If you thought spas were just about getting in some hot water, think again. International spa culture differs widely from country to country. Whether you’re in an intense Russian sauna or a serene Japanese onsen, the experience is quite different. The US also has some elements of spa culture, such as historic mineral water remedies and modern hot spring resorts.
American Spa and Hot Spring Traditions
In the early 1900s, Martinsville, Indiana, was known as the City of Mineral Water. A number of sanitariums and spas cropped up to cater to the wellness craze of the time. These days, no spas remain in Martinsville, but the history is preserved through vintage postcards and local interest groups.
Other historic spa spots in the US include Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Saratoga Springs, New York. The Arkansas spot was once a haven for gangsters and baseball players, but some bathhouses are still in operation in Hot Springs National Park. Saratoga is known for its carbonated mineral waters believed to cure a wide variety of ills.
Modern spa trends in the US often center around Instagram influencers, as well as destinations like Colorado’s Iron Mountain and Oregon’s Umpqua Springs. Compared to other spa cultures, America is very modern with additions like cocktails, snacks, and music.
Russian and Scandinavian Spa Culture
Russian spa culture surrounds dry steam saunas called banya. These use bundles of birch or oak branches to beat or brush the skin. It’s considered a social and spiritual cleansing. Men and women usually bathe separately, and the dress code is either nude or towel-clad, depending on the setting. It’s common to jump into a snowbank or icy water after.
Scandinavia also has a rich spa culture, with Finland being home to over 3 million saunas compared with its population of 5.5 million. million. Like Russia, it’s common to go from the sauna to an icy lake or snow, then repeat the hot sauna. This is believed to improve circulation and mental clarity.
Modern banya often includes things like DJ sets, kombucha bars, and banya yoga. Modern Scandinavian saunas may involve sauna gondolas, sauna buses, and floating saunas. The sauna experience is supposed to be quiet, so loud guests are often Americans.
East Asian Spa Culture
East Asian spa culture is most well-known through the Japanese onsen. These natural hot springs throughout the country are deeply tied to Shinto and Zen principles. Some iconic locations include Beppu and Hakone. Japanese spa etiquette includes washing thoroughly before entering, and sometimes tattoos are banned due to yakuza associations. Unique Japanese spa themes may include wine, coffee, or green tea.
In Korea, 24-hour bathhouses are called jjimjilbang. These combine saunas, hot tubs, nap rooms, movie theaters, arcades, and snack bars. Some common rituals include scrubbing services that exfoliate dead skin. This is a very social tradition where kids, couples, and elders lounge in cotton robes watching Korean dramas while eating boiled eggs and a sweet rice drink called sikhye.
As you can see, spa culture is very different around the world, while the US trends more modern, other countries tend to preserve traditional rituals.
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