Cancun Blends Ancient Mayan Traditions with State-of-the-Art Facilities and Treatments for the Perfect Spa Vacation

Business Wire, Dec 23, 2004

CANCUN, Mexico -- As most begin thinking of post-holiday winter getaways without the cold weather, Cancun's myriad state-of-the-art spas offer the perfect solution for travelers looking to unwind, relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle but near a warm tropical climate.

From day spas and resort spas to fitness and brand-name spas, Cancun offers travelers an unrivaled spa experience that blends old world techniques with innovative technologies amidst the breathtaking beauty and unique cultural traditions of the Mexican Caribbean.

Following are some of Cancun's most popular spas and treatments:

The Power of Seaweed & Stones

Thalassotherapy - the art of using the therapeutic powers of seawater and its healthful components to relax, rejuvenate and nurture body and soul - is one of the main attractions at Paraiso de la Bonita (located only 25 minutes south of Cancun in Puerto Morelos), the first resort in North America to offer this spa treatment.

Other spa packages and massages are available to guests at other resorts throughout Cancun and include treatments such as the Le Meridien Spa del Mar's popular "Hot Stone Massage" - a luxurious and relaxing massage combined with thermal therapy using polished, dark, heated stones to relieve daily stress, loosen tight muscles and help restore energy.

Moon & Stars Provide Natural Canopy

Four Cancun resorts offer their own version of a "Moon and Stars" massage - the Melia Cancun Beach & Spa Resort, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, the Royal Sands Hotel and the Paradisus Riviera Cancun. The moonlight massage takes place in an outdoor cabana or a private terrace allowing guests to enjoy services in a unique environment with spectacular ocean sounds and views surrounding Cancun.

Margarita-Inspired Baths

The "Margarita Bath," a specialty of the Ritz Carlton, includes a mixture of bath salts, fresh limes and margarita flowers and resembles Mexico's most popular cocktail. The bathtub is lined with sea salts, designed to resemble the edge of a margarita glass and the water is garnished with fresh slices of lime and lime-scented bath gels for authentic recreation of the popular beverage. To complete the experience guests are presented with fresh margarita flowers, votive candles floating in margarita glasses at the edge of the tub, and a pitcher of margaritas with two glasses for refreshment.

The Spa at JW Marriott, currently the largest spa in Latin America, offers a similar experience. The 35,000 square feet, three-level spa offers a full range of Mayan-inspired treatments that are brought to life using a wide variety of raw materials native to Cancun, including fresh exotic fruits, stones and crystals, incense, mud, and milk.

Ancient Aztec Sweat Lodge Cleanses Body and Soul

For travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind spa experience, Temazcal is an indigenous Aztec steam bath treatment intended to renew the body, mind and spirit. Performed on hot stones with aromatic herbs, the Temazcal takes place directly on the beach at sunset in a terracotta hut, enhanced with brightly lit torches.

In its traditional form, Temazcal combines elements of the Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, European steam-bath and Arabian hammam, practiced by tribes from Guatemala to Utah and beyond for untold centuries to cleanse and purify the body. The word "Temazcal" itself comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs - "temaz" meaning bath and "calli" meaning house.

Cancun's Temazcal is offered at La Ceiba del Mar Hotel & Spa, the Westin Regina Cancun and the new Fiesta Americana Grand Aqua Cancun.

A New Wave of Spa Options

Cancun is moving towards offering guests unique experiences and new ways to relax the mind, body and soul. Following are two of the newest hotels offering spa services:

Fiesta American Grand Aqua which opened late November this year features a 16,145 sq ft. facility with 12 indoor and four outdoor treatment rooms. Aside from the popular Temazcal treatment the also offer steam and inhalotherapy, as well as Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates classes.

The Dream Cancun Resort and Spa, formerly the Camino Real Hotel, now features a spa with six massage cabins, two body treatment cabins and offers relaxing, aromatherapy, sport, and shiat-tzu massages.

About Cancun

A mecca for travelers of all types, with treasures for every taste, Cancun is the perfect getaway. The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau invites visitors to experience the warm hospitality and natural wonders of Cancun and its spectacular variety of resorts and spas. For further information, http://visit www.cancun.info.