The month of love is upon us, and following such a tumultuous past year that has drained us all emotionally, it’s important that we take some time to recuperate and relax while spending time with loved ones. To really get a sense of complete physical, emotional and psychological relaxation, why not book a healing couple’s spa package? This is a great way to spend some quality time with that special someone while also re-energising yourself for the year ahead. Here’s a look at some truly romantic spa packages that are ideal for couples this Valentine’s Day.

5 Romantic couple’s spa packages

1. Ancient Arabian Mud Rasul

This is a traditional Arabian-inspired cleansing treatment which combines the benefits of steam and mud for an enhanced cleansing treatment that expels toxic waste from the body, regulates body temperature and completely invigorates the skin. In addition to the physical benefits, Rasul treatment is said to have a spiritual benefit in the form of a heightened sense of wellbeing. When the body sweats, it expels toxins as well as reducing muscle spasms, relieving inflammation, balancing blood pressure and promoting a hormonal change which releases stress.

The treatment

This particular couple’s treatment will start with an application of the detoxifying essential oil clay lotions to the body, followed by a drying period while the oils are absorbed into the skin. Then there’s the steam period which opens the pores for deeper penetration. Once the steam has finished, a light misty shower will clean the body and cool you down. You can then enjoy a relaxation period while your body temperature returns to its usual rate, leaving you feeling invigorated.

2. Hammam Ritual

This cleansing spa treatment, also known as a Turkish hamam or Turkish bath, has ancient roots of steam-related cleansing and massage. Various spas will have their own version of this treatment – such as the Evolve Day Spa’s Eucalyptus-infused hammam ritual with a full body aromatic massage and a cooling foot soak – but they generally follow some form of the following…

The treatment

Your body will be thoroughly cleansed from head to toe, before you enter the humid steam chamber. Here, a therapist will douse you in water before applying black soap to your skin and exfoliating it with a kessa glove. The temperature in the chamber is set high, with a humidity of close to 100% to encourage sweating, releasing toxins and increasing renal activity. You’ll then enjoy a cold shower to wash away the soap and toxins, followed by a feeling of relaxation and enhanced mood.

3. Aromatic massage

This is a popular couple’s spa treatment for those looking to unwind. It tends to include a customised fusion of essential oils suited to your requirements and preferences which, when massaged into the skin, are absorbed as well as being inhaled. This promotes beneficial changes to body and mind.

The treatment

The essential oil fusion will depend on your preferences, with each one promoting different sensations:

· Calming: Chamomile, lavender, and geranium oil;

· Decongesting: Eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oil;

· Energising: Rosemary oil; and

· Uplifting: Ylang-ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli oil.

This will often be accompanied by a Swedish massage which involves long, kneading strokes as well as rhythmic tapping of the muscles and joint movements to encourage relaxation and revitalise body and mind. This is a really great treatment for calming anxiety.

Are you a couple? Then read: Best Types of Couples Massages

4. Hot stone massage

For the ultimate in relaxation and tension relief, a hot stone massage is a great couple’s spa treatment. This form of massage therapy will ease muscle tension and assist in healing damaged soft tissues throughout your body. It also has a number of long-term benefits including boosting immunity, assisting in decreasing symptoms of cancer, as well as symptoms associated with autoimmune disease.

Treatment

For this form of hot stone massage treatment, smooth, flat stones – generally made of basalt, a volcanic rock that retains heat – are placed on parts of the body. Some of the placements include along your spine, on your stomach, chest, face, palms, feet and toes. Massage therapists might also incorporate Swedish massage techniques including long strokes, circular movements, vibrations, tapping and kneading.

5. Combination package treatment

Many spas will be offering some incredible Valentine’s Day couple’s treatments that include a combination of relaxation treatment options. These could include:

· A full body massage;

· Back, neck and shoulder massage;

· Scalp massage; and

· Foot massage.

Many, such as Boksburg-based, Evolve Day Spa, will include a number of special ways to spoil Valentine’s couples, including a special spa lunch and drinks. There are also great reductions on rates so you’re getting so much more for less!