Join Sandra Berry, Sabrina Lear, and Carol Billups as they succumb to the pleasures of Los Cabos’ signature spas.
Los Cabos Magazine article – Issue #10 – January 2006
Part 2 of 2 – | Section One | Section Two |
The Tourist Corridor
Cactus Spa at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar
The 270-room, 31-suite Sheraton Hacienda del Mar at Cabo del Sol, a Starwood property, is reminiscent of a grand hacienda. The coup de grace is The Cactus Spa and Fitness Center, one of an elite thirty in the Starwood Spa Collection. It can save your body and soul. The spa honors the seven pillars of well being: Beauty, Harmony, Water, Vitality, Life Balance, Nature, and Nutrition. Upon entering this peaceful sanctuary, the quiet serenity causes guests to whisper and walk softly. The word spa comes from Latin meaning “healing through water.“ The Cactus Spa, with its variety of conscious choices that speak to your very essence, is the only spa in Latin America offering the exclusive Soft Pack System. Cocooned and submerged in warm water, you float in a peaceful environment as the special wrap aids your body in the absorption of oils, creams, and therapies in one exquisite spa experience. The ultimate signature service is the primrose oil and goat butter cream facial, for skin that glows and feels like silk, expertly performed by professional, certified, and nurturing staff. This European-style spa offers every type of massage from aromatherapy to reflexology, as well as shiatsu and hot stones, and a pregnancy massage designed to relieve aching back muscles. The modern facility provides seven traditional therapy rooms and one couples room. Complete salon services complement the cutting-edge fitness center with state-of-the art cardiovascular equipment, professional trainers, and a sauna and steam room for a glowing resonance after your workout. Guests who fancy pampering are in for the very best of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal of mind, body, and spirit. www.sheratonhaciendadelmar.com—Sandra Berry
The Spa at Las Ventanas al Paraiso
The trendsetting destination spa at this celebrity-studded hideaway put Los Cabos on the world’s spa map in 1997. Consistently ranked in the top 100 hotels worldwide, Ty Warner acquired the 61-suite property in 2004, his goal to, “extend and enhance the incredible beauty and amenities that now define Las Ventanas.” With that in mind, the spa is evolving—while retaining their signature Baja desert treatments, rated #1 in North America by Conde Nast Traveler. New directions include non-surgical facelifts, body contouring, and expanded treatment areas and facilities. The spa’s new Baja Beauty Trends menu will debut for the 2006 season, but the big news is the opening of three over-the-top spa suites. Full services will be offered in-residence with every amenity, promising unparalleled pampering and exclusivity. This is a superbly restful, rejuvenating one-of-a-kind garden spa, and you don’t need to be a guest to visit, but count on a minimum two-week wait for reservations. www.lasventanas.com—Sabrina Lear
Ixchel Spa at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort
A favorite of corporate groups, the 375-room Hilton is what many vacationers anticipate at a luxurious Mexican resort. Representing the Mayan Goddess of the Moon, at Ixchel Spa fulfilling visitor’s objectives is their goal. Upon entering, each guest completes a health and spa expectations questionnaire, so that attention is focused on these areas. Therapies are available for men, women, and even children. For adults, massages run the gambit, with a special one for golfers. Ixchel Spa’s signature therapy is the Temaztac, a deep hydrating exfoliation, with a wrap of papaya crystals, vanilla milk, and orange pudding. The Sweet Moon is a wonderfully relaxing, luxurious private hydrotherapy bath in a tub full of bubbles that burst, leaving the skin feeling alive. Packages are available, including one for the bride. Something new on the spa scene is specially-designed spa treatments for kids, with flavors that sound good enough to eat. From head to toe, a day at Ixchel can revitalize the most stressed out body. Take a deep breath as you inhale Ixchel’s surroundings and exhale stress. This is a place where only the moment exists, a place where you can indulge, invigorate, or be inspired. www.hiltonloscabos.com—Sandra Berry
Spa Marquis at Marquis Los Cabos
