MERIDA, Mexico — Massages with natural botanicals and lotions made with honey; spa manicures and pedicures in combination with mineral-rich clay treatments; herbal body wraps and sacred stones are some of the healing and restorative ingredients used by the Maya to bring balance to their lives.
In these unusual times, many of the same elements bring solace to current stress and unease and are the centerpiece of holistic Mayan treatments at Hacienda Xcanatun’s spa. Originally built in 1790 with sacred stones from the nearby ancient ceremonial city of Dzibilchaltun, Xcanatun has been reinvented as an elegant boutique hotel that continues to absorb the Mayas’ mystical spirit.
This season enjoy a value laden 4- Night Mayan Healing Package. Normally, a 3- night package, the free 4th night provides extra time for de-stressing. The cost is $750 per person, double occupancy for four nights of rejuvenation in the comfort and luxury of this world-class hotel.
Valid from May 19 – December 15, 2009 the Maya Healing Package includes:
· Transfer from Merida airport to Hacienda Xcanatun
· 4 nights’ accommodations in a superior room, pay for only 3 (upgrade depending on availability)
· Full Xcanatun breakfast daily
· 2 massages and 1 facial per person
· 1 Spa Manicure or Pedicure per person
· A personal rock crystal to increase positive energy
· (Taxes and service charges are additional)
At Hacienda Xcanatun’s restorative spa, Maya treatments are in the hands of Carolina Martinez, a Maya therapist, fluent in the ancient healing secrets of her people passed along by her grandfather, a respected shaman (healer). She mixes many of her own products from natural herbs and flowers. The finest European products and techniques are also available providing guests with an integrated approach to beauty and wellness, which pair well with Mayan techniques. Beauty products include Spain’s Germaine de Capuccini collection — The Spa Marine Line, Chocolate Body Wrap and Anti-Aging Instant Botox Facial.
At the airy spa, guests receive a small rock crystal to absorb positive energies from their treatments. Starting from the head or the toes, a combination massage and facial included in the Healing
Package might pair a Massage with Ancient Maya Stones with a Royal Jelly Facial Mask. During treatment, warm aromatic oils are worked into the body and after clapping ancient sacred stones together to release their energy, Carolina places them on the body to unblock channels and encourage new vitality and energy to enter the body. The stones are recharged during the annual equinox and solstice. The nutrient-rich jelly produced by drone bees used in the Royal Jelly Facial Mask deeply nourishes the face leaving the complexion luminous.
Another Maya/ European pairing might include a Massage with Herbal Poultice and a Deep Tissue, Hydrating Facial. The warmed poultice made from herbs and flowers is used after a soothing massage. The Deep Tissue Hydrating Facial stimulates new cell growth through deep pore steam cleansing and exfoliation utilizing healing botanicals.
A Limpia or Maya Aura Cleansing and Chakra Alignment might be the most time-honored method for relieving stress. After a cleansing with local herbs, essences and honey to equalize the aura and chakra, a reflexology massage is applied to the feet and hands moving negative energy out of the body through the soles of the feet, and a hand massage stimulates the entry of positive energy through the hands. Additional procedures further customize each Healing Maya Package at a cost of approximately $65 each.
Facilities & Activities:
Two freshwater pools are set in acres of greenery. Each of the air-conditioned 13 spacious suites and 5 superior rooms has a terrace or veranda and is individually decorated. Common elements include 18-foot ceilings, polished stone floors, hand carved furnishings, antiques, original oil painting and marble-wrapped private bathrooms. Fine wining and dining are integral to the luxe Xcanatun “experience”. Succulent fusion Yucatecan dishes are prepared at Xcanatun’s gourmet restaurant, named one of the Top 50 restaurants in Mexico, and accompanied by fine wines from some of the world’s great vineyards.
Championship golf at the new Jack Nicklaus Signature course, El Jaguar, located 5 minutes from the hacienda, is exclusively available to Xcanatun guests (greens fee from $180). Private chauffeured and guided trips to ancient Maya cities such as Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam are an easy day trip away ($180 per day).
For more information or reservations about the Maya Healing Package call toll-free: 1-888-883-3633 or e-mail Hacienda Xcanatun at hacienda@xcanatun.com. The website is at www.xcanatun.com.
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Contact:
Edwina Arnold
Edwina Arnold Public Relations
917-741-9749
edwinaarnold@earthlink.net