Homemade Island Getaway

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The lure of tropical locales, with their colorful blooms, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, is hard to resist when winter’s chill sets in. Although you might not be able to travel to the islands each winter, you can pamper yourself at home with island-inspired body-care treatments. Using natural ingredients, such as herbs, spices and exotic fruits, these ancient beauty secrets produce glowing, healthy skin and refresh your body and spirit.

BALINESE BOREH

Makes 4 ounces (one treatment)

Indonesia is the birthplace of many tropical health and beauty secrets. Boreh is a Balinese spice body mask that is a popular treatment for fever, headaches, muscle aches and arthritis. This aromatic mask increases circulation, exfoliates and softens skin.

1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 teaspoons rice powder (finely ground rice)
1 to 2 teaspoons water

Combine ground spices and rice powder. Add water and mix well until mixture forms a smooth paste (add more water if mixture is too dry).

To use, rub paste over entire body and wrap yourself in a warm bath towel or sheet. After 5 to 10 minutes, remove cloth and rub off paste with a cotton washcloth. Rinse body well with warm water. Moisturize using a rich body cream or coconut oil.

TROPICAL BODY POLISH

Makes 8 ounces (one treatment)

Mangos are a popular food because they are sweet and succulent, but they also are an effective skin softener and conditioner. Combined with ground avocado pit and orange zest, they make the perfect treat for tired skin. After polishing your body with this recipe, you’ll have glowing skin.

1 whole mango, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon ground avocado pit (saved from a fresh avocado, ground in food processor or coffee grinder)
1 tablespoon dried orange zest

In a small bowl, mash mango with a fork. Add ground avocado pit and orange zest; stir well. To use, massage over body before showering. Rinse with warm water, then again with cool water.