Page 35 - Globale Traveler

view. I received a small bowl filled with thick clay to
apply to my face and body, which felt refreshingly cool.
Once the clay had time to work its magic, the spa butler
came in to let me know it was time to use the handheld
shower to wash off the clay, apply an aloe vera gel and
proceed to the Ice Room.
I was a bit apprehensive about the Ice Room, but upon
entering I was pleasantly surprised by how invigorating
it felt. Tiny, sparkly blue tiles covered every surface of
the room, conveying the feel of a frozen igloo. The room
lived up to its name — it was freezing! With the help of
an icy cold towel and a constant supply of ice flowing
from an ice fountain, it definitely closed all my pores.
Next, the sensation shower offered a chance to warm
up and wash off any remaining clay I missed with the
handheld shower.
The spa butler then escorted me out into the mag-
nificent pool area. She led me to the Sensory Pebble
Walkway and instructed me to walk down the first path
and back up the second path, and repeat twice. I gently
walked through the warm, knee-deep water, enjoying the
feel of the smooth pebbles on my feet. I happily got out
and entered the second walkway, immediately realizing
I did not listen closely to her explanation of this ritual.
The frigid water I plunged my feet into took my breath
away. It was so icy cold my feet felt like they were being
pricked by a hundred pins. Once I got over the shock
of that unexpected temperature change, the sensation
changed from pin pricks to a strangely delightful tingle. I
repeated walking the path, although I admit I was hesitant
to enter the cold path, and I walked a bit faster the second
time around.
I quickly exited the cold path and entered the warm
pool area where a series of focused massaging jets relax
different areas of the body. A water bubble bed and hot
and cold plunge pools finished the amazing water experi-
ence. the cymbals by the connecting string and loudly clanked ROOM BY ROOM:
And that was just the beginning of my spa day! Next, I them together. Fearing the door would open before I Treatment room (top), and the Ice
was off to enjoy a facial. covered up, I leapt onto the table and quickly pulled the Room (bottom)
PHOTOS: © GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA
Virginia, my therapist, ushered me back upstairs to the sheets up to my chin with my heart pounding. But my fear
treatment rooms, asking my scent preference and gently was unfounded; Virginia quietly rapped on the door to
placing my feet into a basin of warm millet seeds. After check on me and make sure I was ready for her to enter.
brushing off the millet seeds and placing my feet in warm She proceeded with my Grand Reserve Facial, recom- Grand Velas Riviera Maya
slippers, she asked if I wanted the curtains opened or mended for skin very dry, mature or damaged by the sun. Carretera Cancun Tulum Km.
closed. I opted to keep them open to enjoy the feeling of A combination of Esdor wine-therapy products provided 62, Playa del Carmen, Municipio
being in the jungle. She asked me to disrobe, get under the an intense antioxidant effect, at the same time helping seal de Solidaridad, Riviera Maya,
sheets and gently sound the small cymbals to let her know in the natural moisture of the skin and soften fine lines. Quintana Roo C.P. 77710,
I was ready for my facial. As I disrobed in front of the My skin felt softer than it has in years, and I left Mexico
jungle window, I felt a little exposed and decided to hurry feeling totally relaxed and ready for another day enjoying tel 52 322 226 8689
under the covers. In the process, I accidentally picked up all the Grand Velas Riviera Maya had to offer. rivieramaya.grandvelas.com

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