Massage Off The Mat

Massage is the most popular offering on the spa menu, 70 percent of us request one during spa visits, according to the International Spa Association. But you don’t have to follow the crowd when requesting a rubdown. Several facilities are moving their most beloved treatments off the massage table and reinventing them in some fresh new locations. Here are two ways to try a new spin on a spa classic:

On the Ground

Those who feel most relaxed while napping outdoors on a balmy summer afternoon should try ‘Heaven in a Hammock’ at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Florida. This therapy takes places in a Mayan version of the backyard staple, where the gentle rocking motion encourages the body to return to its natural rhythms and balance. The hammock also elongates the spine and removes the pressure on it. The body also has greater flexibility and range of motion in this position, providing a totally different sensation than lying on a massage table. (www.ritzcarlton.com) If you’d rather experience this ‘zero-gravity’ treatment in a lush tropical forest, than at the beach, visit the spa at The Tides Riviera Maya in Mexico. There, you can customize the experience by choosing a hammock color that suits your desired energy level. Light blue, green, and lavender-colored fabrics can help you relax while red, orange, and fuchsia hues revitalize the spirit, awaken the senses, and enhance passion. Once you’ve made your selection, a therapist massages avocado and cocoa oil into your skin as you drift off to the sounds of a nearby waterfall. (www.tidesrivieramaya.com)

Through the Air

Who says you actually have to be inside a spa to experience the therapeutic benefits of massage? Travelers who want to get refreshed between destinations can schedule an appointment with Virgin Atlantic’s on-board masseuse. The airline’s ‘Back in the Clouds’ treatment targets the upper back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. (www.virgin-atlantic.com)Business passengers who want a serious splurge can call upon the services of Jetset Bodywork, a private in-flight massage company that promises to alleviate both nerves and jet lag with targeted massage treatments. (www.jetsetbodywork.com)