Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones to warm up tight muscles so he can work on pressure points and problem areas to alleviate tension and stress. Hot stones may either be placed on the body or used as an extension of the therapist's hands, which allows the therapist to work more deeply and more quickly.

This quick massage treatment method is the perfect way to relax while you're on vacation—especially if you experience chronic muscle soreness that's been agitated by a long flight or car ride. Along with relieving tension, hot stone massage can help to promote sleep, relieve pain related to autoimmune disease, boost immunity, and even decrease cancer symptoms like fatigue, nausea, depression, and pain.

Most spas offer their own versions of hot stone massage, but they might call it lava stone massage, river rock massage, or warm stone massage. A hot stone massage, however, takes a lot of skill and sensitivity on the part of the therapist. If you plan to book a hot stone massage while traveling, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if it's the right treatment for you.