The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

Km. 298.8 Carretera #307 Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710  +52 (984) 877-3888

 

While just the environment at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is sufficient to coax all the stresses out of you, no retreat is complete without the spa ritual.  At the Spa domiciled in this haven, east and west, Mayan philosophy and Asian healing rituals, converge to deliver unprecedented rejuvenation and healing.  Upon arrival at the elegant Spa complex, through a boutique stocked with spa goodies and intoxicating Aromatherapy Associates products (see review in Precious Cargo section), patrons are welcomed with a cold, perfumed wet towel, Mayan drink and reflexology sandals. 

 

The 25,000-square-foot sanctuary incorporating elements of bamboo, exotic hardwood, water, stones and shells, extends to three VIP couples suits and eight individual rooms designed for privacy and comfort.  Within the spa are also a breathtaking Hamam with its domed ceiling of tile and marble, where 12 guests can enjoy the heat experience with or without having skin exfoliation, and be transported to the Far East.  Emerge from the heat of this quintessentially Turkish experience and you can sooth yourself either at the fountain of crushed ice, falling like snow into an ornate, three feet high ceramic art bowl, or the Watsu pool, separated by a slate wall and inspired by flickering candles.  Or head to the shower where the rain comes down with impressive force in three different styles with aromatic diffusion.

 

The Spa offers innumerable treatments ranging from facials to massages and two-hour long signature treatments.  Of these, the Mayan Tzolkin Ritual, coming in just under two hours, is inspired by the Mayan lunar calendar and focuses on the balancing of the body’s energies in relation to the internal and external world.  You first select some healing herbs from the Mandala Garden and once you enter your treatment room, a nurturing footbath prepares you for the full body scrub.  The healing massage, while incorporating principals of the Tzolkin, can be customized to target areas of tension and can even incorporate an ethereal hot stone treatment.