MAYAN RIVIERA SPAS - CEIBA DEL MAR
by Anne Dimon
Peace and quiet, wrapped in a sense of place. That, in a Mexican nutshell, is what you’ll find at the newly-rejuvenated Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort. Located within walking distance of Puerto Morelos, a pretty, little fishing town on Mexico’s exceedingly popular strip of coast known as the Riviera Maya, the intimate (just 88 units), traditionally Mexican-style hotel is the perfect choice for travellers wanting all the region’s attractions minus the hustle, bustle and noise often found in the larger more touristy resorts.
Except for the coastal winds blowing exceptionally strong this week, the place exudes a quiet calm and sense of wellbeing totally in keeping with a spa or wellness vacation. I’m using this quiet time to catch up on reading, walk along the beach, breathe in the sea-salt air, work out in the gym, and just simply “be.”
Although Ceiba del Mar wasn’t specifically chosen for its spa - location, size and availability of a gym topped my list of “must haves” - the spa turns out to be a delightful surprise.
Its inviting lobby with its colourful Mexican décor, dramatic display of white tiger lilies and wall of glass overlooking a central garden courtyard creates a delightful sense of arrival. Beyond the lobby there’s a well-equiped gym, a relaxation lounge, seven treatment rooms, and a wet area with granite tiled whirlpool and cool plunge pool. Spa director Gloria Guerrero calls this a “holistic aromatherapy” spa.
She says the philosophy is to use the best chemical-free natural products to help guests achieve balance and harmony. All treatments are designed to use therapeutic herbs and essential oils and a tool called a biotensor. Think of it as a divining rod for weakened body parts. Guerrero and her therapists use it to check vital energy. If, for instance, a client says she’s experiencing back pain, the biotensor can help identify the part of the spine that might be lacking vital energy thus causing the pain. Special essential oils are then chosen to help restore the vital energy that has been reduced in that specific area. I was momentarily skeptical but she proved it by picking up a sensitivity – a result of running - in my knee and ankle. It’s used in all her treatments, she says, to help diagnose and prescribe.
She says the “best” treatment is the Balsamic Massage (nothing to do with vinegar) but it’s not recommended for a first treatment because, she explains, “its intensity could infuse the body with too much vital energy and cause headaches.” For me, she recommends the Top’Nikté – the Mayan word for “cocoon.” The 90-minute treatment ($130 U.S. at the time of my visit) begins with two Mayan purifycation rituals: a welcoming foot bath followed by a cleansing with copal incense. Out comes the biotensor which leads to the conclusion that I could use a good blend of lavender, rosemary and geranium to relax and treat any internal inflammation of the knee and ankle.
The massage is followed by a wrap with hot towels infused with peppermint. I can see the flecks of the green herb on the towels as they are wrapped snuggly around me – this is where the cocoon comes into play. During the 20-minute wrap there’s a face and scalp massage. It’s a very nice treatment. Afterwards, I feel simultaneously relaxed and refreshed enough to make the 20-minute stroll along the beach to Puerto Morelos.
Built around the traditional public plaza, the town – still small and unspoiled by the big development machine known as “tourism” - is located almost mid-way between the city of Cancun and the rapidly-growing town of Playa del Carmen. If you’re looking for jumping nightlife plus plenty of shops and restaurants then head to one of these more built-up areas. But if calm and authenticity are more important, then Puerto Morelos is the better choice.
Things that exceed expectation typically enhance one’s sense of well-being, and that’s the case with Ceiba del Mar.
For more info: www.ceibadelmar.com
