 100 per cent relaxed from the grapey treatments and natural hot springs.

5:Lime Spa, Maldives

You might well think about tropical fish gliding elegantly through the ocean when you’re enjoying any other spa treatment, but you can actually watch them right here in the Maldives in the world’s first underwater spa. The Maldives is aesthetically pleasing as it is, but just wait until you see it from a spa room under the surface of the ocean.

6: Anesis Spa, England

Speaking of fish, this London-based spa offers treatments that are actually performed by fish to bring you that little bit closer to nature. This treatment originated in the Middle East and features Garra Rufa fish that eat the dead skin from visitors. This mirrors their behaviour in their natural habitat, in which they eat the dead scales from larger fish to live.