Review by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe in 2024
Situated just north of Cancun, The Village Spa at Villa Del Palmar offers a serene escape that infuses wellness with nature. This open-air spa is a hidden gem at the heart of the resort, providing a tranquil environment that invites guests to unwind and rejuvenate. Guests are welcomed to the hydrotherapy area, which features a eucalyptus-scented steam room and three distinct pools: a refreshing cold plunge pool, a hot jacuzzi, and a warm pool with jets. The experience encourages guests to cycle through these pools, allowing the muscles to release tension and prepare for the treatments ahead. A delightful head and shoulder massage performed on the comfortable loungers sets the scene for a relaxing wellness experience.
One unique experience at The Village Spa is the Mayan Healing Treatment. Drawing on the traditions of the Mayan people, this begins with a cleansing ritual using the smoke of medicinal herbs, creating a calming atmosphere with natural aromas. The massage incorporates a mud mask applied along the spine, followed by a series of intense massage techniques that are both invigorating and deeply relaxing. The Mayan abdominal massage, a traditional practice in the region, adds an intensity to this journey and is complemented by the use of the rebozo, a traditional Mayan shawl, which aids in stretching and compressing the body, providing a holistic approach.
For a gentle yet effective facial experience, resulting in smoother and softer skin, the HydraFacial offers deep cleansing and hydration to enhance the complexion. LED light therapy can also be added, leaving the skin healthy and radiant.
The Village Spa hosts a variety of workshops that allow guests to engage in wellness practices, creating body scrubs using natural ingredients like honey, coffee, rosemary, and sugar, and an essential oil blending workshop, where guests create their own unique blends. Activities such as yoga classes are held at the Tierra Luna Gardens where guests can practice movement under the shade of the artfully designed, curved palapa roof with views of the lush greenery in front of the resort.
Review by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe in 2013
The Village Spa was inspired by the energy guardians of the Mayan civilization, which is considered one of the most developed cultures of ancient times. These ancient settlers of Mesoamerica are known for preserving their millenarian wisdom through generations.
The legend states that Chaac, the god of rain and prosperity, embodied the integral rejuvenation of the soul. As one of the main spiritual guides, he symbolized the four cardinal points. His identity is represented in a T shape for the tears that fell from his eyes and invoked these four cardinal points, which touched the Ukux kaj or heart of heaven.
Through this God, Mayans believed to obtain good harvests. During drought days, a special ceremony was held to please Chaac and eliminate any negativity in the air. The ceremony consisted of tossing offerings into the water as a symbol of purification, while chanting requests for an abundant harvest. These rituals were designed as much by Mayan art as by the magic of their customs, thus achieving with it the complete envelopment of the senses and the blossoming of a path to ultimate well-being.
Village Spa has 8 rooms for treatments, 2 of them are for couples, and the other 6 are single rooms. Each of the 8 cabins are called Tikales and represent one of the various natural elements: Land – lu’um, Fire – k’aak’, Air – jik’, Water – ha’, Sun – k’jin, Heaven – ka’an, Moon – uh, Star – eek. The Spa also offers Jacuzzi, steam room, hot/cold lagoon and Swiss showers.
Sara Jones
Editor