Walking into the breathtaking ocean view lobby of the Marquis Los Cabos is like looking through a gigantic window to the other side of the world. The personable, competent, and caring staff members treat guests as though this is their home. The 216 suites are complemented by 28 dream casitas, each with a private pool. Indulge in the Spa Marquis, a 15,000 square foot sanctuary—soon to double in size—with some of the finest treatments anywhere. Unlike most spas, sunlight enters through wooden slatted ceilings where guests can see the endless ocean view from almost every area. The Mayan theme is echoed throughout, and the décor lends itself to subtle elegance. Guests may lounge or even nap on the outside terrace on low benches draped with plush white towels, alternating with a dip in private hot and cold tubs filled with aromatic and healing oils and elixirs. Once inside, nine facials for men and women ensure immediate results and lasting beauty. The signature treatment is a relaxing ancient Indian Ayurvedic massage—your personality determines which massage therapy and essential oils are best. Using herbs, botanicals, and natural ingredients, the ultimate Spa Marquis treatment is the Quetzalcoatl Oxygenating Experience. Cucumber cream, carrot milk, rose seed, lavender and rosemary oils, honey, aloe vera, sea and mineral salts cannot help but heal, restore, rejuvenate, soften, or stimulate. Couples can indulge in treatment rooms complete with over-sized Jacuzzis. Massage tables specially-designed for pregnant women offer relief from fatigue. The Marquis also boasts an over-the-top ocean view fitness center next to the spa, with high ceilings and TVs on almost all equipment. México is famous for its warmth and hospitality, and the Marquis Los Cabos is a shining example. www.marquisloscabos.com—Sandra Berry
Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos
The architecturally stunning 243-room Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos, a gem in one of the world’s leading hotel chains, is a heavenly experience. Each well-appointed room and suite is ocean view; suites boast patio whirlpool plunge tubs and daybeds. Room amenities include aromatherapy-based Equilibrium products, available at the spa’s retail area. After waking from a restful sleep in your Heavenly Bed (and it is indeed heavenly), treat yourself to The Spa, one of an elite group of thirty in the Starwood Spa Collection worldwide. Completely revamped and expanded in 2004, the two-story spa, designed with corporate groups in mind, is an ideal getaway, with magnificent views from the upper level Reebok-powered fitness center. The stand-alone beauty salon is off the main floor reception area, with expert cuts and full services. Facilities include spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms, wet areas with sauna, steam, Swiss and Vichy showers—all in marble with earthy soothing tones. Special treatments for golfers and pregnant mothers compliment the wide range of massage therapies, wraps, and facials, using marine extracts, seaweed, honey, and nopal cactus. The signature treatment is the aromatherapy massage, a blend of marine extracts and scents selected to enhance your personal essence. Two private massage pavilions on the beach, the perfect romantic retreat for couples, complement nine spacious treatment rooms. The single red long stem rose greeting in my locker was a lovely, thoughtful touch. www.westinloscabos.com—Sabrina Lear
San José del Cabo
The Mandara Spa at One & Only Palmilla
Kerzner International’s $90 million renovation and expansion in 2003 propelled this landmark, now 172-room resort into the stratosphere of elite properties worldwide. The Spa, operated by Mandara, feels wonderfully separate from the resort. The thirteen treatment casitas allow for air-conditioned or al fresco services, with six double casitas, each opening onto a lush private garden with whirlpool and daybed. Honoring Mandara’s Indonesian roots, the menu combines Balinese, European, Asian, and Mexican treatments. Body care begins with a ritual foot wash, releasing your cares in preparation for a deep state of relaxation. After your Elemis facial or a sublime signature treatment and massage, linger in the garden for a tea ceremony with your choice of infusions. The soothing design of the outdoor relaxation area combines a Shiatsu pool, heated whirlpool baths, soaking pools, outdoor showers, and water bar. The 2,000-square-foot exercise room has top equipment with personal TV screens. One&Only Palmilla’s Mandara Spa is a remarkable respite from the everyday world, and you won’t want to leave its idyllic surroundings. www.oneandonlypalmilla.com—Sabrina Lear.
Part 2 of 2 – | Section One | Section Two |
