Baja Bliss

Sep 12, 2009

Los Cabos’ most renowned resort spas have deep roots in the local environment. There, stressed-out travelers can find relief in treatments that reflect ancient healing rituals or utilize native plants such as nopal (cactus) or agave. The following three resorts boast luxurious spa facilities with equally indulgent therapies.

Marquis Los Cabos Resort
The Marquis Los Cabos Resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and its 15,000-square-foot spa is one of the largest in Los Cabos. The spa specializes in holistic spa therapies that utilize indigenous ingredients such as cactus oils, sea salt and agave.

Its signature treatment is the Quetzalcoatl Oxygenating Experience, based on ancient Mexican tradition. It incorporates mineral salts, an eucalyptus bath and a hydrating milk of cucumbers to revitalize the skin and increase blood flow.

The spa also recently introduced a new treatment, the Mexica Herbal Bath. This traditional and natural curative process involves an application of aromatic oils of melissa, pine, forest flowers and chamomile. The intent of the therapeutic bath is to balance the nervous system and relieve tired muscles, allowing the client to achieve restful sleep.

The Marquis Los Cabos’ Sense of Pampering package includes accommodations in a Junior Suite or Private Pool Casita, complete with an oceanfront view, a balcony for dining, Bulgari bathroom amenities and a hydromassage bathtub. Spa offerings include two special massages per stay, one manicure and one pedicure per stay, one private health consultation with a spa specialist for two, a spa gift and a $50 credit per person, per day for any other spa treatment of their choice.

Guests also receive a daily breakfast buffet for two at Vista Ballenas, three lunches at any Marquis Los Cabos restaurant and a dinner for two at the resort’s gourmet restaurant, Canto Del Mar. A minimum five-night stay is required and rates begin at $460 per person, per night, through Dec. 18.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort

The Spa at Las Ventanas is renowned for pampering such celebs as actress Jennifer Lopez and singer Pink. The spa has a full range of treatments, a sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

A signature treatment is the Nopal Desert Wrap, which features locally grown nopal cacti. The treatment begins with a dry brushing of the skin, followed by a nopal body wrap in banana leaves, a nopal facial mask and an oil rubdown. The 90-minute process aims to diminish the appearance of cellulite and lessen fluid retention.

The Soul & Spirit package comprises eight hours of spa treatments per person. Treatments include an Herbal Healer Massage, a Welcome to the Sun Treatment, a Balanced Desert Stone Therapy Treatment, a Sea & Star Massage, a 90-minute Ultimate Elemental Facial and a manicure and pedicure. Also included are roundtrip transfers from the airport to the resort, daily breakfast and dinner for two, unlimited use of the spa and gym facilities, a spa gift and a healthy spa departure air meal that can be eaten on the plane. The package costs $7,851 with a minimum four-night stay and is valid through 2010.

Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
This resort boasts a uniquely aquatic inspiration in its Playa Grande Thalassotherapy Spa, which involves the practice of using seawater baths and seaweed-based treatments to restore health and vitality to the skin and hair. Treatments are intended to foster calm, energy balance, restoration of skin firmness and suppleness and to provide relief from stress. Additional benefits of Thalassotherapy include slimming, improved circulation and detoxification.

The Escape & Indulge package comprises accommodations in a Junior Suite, a romantic dinner for two on Solmar Beach, signature spa treatments utilizing seaweed, a $100 resort credit, roundtrip airport transfers and a luxury welcome amenity. The package starts at $825 per person, based on double occupancy, and is valid for travel through Dec. 22.