The Reef Playacar

Review by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe

Tucked into a narrow stretch of ocean front beach in the Playacar, on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the Reef Playacar merges the cool jungle with the sunny beach. Once meandering through the property, the tall trees and thick foliage towering overhead provide shade and cool, creating the feeling of being ensconced in the jungle, even in the height of summer.

ŌME Spa sits at the center of the resort; enter through a seating area that surrounds a concrete sculpture of the logo symbol. Named after Ometeotl, a mythological god of creation bringing both unity and duality, the spa draws upon Aztec heritage and the search for balance between the material body and the immaterial, or soul and spirit.

An impressive Aztec inspired mural adorns the wall of the welcoming area of ŌME Spa and the modern design, drawing on natural elements of wood and stone, continues throughout. A glass windowed sauna provides a view of the lush foliage outside, before a bucket shower instantly refreshes with cool water. Proceed to the steam room to enjoy the mystical starlit ceiling before adjourning to the relaxation area prior to commencing spa services. Trees were left intact during the construction and now form part of the decor, with an opening for each to emerge out of the ceiling into the sunlight.

The couples suite at ŌME Spa features a jacuzzi bath to relax in and connect with your partner while enjoying any couples ritual. Stimulate circulation and nourish your skin with the aromatic aztec-inspired Xocolatl experience, a cacao ritual including exfoliation, body wrap, facial and scalp massage, culminating in a chocolate body lotion application.

Wellness experiences can also be found around the grounds of the hotel with sunrise and sunset yoga classes, the Temazcal, a traditional Mayan sweat lodge experience and three separate areas of the Selvatika outdoor gym, providing al fresco workout spaces for guests to enjoy.

By Sara Jones
Editor