Taiwan has over 100 hot springs and is promoting itself as a bit of a spa spot, which you may know if you read my previous story about the worst massage I’ve ever had in my life!
But they’re not all terrible. They run from soaking in hot pools to painful foot massages at night markets to decadent hot rocks massages at luxurious resorts. But for something completely weird that you won’t find at home, try Being Spa in Taipei for a Hinoki Enzyme Bath.
Don’t be fooled. This is no bath of warm water in which you wallow with petals floating around. Instead you don a pair of brown cotton pyjamas with a hoodie, and are taken through to a giant sand pit full of steaming sawdust.
A nice man with a shovel will dig you a grave and there you lie – with your colleagues lined up on either side. You’ll be covered over with just your head poking out and an eye mask on. While the pit isn’t heated, the cypress sawdust is composting and MAN it’s hot!
After 15 minutes of sweating – and trying to relax – you burrow out, your toxins are released and you feel remarkably invigorated as if you’ve had a workout before heading to the showers to peel off the composty suit and enjoy the soak.
Is it worth it? I’d say only if you want something to write home about.
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