Best Volcanic Sand Baths Around The World

From the exotic beaches of Japan to the luxurious treatments of Dubai, these are the best volcanic sand baths in the world.

February 9, 2024

Lauren Stuttaford

Travel

If you’re looking for a unique spa experience that’s as hot as it gets, look no further than these top 5 volcanic sand baths around the world.

From the exotic beaches of Japan to the luxurious spa treatments of Dubai, these destinations offer a rejuvenating and, quite literally, HOT experience that’ll leave you feeling like a roasted marshmallow.
But there are lots of benefits to this – here’s our post on what you should know about volcanic sand baths.

Please note: It’s quite tricky sourcing stock images of this wellness practice in action, we did the best we could! 🙂

Now, grab your flip-flops and get ready to sizzle in style!

Types of Sand You’ll Find At Volcanic Sand Baths

When it comes to volcanic sand baths, you’ll encounter different kinds of sand that make your spa experience extra special.
Let’s break it down:

Black Sand

Black sand is volcanic in origin, usually made from basaltic lava fragments. It’s not only stunning to look at but also renowned for its mineral-rich composition, giving your skin that extra boost.

Red Sand

Red sand is formed from iron-rich volcanic rocks, and it’s not only visually striking but is believed to have its own set of skin-loving properties.

White Sand

White sand is created from materials like quartz and coral. It feels silky smooth under your feet and adds a touch of elegance to your sand bath experience.

Mixed Sand

Combining various colors and textures, mixed sands create a unique blend that might be tailor-made for your relaxation pleasure.

All of these sands are loaded with minerals like silica, magnesium, and potassium.

And, as we’ve seen in our other wellness blogs (like the ones about hot springs), these minerals work wonders for your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Now that we know what kinds of sand you’ll find, let’s take a look at the 5 best volcanic sand baths around the world.

5 Best Volcanic Sand Baths

Each of these locations was chosen based on their unique features.

1. SoJo Spa Club – New Jersey, USA

SoJo Spa Club is a premier Korean-inspired spa and wellness facility located in Edgewater, New Jersey, USA.

Apart from the traditional Korean spa treatments, you can also experience the Sojo Spa volcanic sand bath. Located on the 6th floor is an enclosed space that features sand brought in all the way from Ibusuki, Japan. The sand is said to be an anti-inflammatory and detox booster.

2. Saraku Sand Bath Hall – Kagoshima, Japan

On the southern tip of Kagoshima is a hot spring town known as Ibusuki Onsen. It’s home to arguably the world’s most well-known Japanese volcanic sand bath: Saraku Sand Bath Hall.

On the coast of Ibusuki are volcanic hot springs that warm the sand to 122 – 131 degrees Fahrenheit. Attendants will cover your face with a towel and shovel the dark, warm sand onto you, leaving only your head exposed. After around 10 minutes, you can get out feeling warm and relaxed, and visit the nearby beach or explore the hot springs.

3. Santhiya Resorts & Spas – Koh Yao Yai, Thailand

The Santhiya Resorts & Spas are a chain of traditional Thai-style luxury beach resorts based all around Thailand. One branch in Koh Yao Yai also offers an authentic volcanic sand bath. Making use of the ancient Japanese methodology, and iron-rich red sand, guests can relax for up to 30 minutes in an artificially heated sand bed.

4. Sand Baths Barzakh – Merzouga, Morocco

While it’s not quite volcanic sand, this location offers what’s considered to be the predecessor of the practice as it’s known today.

Offered by the traditional nomadic tribes of Morocco, this tourist attraction has guests head into the middle of the desert, and get into the sand. It’s almost excruciatingly hot, and after their sand immersion, guests have to be covered in hot towels to avoid the shock of how suddenly they cool off.

But it still brings hundreds of tourists every year.

5. Amara Spa – Port Saeed, Dubai

Last on the list is another unconventional approach to volcanic sand bathing.

The Amara Spa in Dubai offers a quartz treatment. Essentially, guests lie in beds and are covered in alpha quartz. It’s thicker than sand and is warmed up to a comfortable temperature for a luxurious spa treatment. It’s definitely a more modern and sleek approach, but it comes with a hefty price tag of around $300 per treatment. Ouch!