The Holistic Spa Experience
Most spas today are more than mere massage centers, offering a wonderful gamut of products and services to not only soothe sore muscles, but also to cleanse the body – inside and out – and de-clutter the mind. It is this philosophy of care that guides the creation and implementation of many a spa. The Ya’ax Ché Spa, with its traditional yet modern offerings and its setting in one of the world’s leading eco-luxury resorts, has perfected this concept and has become a truly holistic getaway.
Massages and Muscles
If you’re old enough, you may remember the stereotypical masseuse/masseur of days gone by: a strong, athletic, masculine type (whether a man or a woman) that would roughly work the muscle groups with a pain-inducing technique that made massages anything but desired. The aforesaid masseuse/masseur would gruffly work over the client’s body, seemingly without concern for his or her comfort – kind of like a pizza maker working the dough, doing whatever is necessary to finish the job.
Today’s massage therapists are quite different. The good ones start by asking questions and listening to the answers: What parts of your body are sore? Do you have any injuries? Do you want an intense rubdown after your workout or do you just want to relax and unwind on the table?
A massage therapist also has tools in addition to his or her own two hands. One popular technique focuses on the use of smooth, heated rocks rather than digital manipulation. Another uses jets of water to knead the deep-tissue muscles.
Types of massage methods vary. Swedish massage tends to be a relaxing style than can vary in intensity, and the deep-tissue or sport massage carries the DNA of the old workout style – but without the callous masseuse/masseur. Many techniques combine aromatherapy and audio-relaxation aids.
Seaweed and Skin
Body treatments and facials make up another major spa aspect. Most people have heard of the seaweed and mud wraps; many spas feature other specialty wraps and soaks, each with their own benefits, which include chocolate, wine, beer and milk. I’m not sure why food and drink have become such popular treatments, but it may have to do with their appeal outside the spa – the idea of spending an hour covered in chocolate does sound more appealing than time spent wrapped in seaweed!
Facials are skin purifying, cleansing, hydrating and wrinkle-removing treatments for men and women. While the object of many women’s facials is to achieve a younger looking appearance and a healthy glow, men’s facials tend to restore elasticity to wearied skin and reverse the harsh effects of daily shaving.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
If you are looking for a truly relaxing experience where you can reconnect with nature, refresh your mind, rejuvenate your body, and cleanse your soul, the Ya’ax Ché Spa at Hacienda Tres Ríos, located in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, might be the right place for you.
The philosophy of this original spa is based in the Mayan belief that human beings are all connected to everything around them: the universe, other people, and nature. Our bodies reflect pain when the balance among these elements is broken. Thus, the Ya’ax Ché Spa treatments are designed to re-establish that balance.
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