Activities & Spas
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Body and Soul

Spas in Riviera Maya can change your life.

By Kyle Roderick

Among the earth’s loveliest ecosystems, tropical Riviera Maya teems with jungle flora, white beaches and coral reefs, as well as a rich Maya healing tradition. So it is only natural that this riviera would be paradise for people who love great spas.

MAYA SPA. In the community of mystic Tulum, Maya Spa specializes in traditional local therapies. Purify body and soul in an indigenous sweat lodge, experiencing the holistic properties of earth, wind, fire and water, led by local shamans with song, chanting and drums. Benefit from herbal treatments prepared by Maya healers using local plants. (Tulum, 984.871.2750, maya-spa.com)



SPA ITZÁ. Treatments at this superb day spa are based on the Yucatán’s environmental riches and Maya healing formulas, and 21st-century treatments like organic body masks and pure oxygen inhalation are also offered. An element that differentiates this spa is the oxygen, tea and elixir bar. (Calle Corazón y Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen, 984.803.2588, spaitza.com)

PLAYACAR PALACE SPA. Walking distance from central Playa, this resort in the golf community of Playacar offers 14 spacious treatment rooms, saunas and steam baths in male and female wings, and a couples’ treatment room. Hydrotherapy, a gourmet bathing experience, is the perfect bookend to a day of watersports or sightseeing. (Bahía del Espíritu Santo y Abraira de Arriva, Playacar, 984.873.4960, palaceresorts.com/Golf/PlayaGolf/Spa.asp)

KINAN SPA AT MAROMA RESORT. The Mayan word for both solar energy and human energy is kinan. The eponymous spa delivers authentic Maya healing therapies and naturally derived skin care in elegant indigenous surroundings. For an indigenous healing experience, a temazcal ritual is offered by the resort’s own temazcalera, or native healer. (Carr. Cancún–Tulum km 51, Punta Maroma, 998.872.8200, ­maroma-mexico.com)

SECRETS SPA BY PEVONIA. This spa at the adults-only Secrets Capri Riviera Cancún features private Vichy and Swiss showers, Jacuzzi baths and treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, saunas, steam rooms, private showers and treatments in your room if you like. Premium spa products come from Pevonia Botanica and Davines. (Carr. Chetumal–Cancún km 299, Xcalacoco, 984.873.4880, secretsresorts.com)

THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL RIVIERA MAYA. This glorious emporium is one of the riviera’s most exclusive spas, covering 25,000 square feet and including eight treatment rooms with private showers and contemplative spaces. VIP couples’ suites provide secluded places for spa marathons, including private baths, scrub rooms, Jacuzzis and patios. A wooden pool is for Watsu massage. The villas include an intimate Thai massage suite. Outdoor palapas overlook tranquil azure waters. (Carr.Cancún–Chetumal km 299, Playa del Carmen, 984.877.3888, mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya)

NATURAL SPA. Popular with visitors seeking competitively priced treatments in northern Playa del Carmen, Natural Spa offers massage, sauna, reflexology, fango mud body treatments, facials, waxing, pedicure, manicure and acrylic nail services. (Constituyentes entre Avenidas Primera y Quinta, Playa del Carmen, 984.879.3747; Quinta Avenida y Calle 16, Playa del Carmen, 984.879.3629; Calle 28 y la Playa, Playa del Carmen, 984.876.2422)