Hot Stone Bath soaking in medicinal water

Overview

Soak up the rich nuances of a traditional and deeply reviving authentic hot stone Bhutanese bath – a simple combination of fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves.

Why you will love it

• Learn about this age-old traditional Bhutanese bathing custom
• Experience the rock heated water infused with Artemisia leaves.
• Relaxing in the hot stone bath for 1-2 hours

What you will experience

Having enjoyed an authentic Hot-Stone Bhutanese bath, one can forget the fancy spa treatments! An ancient bathing custom it is unique and can be addictive too for spa buffs. The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. It uses Menchu (medicinal water) which is nothing, but fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath (so there is no danger of being burned by the hot stones) and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. One can soak in the water for about an hour or two after a tiring day while sipping a hot beverage. This may also be followed by a salt scrub to remove dead skin cells and an oil massage to relieve tired muscles.