Reviewed by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe in 2024
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, located along Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, welcomes guests through a series of beautiful archways, framing the spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea; a design theme repeated throughout the property. The resort was constructed using local materials, including palm, bamboo, clay, stone, and fibers, all visible throughout the intricately designed guest suites, restaurants, and gathering spaces. The restaurant menus feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the resort’s commitment to wellness and culture, and providing flavorful dishes with intriguing culinary twists.
Start the day with a sunrise meditation on the beach before a yoga class at Palapa Corazón, overlooking the tranquil jungle. The instructor guides the class through an adaptation of the Ashtanga series, suitable for beginners but also challenging enough for experienced yogis.
The healing remedies workshop in the apothecary allows guests to explore the ancient knowledge of healing plants, learning to identify herbs and their therapeutic applications. Guests create their own blend, using a pestle and mortar to grind dried herbs with salt, which they can add to an aromatic bath or use as a salt scrub for the body.
Wander through the stone pathways that wind throughout the property to the Four Elements Labyrinth, a thoughtfully designed space that encourages reflection and mindfulness. This meditative experience starts with a copal smoke cleansing, the burning of a tree resin sacred in the Mayan culture. This guided walking ritual helps guests connect with the earth and set their intention for the stay.
A visit to the Melipona bee sanctuary highlights the magic and significance of these bees and their ecological role. The melipona bee produces exquisite-tasting honey and this healing ingredient is used by the spa in a variety of spa rituals.
At Maroma Spa by Guerlain, the hydrotherapy circuit comprises an indoor sauna, separated for males and females, before guests venture outside to the open-air facilities surrounded by nature, enjoy a refreshing shower followed by the steam room before proceeding to the cold plunge pool, warm and hot pools for contrast therapy to relax muscles and stimulate circulation.
The Mayan Power ‘Fire Element’ treatment utilizes medium to deep pressure massage techniques and the warmth of hot spheres to alleviate muscle tension and promote circulation, resulting in a revitalizing and energetic treatment. At the picturesque spa boutique, the Guerlain fragrance ritual offers a sensory experience where guests can explore a personalized selection of aromas, discovering scents that resonate with their personalities and preferences.
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Reviewed by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe in 2012
Kinan is the Mayan word for the healing energy of the sun. However, Kinan also refers to the energy of each individual. By unlocking this energy the body has the ability to heal itself and thrive at its full potential, therefore achieving ‘wellness’.
The spa treatment rooms and waterfall feature have been strategically aligned to the stars to ensure positive energy flow and unite the body, mind and spirit in harmony.
Whilst enjoying a treatment at the exclusive Kinan spa, massage beds are situated so the direction of your head is west looking east. This represents new beginnings. The relaxation room faces north, representing earth and grounding.
The extensive menu of treatments offered at Kinan is an eclectic mix of international therapies combined with local Mayan healing traditions. From the Yucatan Peninsula’s array of over 2000 plants, roughly 250 of these can be used for medicinal purposes and can be incorporated into traditional treatments passed down through generations of Maya.
The Kinan Ritual, a spiritual, physical and mental signature treatment starts with a local herb, cleansing wrap followed by a honey salt exfoliation and an invigorating four-handed massage. The Hot, Healing Poultice treatment uses medicinal herbs and essential oils, carefully collected and prepared by hand, then wrapped in organic cotton and steamed, intensifying their potency. This is massaged into the body while still warm, opening the pores, releasing tension, and improving circulation. A dynamic oil massage completes this healing treatment.
An additional wellness menu also offers services ranging from stress and anxiety reduction to digestion and IBS relief, to Increase I.Q. and memory. Yoga, Chi Kung, Tai Chi and meditation are also on offer in addition to a spacious Technogym fitness center with Kinesis station.
Sara Jones
Editor
