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Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a boutique luxury experience just north of Playa del Carmen, nestled in the tropical forest the 41 private villas comprise palapa roofs, private pools and indoor/outdoor shower experiences. Around the resort, Viceroy has eliminated plastic water bottles instead, serving carafes of filtered drinking water and reducing plastic waste so often seen around resorts.
Before entering the jungle-based, Wayak Spa at Viceroy Riviera Maya, guests are invited to participate in a Mayan ritual of cleansing the mind and spirit. Instruments beat gently around a small clearing in the lush foliage, close your eyes while sacred copal smoke is ‘smudged’ over the body from head to toe. You are encouraged to let go of thoughts no longer serving you, worries that may be on your mind and to make space for peace and balance.
Once in the spa, enjoy the steam room with a self-applied sugar scrub, Swiss showers and the Jacuzzi. Certain treatments also make use of the spa apothecary where herbs from the small spa garden can be added to scrubs and body masks creating customized products. The spa also keeps Melipona honey bees, which have no stingers, in three rustic wooden hives. Honey from these hives is used in selected signature spa services.
The Mayan Trilogy massage uses guided meditation to promote deep mental relaxation, essential oils and fresh herbs for aromatherapy and thin veils drifted over the body providing a unique sensation. Set in an open-air palapa to the sounds of water rushing through the fountain and jungle birds chirping, this low-tech experience leaves you feeling at one with nature.
By Sara Jones, Editor
www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/rivieramaya
