MAYAN RIVIERA SPAS - EUROSTAR'S BLUE TULUM
by Anne Dimon
The Temazcal, an ancient Mayan purification ritual, is one of the signature and most unique treatments at the Spa at Blue Tulum in the Mayan Riviera. While you’ll find steam bath ceremonies of this sort available at other spas, I found this one to be particularly authentic and spiritual.
Dressed in bathing suit and spa robe, I’m escorted to the Temazcal, located in a private alcove near the spa, and handed over to Santiago, a Shaman of Maya spirituality, At the moment of my arrival he is tending a glowing fire and preparing an herbal tea. He’s younger than I expected and looks a little like a Mexican Fabio. While I’m thinking he’s going to offer me a cup of tea, he quickly explains, the tea is “for the stones.” When the time is right he will pour the tea on fire-hot stones as part of the ritual. I ask to take his picture and he obliges, but then takes my camera and notebook, secures them in a safe place, then takes the clip from my hair so it falls loosely. I have come to take notes and pictures; he is here to guide me through a serious purification ceremony and doesn’t want anything to distract or restrict me from the full effect.
The treatment, which includes the guided release of negative thoughts and emotions, takes place inside the Tamascal. With the help of the hot stones and water it soon becomes an intense steam room. At the end of the treatment there is a palpable sense of rebirth. A cold shower to wash off the soot and sweat, and an affirmative hug from Santiago completes the ceremony.
Along with the Tamascal, the Spa, the Wellness Suites, a beautiful infinity pool and the innovative and high-quality cuisine are other signature features of this 96-suite, all-inclusive, Mayan Riviera resort located just a short drive from the town of Tulum and its Mayan ruins.
You sense the uniqueness of the place the moment you enter the intimate lobby and are welcomed by a private butler who offers you a glass of champagne and escorts you to a Wellness Suite pre-customized according to your aromatherapy, pillow and music preferences. You kick off your shoes, throw on beach wear and head to the pool while your butler unpacks your bags.
Adjacent to the pool, the two-story, stand-alone spa is a contemporary facility that would sit comfortable anywhere in the world. Inside a framework of wooden beams, pristine white walls mix with dark wood trim, wicker furnishings and glass and marble to create an environment where Mayan meets modern. The space is flooded with natural light and the gurgling sounds of water wafting up through the central atrium. There are ten treatment rooms including two couples’ suites, a hydro-therapy room and a treatment room dedicated to Tai-atsu, a combo of Tai massage and Shiatsu. A sunlit yoga studio welcomes guests for daily sessions.
In the spa lounge, an attendant is waiting for me with a heated neck wrap filled with therapeutic herbs. On a nearby table there’s bottled water, herbal teas, local fruit juices and a pitcher of fresh Chlorophyll to hydrate the body and help release toxins. The seaweed-coloured potable tastes rather nasty but I’m encouraged to drink up because “it’s good for you.” To snack on, there are sesame seeds, raisins, sliced almonds and freshly cut pieces of cantaloupe, melon and pineapple.
I'm booked for a Hot Stone Massage. Obsidian stones from the country’s volcanic interior have been hand carved and charged with natural energy which is transferred to the body during the treatment. The concept comes from the Mayans who used heated stones for warmth. It’s a lovely and relaxing treatment at the hands of a skilled and considerate therapist.
The spa menu includes massages, wraps, esthetics, salon services and locally-authentic treatments such as a Mayan wrap using a mixture of cocoa, vanilla and coffee to nourish and revitalize.
Upon leaving the spa, the receptionist hands me a tiny bottle filled with red jasper stones from Mexico’s volcanic region. The stones represent the heart and offer health, good luck and good fortune.
For more information: www.azulblue.com