How To Relax
And Revive In Cancun by Justin Burch
You probably already know
about Cancun’s reputation as a tropical beach paradise, complete with luxurious
resorts and decadent nightclubs. What you may not know is that when the
party is over, relaxation options are not limited to merely sunbathing
or shopping for trinkets. From sightseeing to spa treatments, Cancun’s
Mayan heritage colors all aspects of the area’s recreation and relaxation.
Mayan Historic Sites
For instance, in the center
of Cancun's Hotel Zone are the Ruinas del Rey (Ruins of the King), a Mayan
site dating to 200 BC. Thought by some to be an ancient observatory, remains
found at the site also suggest it could have been a royal burial ground.
With two plazas featuring well-preserved frescoes and a small pyramid topped
with a vault, Ruinas del Rey is an excellent introduction to the intrigue
of an ancient civilization.
For tourists with time and
a greater penchant for history and exploration, the awe-inspiring Mayan
site, Chichen Itza, lies about 125 kilometers west of Cancun. As the most
visited archeological site in Mexico, this four-square mile city has long
been a popular daytrip for Cancun’s visitors. Tourists can climb the esteemed
Castillo and visit the largest remaining court from the Mayan civilization.
For your convenience, several tours are available through hotels and resorts.
Mayan-Inspired Spa Treatments
The spirit of the Mayans
is also captured in a number of unique spa treatments available throughout
Cancun. With the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean as a backdrop, local spas
and resorts blend ancient techniques with innovative technology. Therapeutic
treatments, such as thalassotherapy (the use of seawater to relax and rejuvenate)
and traditional hot stone massage, offer great opportunities to decompress
at the beginning or end of your vacation. Many spas also utilize a fantastic
array of sea greens, herbs and minerals indigenous to the region in their
treatments. Furthermore, despite the elegance of these boutique spas and
resorts, spa visits in Cancun are generally much less expensive than comparable
experiences in the United States.
Cancun also boasts the largest
spa in all of Latin America, the three-level, 35,000-square foot paradise
at JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa. Offering a full range of Mayan-inspired
treatments, incorporating materials such as crystal, stone, mud, exotic
fruit and milk, this spa is certainly unlike anything you’ll experience
at home.
For travelers looking for
a distinctively native spa experience, Temazcal is an indigenous Aztec
steam bath treatment intended to renew the body, mind and spirit. Performed
on hot stones with aromatic herbs, the Temazcal treatments are performed
in cloth huts on the beach at sunset. As a traditional form of therapy,
Temazcal could be likened to certain aspects of the Turkish bath, Finnish
sauna or Arabian hammam. Having been practiced for centuries by tribes
throughout North and Latin America, the term “Temazcal” is derived from
the Nahuatl (Aztec) terms, “temaz” (bath) and “calli” (house). Several
beach resorts also offer more conventionally romantic moonlight massages
in outdoor cabanas or secluded terraces, allowing guests to enjoy services
in a private environment with spectacular ocean ambience and vistas.
Lastly, to ensure that your
relaxation plans don’t become stressful, it is advisable to make a reservation
when planning a visit to one of Cancun’s pampering spas. Guests should
also try to arrive 15-30 minutes early and inform spa personnel of any
health concerns.
About the Author
This article was written
by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel
in Mexico for the JW Marriott Cancun Resort.
