By Marissa Gold

It’s the end of the (Mayan) world as we know it, so why not spend it at the spa?

To commemorate the year 2012 and the end of the Mayan calendar on 12/21/12, some top Cancun spas are offering Mayan-inspired spa treatments that are so relaxing, you might not care about the alleged end of the world, either.

Le Blanc Spa Resort
(shown right)
Kukulkan Massage: “Initiates with shamanic purification ritual that cleanses the body from stress and tension. This is a four hand massage performed by two therapists that  incorporates special movements and manipulations that represents the Jaguar, keeper of the underworld; the serpent, earth and present time; and the eagle, heaven and the sacred. This massage is also designed to release muscular tension, physical blockage and stress.”

Live Aqua Cancun
Temazcal treatment: “Steam bath based on traditional healing methods. The origins of Temazcal begin in center of Mexico and the Yucatan region. The ancient ritual is conducted by a Mayan shaman and has been used for centuries to achieve space physical, emotional, mental and spiritual purification.”

The Westin Resort & Spa
(shown left)
Mayan Ritual: “Warm cotton compresses containing herbal mixtures are applied to energy points of the body, followed by a massage.”
Temazcal Ritual: “A steam bath based on traditional healing methods in which properties of fire and water are combined for purification.”
Black Mud: “Ancient anti-fatigue therapy where visitors bathe in holistic Pevonia Aromatoc Moor Mud that promotes healing and alleviates fatigue.”
Vanish: “A concentrated serum known for its smoothing and contouring properties is applied to problematic areas of skin followed by a body mask to leave skin feeling youthful, firm and toned.”

Royal Cancun
Temazcal treatment: “A steam bath based on traditional healing methods.”
Full & New Moon Celebrations: “After letting out toxins during a Temazcal treatment, visitors cool down and rest by an open air waterfall shower and then receive a relaxing massage under moonlight.”
Nine Leaves Divine Bath: “A bath designed to treat ‘spiritual diseases of the soul’ with 9 different herbs.”
Mayan Massage: “A combination of different massage techniques that relieve tension.”

The Ritz-Carlton Cancun
Mayan Seashell Massage: “A soothing relaxing massage with coconut, rosemary and hot seashells.”
Mayan Healing Ritual: “An oceanfront Mayan ritual which blends therapeutic and aromatic herbs to comfort the body and soul.”
Mayan Renewal Bath: “Infused with medicinal mint leaves, wood, lemon rind and seeds of annatto and a moisturizing organic cactus facial mask.”(Available through October 2012.)

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Cancun
The Mayan Gods Ritual: “Lasts 120 minutes and begins with a copal exfoliation and body wrap. Copal resin, used by ancient Mayans in their spiritual ceremonies, is known for revitalizing the spirit. After, a restorative facial incorporates jade and Tiger’s Eye, inspiring clarity and power.”

Fiesta Americana Condesa
Mayan Mud Massage: “Inspired by the Mayan story of creation that reads the gods created man from mud. The treatment nourishes the body with photo-enzymes and trace elements originally discovered by the Mayans to revitalize the body.”

The post Mayan-Inspired Spa Treatments In Cancun appeared first on Spa Week Daily.

By Raymond Ostertag (Self-photographed) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

You can literally take your pick of stunning, modern oceanfront resorts there, and relaxing, trendy spas are popping up all over. One that’s getting a lot of attention lately is the spa at Playacar Palace. This newly unveiled 11,000-square-foot spa could rival the most private and luxurious New York or Vegas hideaway. Take a look:

You can expect deluxe couples’ massage suites, a sauna, color aromatherapy steam room, ice plunge pool, thermal whirlpool, and heated ceramic loungers. But what you probably didn’t expect is that if you book 3 nights or more, you can enjoy spa services for free thanks to a new resort credit bonus.

The executive vice president of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur, said the launch of this spa is “Turning the notion of a traditional all-inclusive resort on its head.” And when you create a fancy new spa like this, you naturally want to launch some sort of promo to help get the word out about it. Here’s what he did: If you stay for 3 nights or more, you get a resort credit that can be used on spa treatments (or excursions and other extras, too). The longer you stay, the bigger your credit — up to $1500.

You can use your credit to purchase treatments at the spa, or even to stock up on luxe Natura Bisse products, which are used in the face and body services.

Think of it as the icing on the cake of an already-awesome all-inclusive vacation. We can only hope this trend continues! Until then, happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone! Here’s one last look at paradise:

The post All-Inclusive Spa Vacations Do Exist appeared first on Spa Week Daily.

Spa Week goes abroad! Join Ani as she tests out some lovely new SPF products in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

Hola! Editorial director Ani Palen here checking in from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where I’m enjoying some rest and relaxation with a good side of fun in the sun. Speaking of, ever since our Susan Posnick feature I’ve been taking my sun safety  very seriously. So, I’ve been making it rain at the beach with a lot of top notch SPF goodies. So far my absolute favorite SPF products have been Benefit’s Dream Screen for my face and Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil for my body.

Ani here in Cabo! Checkout my beach essentials of the day: @benefitcosmetics Triple Performing Facial Emulsion Spf 15, @nivea_es Sun Protect & Refresh Spf 50, @trilipiderm All-Body Moisture Retention Crème Spf 30, @benefitcosmetics Dream Screen Spf 45, and @coola_suncare Liplux Sport Spf 30 #beach #vacation #beautythings #beauty #travel #travelblogger #beautyblogger #products #sunshine #love #sun #sand #Mexico #cabo #beautyjunkie #face #lips #skin#skincare

A photo posted by Spa Week (@spaweek) on May 16, 2015 at 9:20am PDT

With its SPF 45 and oil-free formula, Dream Screen really is quite dreamy. I have super oily skin so face sunscreen is kind of a nightmare for me, but this delightful product has kept my face looking and feeling matte and silky, and better yet, sunburn-free. After a few quick shakes of the gorgeous little bottle, all you need is a few drops to cover your entire face and neck. So yes, while it might be pricey at $32, this facial sunscreen will get you through the entire summer and quite a bit beyond. 

 

Gorgeous day at the beach #splash #vacation #vacay #travel #travelblogger #mexico #cabo #ocean #sun #fun #beach #beautiful #nofilter #scenic #love #weekend #staytuned

 

A photo posted by Spa Week (@spaweek) on May 16, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

Supergoop’s Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil sounds like an oxymoron, because who would be silly enough in 2015 to slather oil on themselves before laying in the sun? But trust me, this stuff delivers on its promise to keep skin free of sunburn with its SPF 50. And despite the name “goop,” the formula applies flawlessly. Just give it a few generous spritzes, gently rub into your skin, and you’re safe from harmful rays for at least two hours. Of course, always reapply sunscreen after you take a dip in the pool or ocean. This is definitely one of the more unique SPF products out there, and I am loving it!

To see more photos and hear more about my time in Cabo, make sure you’re following us on Instagram! Also be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for loads of fun social media events and giveaways. Hasta luego!

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