Grand Palladium Riviera Maya

Reviewed by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe in 2024

The expansive Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort offers guests a variety of spa and wellness experiences inviting them to embrace relaxation, cultural immersion, and holistic rejuvenation. Whether you’re drawn to the modern comforts of hydrotherapy or the ancient rituals of the Temazcal.

Begin the spa experience in the sauna, to ease muscle tension, and follow this with the invigorating experience showers. From there, step into the steam room, inhaling the aromatic vapor before proceeding to the pediluvium, a pathway of smooth river stones. Walk through alternating hot and cold water, as the soles of the feet are gently stimulated, relaxing the feet and improving blood flow. The experience continues with a refreshing cold plunge pool, followed by the hot jacuzzi. Finally, a circular pool with targeted jets for shoulder tension completes the hydrotherapy ritual.

The Zentropia massage is a masterful blend of six techniques designed to harmonize the body and mind. This treatment begins with relaxing massage to warm the muscles before deep tissue movements target areas of tension, releasing stress while aromatherapy engages the senses with calming scents, and shiatsu acupressure points relieve energy blockages. Gentle stretching improves flexibility, and the treatment concludes with a cranial massage, creating a sense of well-being and balancing the physical and energetic aspects of the body.

The temazcal, an ancient ritual steeped in the traditions of Mesoamerican cultures, is a form of sacred sweat lodge to unite the mind, body and spirit. The ceremony is guided by a knowledgeable shaman, or temazcalero, and assistants, all wearing intricate headdresses adorned with bright feathers and jaguar skins, while animal skulls, seeds and incense grace the altar, symbolizing respect for this ancestral culture. As the cardinal points are acknowledged, participants engage in the ritual asking permission from the divine. After a copal blessing, guests enter the temazcal, a domed structure, and take part in the rhythmic cadence of ancestral chants to foster introspection and spiritual connection. Herb-infused steam rises from hot rocks placed in the center of the temazcal and as the ritual draws to a close, guests emerge with a renewed sense of balance, purpose and clarity.

While enjoying the wellness facilities, guests can savor fresh smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and nourishing light bites from the Habits Healthy Snack Bar, a great complement to a day of wellness. Lounging in the hanging nest chairs or shaded loungers around the pool.

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Reviewed by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe in 2023

At Zentropia Spa & Wellness, Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, the expansive outdoor hydrotherapy circuit is the ideal place to start each wellness journey. A self-guided ritual with an instruction wall upon entry invites guests to refresh with a shower before commencing and then to start with the dry sauna, where heat gradually releases muscle tension. Cool down with a cold shower and proceed to the steam room, and then on to the pediluvium to stimulate the reflexology points on the soles of the feet with smooth river stones. Alternate between the hot jacuzzi and the cold plunge pool to stimulate circulation and invigorate the whole body. Relax with water jets for the neck and back and enjoy a healthy snack, juice, or smoothie at the ‘Healthy Habits’ bar.

With an array of treatment suites for individuals, couples and even families, guests can choose from massage services, facials, and body treatments including wraps, exfoliations and hydrobath services. Guests who prefer to be surrounded by nature can opt for one of the glass-walled treatment cabins with panoramic views of the jungle foliage.

Descend into a deep state of relaxation with a shamanic sound healing concert. A combination of Tibetan singing bowls, quartz bowls, chimes, a handpan drum, and a gong create a symphony of sound vibrations and harmonious frequencies that move through the body promoting healing and relaxation.

An experience not to be missed is the temazcal, a traditional Mayan ceremony of rebirth where a shaman leads a ritual divided into four parts, representing the human journey through life. The experience ends with the gift of an obsidian arrowhead for each guest to keep, a volcanic glass sacred to the Mayan people.

End your day with a private dinner beside a cenote, an opening to the sacred underground river system unique to the region. The dinner includes traditional food from the Yucatan peninsula such as cochinita pibil, a flavorful slow-roasted pork dish and sikil pak, a healthy dip made of pumpkin seeds.

By Sara Jones, Editor