11 Jan 2022
Auberge Resorts opens beachfront Mayan wellness sanctuary on Riviera Maya
BY Megan Whitby
Auberge Resorts Collection has opened a brand new oceanfront resort and spa destination in Kanai, Mexico, a region claimed to be steeped in the lore of the ancient Mayans.
Etéreo Auberge Resorts Collection is set among a protected mangrove forest and stretch of the Caribbean Sea and is home to an 11,386sq ft spa retreat inspired by ancient Mayan myths.
The spa – named Sana – is integrated into the natural environment and designed to mirror sacred Mayan healing well, called a cenote. The facility features six single treatment rooms plus an additional couple’s suite, each complete with a private garden and shower.
Sana was developed with the help of consultancy Mestre and Mestre Spa and Wellness Consulting in the early stages while its essence, concept and experiences were created in partnership with The Well's VP of development Vivianne Garcia-Tunon.
Auberge Spa guests can dip into a herbal steamroom, experience shower, clay room, ice fountain and sound room, as well as a thermal relaxation lounging space, vitality pool, plunge pool and hot tubs.
Prior to every treatment, all spa clients are invited to a complimentary cleansing ritual that cycles through the above facilities to prepare them for their chosen therapy.
“Guests journey through heat, water, sound, ice and rain and lather up with a seasonal curation of Riviera Maya’s unique healing ingredients, such as cacao soap and Mayan honey clay,” explains Rosalba Velazquez, director of wellbeing.
Sana’s wellbeing experiences focus on renewing self-connection and righting imbalances through a combination of ancient Mayan healing practices and emerging wellness trends.
The menu ranges from Mayan clay wraps, crystal healing and sound baths to full moon ceremonies and custom scent blending.
Spa treatments incorporate organic hand-crafted ranges of blended oils, butters, resins, healing stones and flowers. Velazquez revealed that the spa is the first in the world to offer organic Circe Brujeria de Origen skincare products and Kypris facials.
In addition, Sana is also partnered with Living Earth Crafts and Candor.
“At Sana, guests are encouraged to unleash their curiosity and discover their inner healer,” says Velazquez.
“One of our most unique treatments is The Healer; this three-part subtle body, energetic purification ritual begins with a thorough balancing of the energy centres using Mayan crystals, metal and vibration.
“Next, the body is purified by the gentle, uplifting aroma of smudge smoke, a sacred bouquet of local plants and herbs known for their mystical properties.
“The final step is a profoundly therapeutic scalp, spine and reflex point massage using candle-lit organic coconut oil to restore physical, mental, and emotional health.”
The Healer lasts two hours and costs US$545 (£401, €481) per person.
The resort
Etéreo is home to 75 rooms and has been realised with the help of Migdal Arquitectos. Interior design was conceived by New York-based studio Meyer Davis to nurture and renew through the power of nature. The studio has brought the outdoors in through the use of raw materials including lava stone, copper and indigenous Tzalam wood.
Additional resort facilities include a gym, boutique, yoga pavilion, five restaurants, two swimming pools, an events lawn and a kids club.
To celebrate the vibrancy of Mexico and its culture, Etéreo guests can take part in immerse activities including exploring the Yucatan’s natural wonders and historic Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, hiking, biking, horse-riding and diving into Mexico’s epicurean scene with chocolate, mezcal and wine tastings.
Inspired by the notions of honouring the past, living in the present, and creating the future, exclusive Etéreo experiences include painting wooden Alebrije spirit animals; taking part in a Mayan fireside blessing; learning local card games and handicrafts; experiencing authentic local food; and planting saplings in the mangrove forest.
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