Truly unique to any destination resort in all of Latin America, the 25,000-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico sets new standards of holistic well-being. A sanctuary that embodies the riches of Mayan philosophy, blended with Asian-rooted healing rituals, the Spa offers guests an authentic and holistic journey to rejuvenate and restore the mind, body and spirit. A destination resort spa, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is the centerpiece of the guest experience and an integral part of what makes this luxurious hideaway the ultimate retreat. 

The Spa complex is a stunning vision of free-flowing space and elegant, contemporary design, offering a striking blend of crisp lines and vibrant hues, soothed by natural colors and organic textures. The key design elements of bamboo, exotic hardwood, water, stones and shells complement the vibrant blue sky, white limestone, earthy mangroves and plants, creating the absolute feeling of being at one with nature. Bold architectural features, including fire walls, water components and tranquil gardens, inspired by the Mayan healing elements of water, air, fire and earth, all serve to enhance the revitalizing experience. 

At The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, an enchanting complex of contemplative space, holistic therapists and global healing practices come together for a legendary quality experience. A lush, landscaped entryway leads to the open, airy reception space – a thatched roof palapa where the spa journey begins. Here, guests partake in a welcome ritual of a refreshing aromatic towel, a welcome signature Mayan drink and the traditional change to slippers – an enduring oriental welcome that signifies the leaving of the external world behind. 

To begin the journey, guests are escorted to the male or female heat and wet areas. Fronting a spectacular garden patio, the focal point is the Zen relaxation room. A haven for tranquility and serenity before, after and in-between treatments, it is a refuge for sun, relaxation, reading and thinking.

The “walk through” experience area starts with the massive vitality pool as jets inside ergonomically formed, in-pool recliners target strategic pressure points for acupressure massage. With warm waters at a soothing 97ºF, clients relax as their muscle tension eases and blood circulation increases. Following that, the experience shower, releases three different styles of rain in concert with aromatic diffusion.  

Treatments
Life giving rituals have been practiced in every culture since the beginning of time. Inspired by these rituals, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya has merged Mayan techniques and philosophies with those from the world over into a potent blend of treatments, ensuring an optimal wellness experience.

Private consultations are available for guests prior to commencing their wellness journey, where focus is on individual needs and expectations. Clients are taken through their personal concerns to help achieve the desired results relating to inner and outer wellbeing. Two rooms are dedicated to lifestyle consultation with a therapist or wellness consultant. Customized programs can be designed to incorporate treatments, fitness, classes, dietary consulting and more.

The spa menu is comprehensive, from personalized journeys booked in blocks of time and tailor made to one’s individual needs called Time Rituals™, to signature treatments such as Oriental Harmony, where four hands work in perfect unison for an outstanding experience that inspires a harmony of the senses. Add to that a selection of ultimate body treatments, massages, scrubs and wraps, as well as specialized facials.

The expansive treatment space consists of detached buildings offering three VIP couples suites and eight individual rooms designed for ultimate comfort and tranquility.  Spacious, sleek and airy, the VIP couples rooms are huge, full-day experience suites, offering every imaginable amenity and indulgence, from private bathroom, shower and scrub room to an outdoor space with day beds and Jacuzzi or vitality room patio.  And, one suite is equipped for Thai massage.  
  
Hamam
In this domed ceiling haven of tile and marble, heated steam is used to detoxify the body. With ergonomic seating for 12, guests first enjoy a short, invigorating scrub massage with fine soaps, body washes and essential oils applied on a large massage stone table in the adjacent scrub room. A shower then concludes the hamam heat experience, leaving the skin exfoliated and the body soothed and relaxed.  

Ice Fountains
Cooling ice fountains, used to cool the body in between heat experiences, offer the opportunity to lower body temperature, inhibiting additional sweating and stimulating the body through the constriction of blood vessels. A reservoir of crushed ice with the look and feel of fine snow stands three feet high in an ornate ceramic art bowl.  Ice is replenished as guests help themselves – scooping handfuls to rub on scalp, shoulders and legs.

Watsu
Separated by a slate wall and inspired by the flickering of candlelight is the therapeutic watsu pool. Amidst a stunning setting, guests indulge in a selection of water therapies.  By taking gravity out of the equation, the therapist and guest work together through water flotation in shiatsu-like body movements to release and unwind.

Temazcal
Taking one into a deep state of meditation and purification is the traditional Mayan rebirthing ritual of temazcal.  This guided experience, led by a Shaman, takes one on a journey to encounter their spirit and soul. The ritual is held in a dark and intimate domed structure made of clay, a genuine time-honored Mayan assembly. Lava rocks placed in the center heat the room to high temperatures while the experience progresses.  Blessings, chanting, herbs and meditation add to the ritual, in which copal incense is placed atop charcoal to cleanse away negative energy. The intense healing experience concludes with the blowing into a large conch shell to the north, south, east and west – a ceremonial saluting of the cardinal points. 

Spa Products
Skincare products used in spa treatments are formulated using the highest quality organically grown plants, known for their purity, potency and therapeutic qualities, provided by Mandarin Oriental’s signature product line and London-based Aromatherapy Associates.

Fitness & Wellness
Buddha statues watch over the 1,000-square-foot yoga studio, where a variety of classes and private sessions will satisfy the novice to enthusiast. With 1,500 feet of work-out space, the fitness centre offers a full line of state-of-the-art equipment for full body wellness, including cardio and strength machines, free weights and kinesis.  Designed to re-establish the balance between mind and body, kinesis allows the mind to guide the body in a tri-dimensional space of balance, flexibility and strength. A series of equipment and specialized technology guides the body through easy and natural movements without restrictions. 

Swimmers can take to the heated outdoor 12-meter pool bathed in natural sunlight. And, for those wanting a one-on-one experience, individual and customized personal training sessions are conducted by highly qualified personal trainers.

To provide a forum for education and learning, lectures, seminars and workshops will be conducted by in-house specialists as well as industry experts on wellness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation, culture and others. The ultimate goal is to provide a holistic experience that allows guests to improve their lifestyle and continue their wellness practices beyond the destination resort experience into their daily lives.

Other facilities and amenities include a full service salon with two beauty treatment rooms for facials, waxing and hand and feet treatment, as well as a comprehensive spa retail boutique.