Page 34 - Globale Traveler

spas

HARMONY IN THE JUNGLE

Relax in the natural sanctuary of Grand Velas Riviera Maya. BY TRACEY CULLEN

TAKE THE
PLUNGE: THE GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA nestles in a mangrove a mimosa to get in a relaxed mood for my spa treatment.
Spa Pool with jungle that spans most of the 206-acre property. On our way to The expansive, 90,000-square-foot spa offers a calming
relaxing waterfalls the Ambassador Section, we rode past the Zen Grand Section sanctuary in harmony with the surrounding jungle. At times, as
and massaging jets with its family-friendly suites in the heart of the Yucatán jungle. I walked through the spa, I forgot I was actually indoors and not
PHOTO: © GRAND VELAS
RIVIERA MAYA A mile down the road, we came upon the two beachfront sections: outside in the jungle.
Grand Class Adults Only and the Ambassador Family Friendly. I arrived an hour before my scheduled facial for the spa’s
From the moment I checked in, the friendly staff treated me signature Water Journey. This experience, a therapeutic hydro-
like royalty, always greeting me by name and with a smile. therapy process, consisted of different water treatments at varied
After settling into the suite and enjoying an afternoon at the temperatures. My Water Journey began in a traditional wood-
beach and the pool, I savored an amazing wild mushroom lasagna lined sauna, where the spa butler offered me a chilled towel and
scented with black truffles at Lucca, one of the resort’s eight cucumbers for my eyes and gave the option of staying from five
restaurants. Throughout my stay, I enjoyed meals at several of the to 10 minutes. After I enjoyed a toasty five-minute stay in the
restaurants, including Frida, the fine Mexican restaurant celebrat- sauna followed by a relaxing rain shower, she led me to the Color
ing Mexican painter Frida Kahlo; and Azul, the beachfront buffet Therapy Steam Room. The ceiling of the dark, steam-filled room
that made me rethink my previously unflattering opinion of all- was adorned with small, hue-changing LED lights reminiscent of
inclusive buffets. The venue displayed the huge buffet selection a colorful starry night. I settled into a seat on the tiled bench that
like a work of art, and the food was always fresh and delicious. wrapped around the circular room and enjoyed the pore-opening,
On the morning of my spa appointment, I took the shuttle to eucalyptus-scented steam.
the Zen Section for breakfast at Chaká. After enjoying French I then headed to the Clay Room which, in contrast to the dark
toast with tropical fruit salad, I took my waiter up on the offer of steam room, featured a large window offering a bright jungle

34 globaltravelerusa.com FEBRUARY 2018