Azulik Tulum

Review by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe

Nestled amongst the dense jungle of Tulum, the Azulik Hotel and Maya Spa offer the perfect retreat for couples and solo travelers. With ocean and jungle view suites, this exclusive adult-only, 33-suite hotel affords guests the privacy to enjoy the invigorating ocean breeze and spectacular views that Tulum is famous for. The rooms are constructed with local materials such as natural woods and traditional Mexican tiling for the bathtub and sink area. While certainly spacious this boutique hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, choosing instead to serve local cuisine delivered from a nearby restaurant. Guests can choose to eat in the privacy of their room or in the communal lounge area; the only place with Wi-Fi and television service. The purpose, of course, of visiting Azulik is to switch off and connect with nature.

The Maya Spa focuses on the ancient traditions of the Mayan culture to deliver an authentic experience to guests. The Maya Spa offers exercise classes such as yoga, experiences like the traditional Mayan Temazcal and an array of therapies such as the Mayan Rebirth Ceremony. Therapists local to the area perform these experiences, many have Mayan heritage and knowledge of indigenous plants and herbs and their medicinal uses. With an oceanfront couples treatment cabin and a deck overlooking the azure waters of the Mexican Caribbean Sea; there are few more stunning places to receive a relaxing and invigorating spa experience.

The Mayan Rebirth Ceremony combines a series of rituals and therapies to enhance the state of peace and harmony in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body, according to Mayan traditions. It commences with a welcoming and cleansing copal incense ceremony. Copal, a tree resin, is extracted by the hands of indigenous Mayan people, who consider it sacred. The extraction of this resin must be done with honor and respect and is a ritual of meditation, peace and harmony with the universe. Cleansing with Copal incense smoke is performed at the beginning of this experience to introduce the guest to the Pre-Hispanic world of health. The treatment continues with a banana leaf body wrap, also utilizing gentle massage movements for the application of Mayan clay, enriched with local honey and medicinal herbs. The therapist uses prayer and chants to enact the healing power of the herbs and extracts for the benefit of the guest. A bath scented with local flowers, indigenous to the area, completes the treatment. The guest is also provided with a personal token of the Mayan Calendar to remember the experience. Floral extracts from Rose, Jasmine, Chrysanthemum, Lavender, Carnation, and Chamomile petals are used during the ritual. The herbs incorporated in the service include Mint, Eucalyptus, Basil and Rue.

With a recent renovation and extension of the Azulik Hotel, this breathtaking oceanfront retreat will soon increase its offering from 33-suites to 49-suites.

Sara Jones

Editor