Seaside Relaxation

Aug 30, 2008

In Los Cabos, Mexico, three resorts are extending their spa treatments into nature’s most tranquil setting — the sea — so guests can enjoy therapeutic healing along the coast or under the swaying palms.

Esperanza Resort
At Esperanza Resort, most treatments are offered either outside in the shade of cabanas or in seaside cabins, all of which have outdoor private patio access and outdoor showers. The spa uses only fresh, natural and indigenous ingredients such as fresh fruits, sea greens, desert herbs and minerals, all prepared daily for a unique experience that replenishes the body and nourishes the skin. Many treatments include body soaks, masks and scalp and foot massages. Head-to-toe treatments feature a sea-salt scrub or sea-green body treatment.

The Esperanza Resort Spa incorporates many indigenous treatment ingredients.

Skin treatments include the Desert Clay Purification, consisting of an indigenous red clay mask, an exfoliating desert Ayate cactus cloth and Desert Sage aromatherapy. The spa’s Aloe Glaze Skin Soother is perfect for those who have laid out in the sun too long or for anyone in need of a little rehydration. For a youthful glow, the Hibiscus Anti-Oxidant Flower Bath with vitamin C is great for combating free radicals that age skin. The spa’s signature Tropical Essence body oil rehydrates and replenishes UV damage. The Sea Greens Thalassotherapy Bath, based on the traditional use of sea water and seaweed to stimulate the metabolism and detoxify and tone the skin, is a favorite. It consists of a seaweed mask and warm seaweed bath.

For reviving treatments, guests can choose from a variety of massage techniques. The spa’s bodywork therapists offer hot-stone massages in the cabanas, the resort’s most tranquil outdoor seaside treatment setting.

To replenish and renew, the spa offers a number of facials, including a Corona Beer Face Lift mask and Papaya Plus Enzyme Peel. It also offers a variety of foot and scalp treatments. With its special spa offers for hombres and couples, the Esperanza Resort Spa is sure to make anyone feel welcomed and revived.

Casa Del Mar
The Casa Del Mar offers its own unique seaside treatments at its spa, Suenos del Mar. Guests can luxuriate under palapas on the shore while they enjoy massages, facials and other signature body treatments. There, they can listen to the waves wash the shoreline as they receive a Mexican Hot Stone Massage therapy, which uses obsidian and onyx minerals at different temperatures to stimulate energy flow and relieve muscle tension. Or, they can enjoy delightful, natural treatments such as the Tropical Body Polish Therapy, which combines dry coconut and ground coffee to soothe skin and prepare it for tanning.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso
At Las Ventanas, spa-goers can relax outdoors on massage tables and lounge chairs amidst beautiful desert flowers and cacti as they receive holistic and revitalizing herbal and floral treatments stemming from the four elements — earth, wind, fire and air. The spa uses ancient techniques that promote balance and well-being.

In addition to massages, facials, masks and body wraps, the spa offers a number of energy-healing techniques such as Native Indian Breathing, acupuncture, Watsu aquatic massage and Reiki (fire)treatments.

For couples, the Pure Wellness package comes with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. This romantic retreat features a foot soak, Damiana (native shrub) scrub, anti-aging facial and Herbal Healer massage. Couples can also choose to have their suite transformed into their own personal spa with the Sea & Stars package, offering an in-suite Herbal Healer massage with hot poultice and a bath.

For an extra-special way to end a day of relaxation, the Holistic Twilight Ceremony begins each evening at 6 p.m. During this half-hour ceremony, numerous candles illuminate the Solarium and crystal bowls resonate with beautiful harmonic tones. Encouraging thoughtful meditation while empowering the spirit, an energy-cleansing ritual is performed with sage smoke and shaman prayers. The music of the crystal bowls heightens the experience. The ceremony imbues guests with positive energy balance, preparing them to receive a 90-minute therapy of their choice. Guests are then guided on one of the following personalized spa journeys: Balance Desert Stone; Spiritual Chilam Ritual; Four Hands Energy Restoration; Ground Equilibrium; and Herbal Healers Massage.