Before Japanese bathhouses, Roman baths or Moroccan Hammams, the Greeks had already established public baths that would inspire other cultures for millennia.  Though humble by comparison to the public baths of the cultures they inspired, the Greeks created remarkably sophisticated baths with hot and cold pools, showers, steam baths, sand baths and even aromatic baths where herbs like spearmint were quite popular.

Our Aegean Mint ritual collection features essential oils of spearmint and a hint of earthy patchouli.  It has proven to be equally popular with men and women.

See the entire Aegean Mint collection here.

Japanese Lavender Spa

The Japanese have long been revered for elevating the bath, or ofuro, to an art form.  The spiritual side of the ofuro is rich with history and legend.  The practice of bathing beggars and the poor was common in Japan and other Buddhist cultures.  Extending this courtesy to strangers was thought to further one's path to enlightenment.  One particular story relates that the Buddha appeared in the guise of a leper to a kindhearted Empress in the 8th century and revealed his identity only after the offer of a bath was extended, in spite of his condition.  This story echoes our sentiments that a hot bath is good for the soul.  

Japanese public baths, or sento, are places of serenity but fairly utilitarian.  The onsen, or spas, are more luxurious and usually built around natural mineral hot springs, which are found in abundance in Japan.   These soothing mineral baths are incredibly popular and inspired us to create Japanese Lavender Spa Moisturizing Mineral Bath and ritual.  Lavender isn't a native plant to Japan but it has been fondly embraced in Japanese bathing rituals thanks to its ability to relax and comfort. For that reason, Ablutions Spa chose the finest high altitude French lavender to represent our Japanese Lavender Spa ritual.

See the entire Japanese Lavender Spa collection here.

See the entire Madagascar Lime & Ginger collection here.

See the entire Mayan Cacao collection here.

Moroccan Harem

Hammams are public baths found in Morocco, Turkey and other Islamic countries, fashioned after Roman baths.  They are places of relaxation and purification, both physical and spiritual.  There is also a sensual nature to the warm, steamy baths.  Imagine having warm water poured over you from head to toe, being covered in rhassoul clay, scrubbed, rinsed, soaped, rinsed again, stretched and massaged while you recline nude on warmed stone, the air thick with steam.  Then, you dress and lounge with mint tea and a pastry.  This wonderful ablution was traditionally practiced weekly among Muslims.

Morocco, with its sultry climate, conjures visions of exotic music, spicy aromas, belly dancers and opulent surroundings.  It is this image of Morocco that inspires Moroccan Harem. This sensual blend of blood orange, precious sandalwood and a hint of spicy clove bud will transport you to another place and time.

See the entire Moroccan Harem collection here.

Thai Coconut Lemongrass

Thailand has a wonderful spiritual water festival called Songkran which begins on the eve of the Thai New Year in April when the sun passes from the zodiac sign of Aries into Taurus and goes on for 3 days.  This festival of renewal involves ritualistically splashing water on everyone and everything, including religious statues, to purify the soul, appease the ancestral spirits and bring good fortune and health to the community.  In displays of atonement, participants will humbly pour scented water from traditional bowls over the hands of elders to whom they have caused worry or distress over the past year.  In more traditional homes, the elders are bathed upon rising and given new clothes in which to greet the new year.  This public spiritual cleansing ritual is a huge celebration and promotes a strong sense of community and goodwill.

To honor Thailand's joyful festival of renewal, Ablutions has chosen two local favorites for our Thai Coconut Lemongrass ritual; fresh sweet coconut milk and tart lemongrass.  This refreshing combination is absolute heaven in the bath.

See the entire Thai Coconut Lemongrass collection here.