By Michelle da Silva Richmond

We’re thrilled to announce that Forbes Travel Guide has once again bestowed their Four-Star Rating on our luxurious 40,000 square-foot Gem Spa! This is our third consecutive year to receive this coveted accolade.

The annual Global Star Rating system has been recognizing exceptional hotels, restaurants and spas around the world since 1958 after they’ve been evaluated by a team of professional inspectors. Properties are rated anonymously on a regular basis, using up to 800 criteria to establish a global benchmark for luxury travel, providing discerning travelers the tools with which to make informed destination decisions.

Maya Magic

Throughout history people have flocked to spas to soothe whatever ailed them, for pampering or perhaps simply as an excuse for a “social happening.”

Fortunately for visitors to these shores, the ancient cultures of Mexico were way ahead of the game and rejuvenation and pampering aren’t just a diversion. It’s a way of life. The area’s magic combines with its natural beauty to inspire the vast array of therapeutic treatments you’ll find here. The clever use of indigenous herbs used in the revived rituals practiced by the ancient Maya promise modern-day road warriors spiritual as well as physical relief.

You’ll find a variety of these treatment at Gem Spa and the serene setting and will pave the way for a stress-relieving journey, sure to heal whatever ails you.

Hydrotherapy Ritual

We’re especially known for our “Hydrotherapy Ritual” – a 10-step process, which includes an aromatherapy steam room, clay steam room, ice room, polar plunge and pebble walkway, ending up in the “pool of sensations,” for the “grand finale.”

The healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on the “thermal effects” they have. Generally, heat quiets and soothes the body, slowing down the activity of internal organs. Cold, in contrast, stimulates and invigorates, increasing internal activity. The combination guarantees a feeling of well-being overall.

Our healing ritual begins with a “guided circuit,” starting with the aromatherapy steam room, where a sea of warm aromatic steam envelopes you. Following, step into a multi-jet cold water shower to awaken your senses and close your pores before you’re led into a clay steam room, where you’ll start feeling your exhaustion peel away. When you’re done, rinse off under the water jets of a tepid rain shower, before stepping into the warm embrace of a hot sauna.

A hot sauna and frosty ice room follow – to close your pores and accelerate your metabolism. The final steps take you to a bubbling hot Jacuzzi, followed by a brief ice water plunge and ending in a pebble walk with soft warm water jets caressing your calves and toes.

The “grand finale,” lands you in the Pool of Sensations, where you get to soak in a large pool filled with bubbles, geysers, waterfalls and cervical water jets, designed to massage your body in four different stages.

Soothing Treatments Beckon

Just in time for spring, we’re offering some new treatments, brimming with seasonal aromas, colors and soothing textures.

The 80-min. Seventh Wonder Luxury Massage features a combination of seven techniques providing you with a refreshing experience sure to awaken your senses and simultaneously plunge you into a deeply relaxed state. 

The Herbal Oriental Massage, an 80-min inspiration from the Orient, features a blend of Asian aromas wrapped in floral and herbal sachets followed by a luxurious body massage.

The 50-min. Purifying Massage with Swedish Herbs is brimming with healing herbs from Sweden, combined with essential oils to create a relaxing and purifying massage.

There are many treatments to choose from – for both men and women – with fresh juices, fruit and soothing Maya music providing the perfect complement to a journey you won’t soon forget!

 

We take our spa very seriously…. Just ask Forbes Travel Guide!