Learning To Exhale: Los Cabos Finest Spas, By Sandra Berry, Los Cabos Magazine – Issue #15 – Winter 2008.

Aquazul Spa

Nestled alongside the Tourist Corridor at km. 3.5, inside the boutique hotel Vistazul Suites and Spa, is Aquazul Spa. Although somewhat small, this facility has a menu of services big enough to rival even the most elite of spas in Los Cabos, while offering everything at more than reasonable prices. As the spa undergoes its own facelift, clients may choose to have services performed within the garden area in the secluded palapa hut, in their own air-conditioned Vistazul suite, or a suite set aside for non-guests. All service areas are equipped with a professional chair or leather massage table, fresh, white linens, soothing music, flowers, as well as aromatic oils and products.

Massage techniques at Aquazul Spa include Swedish, deep tissue, hot stones, reflexology, Shiatsu, and Ayurvedic. Manicures, pedicures, and facial treatments like sun protection, anti-aging, sensitive skin, lifting, and moisturizing are also available.

For those wanting a treatment for the whole body, dry exfoliation and silhouette shaper treatments are available as well. Fifty to 80-minute massages range from $70 to $100 US. Sign up for body, mind, and spirit purification with Temezcal, an ancient Aztec ritual whereby participants are cleansed with sage smoke and then enter an igloo-shaped lodge, filled with the vapors from burning volcanic rock causing toxins to be released through sweat. Day passes for pool and Jacuzzi use are available for $20 US per adult and act as credit for all restaurant services. Monthly gym passes for locals are only $65 US. Open daily 10 am–6 pm. Appointments recommended. (624) 144-4727 ––K.F.

Sea Spa & Salon at Cabo Surf Hotel

If you’re looking to treat yourself to some of the finest body indulgences in Los Cabos, but want to feel at home while doing it, Sea Spa & Salon is the place to go. This quiet and cozy yet versatile facility at the Cabo Surf Hotel in San José del Cabo is perhaps the biggest little spa in the area, with just three service rooms but a menu of therapies and treatments sure to astound you. A small reception area gives way to the salon, where manicures, pedicures, hairstyling, and makeup application take place. In addition, there are three treatment areas: two for individuals and one for couples or progressive massages. Covered in murals of sea creatures in muted tones, the relaxation begins almost immediately. The six types of facials, ten massage techniques, progressive therapy options, and nine body treatments all use natural products created exclusively for Sea Spa & Salon by spa designer Camille. Its shampoos, conditioners, body butters, scrubs, and lotions will leave you smelling as amazing as they make you feel and all are sold here, too. Even the makeup is mineral based. Model and Sea Spa frequent client Kathy Ireland raves that this is one of her favorite places for pampering. Make the most of this relaxing day by adding lunch and a stroll along the beach. Individual massages or body treatments range $70–$145 U.S. Located at km. 28. Open Sunday and Monday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Tuesday–Saturday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. (624) 142-2676.––K.F.

Spa Bella Del Mar

It might be a bit away from Cabo’s tourist zone, but don’t let Spa Bella Del Mar’s simple façade fool you. Everything that happens inside can compete with, and probably even surpass, services offered by Los Cabos’ most elite resorts. Owner, Shely Sarabia was a pioneer in pampering here, having opened spas years ago in Pueblo Bonito Resort and Cabo San Lucas Country Club. Additionally, she has her own school for spa services, which provides the finest spas in Los Cabos with not only training, but also professionals with complete certification. Spa Bella Del Mar has a modern hair salon, manicure/pedicure area, two massage/body treatment rooms, a facial suite, sauna, steam room, shower, and a couples’ treatment room. In back there is a small pool and Jacuzzi, each with beautiful waterfalls cascading into them. Temazcal will soon be available as well. This spa focuses on holistic and natural approaches to relaxation and beauty, offering body waxing, seven different massage techniques, and eight body treatments, utilizing ingredients such as wine, herbs, chocolate, coconut, mango, honey, and milk. An unbelievable nine facial options are offered. Although available individually, spa packages are incredibly reasonably priced, varying from two to four hours, the longest being the His and Hers Day of Luxury, and all include a non-alcoholic drink, fruit or salad, and use of amenities. Packages are $60–$180 US. Hotel pick-up and drop-off available. Spoil yourself at a fraction of resort spa prices. Open Monday–Friday 9 am–9 pm. By appointment only. Leona Vicario y 5 de Febrero in Cabo San Lucas. (624) 143-2167 ––K.F.

Playa Grande Thalassotherapy Spa

If you thought getting your massage or facial at a spa was nice, now think extraordinary. Playa Grande Thalassotherapy Repêchage signature spa turns any treatment into an experience you’ll not soon forget. From the moment you arrive at the elegant marble lobby, smiley friendly faces greet you, and you automatically switch into the relaxation mode. Making customer satisfaction their priority, they have implemented many innovative solutions throughout the facilities. Relaxation areas are scattered on the property to ensure plenty of down time for their clients, before and after their treatments. All of the numerous hydrotherapy areas are connected to a special system that pumps water directly from the sea. Seawater is the secret ingredient behind the thalassotherapy concept, which originated in France in 1865, providing a soothing sensation of wholeness and connection with the nature. Both female and male clients are welcome, as all beds, robes and locker areas are fully prepared to accommodate them. The menu of treatments is made to satisfy demanding customers, offering massages such as the Surrounded by Two Seas four-hand massage, facials such as the Repêchage Four Layer Facial, and several hydrotherapy treatments. The most popular is the signature treatment Sea of Cortés Pure Body Revival Therapy––85 minutes of pure bliss starting with a relaxing massage using hot oils and stones, and ending with a deeply moisturizing and cooling facial. A complete hair salon is also on site. At the Playa Grande Thalassotherapy Spa, you’ll be sure to leave renewed and feeling like every part of your experience was simply impeccable. Open Monday–Saturday 9 am to 7 pm and Sundays 9 am to 5 pm. Reservations are necessary. (624) 145-7575 ––A.U.

The Spa at Casa del Mar

Walk through the double glass doors and you will experience a little bit of heaven. Clad in white, the specialist leads you to the locker room, waits for you to emerge in your luxurious robe, and escorts you to a room for your welcome footbath. That’s the beginning of your ultimate relaxation. Choose one of the deluxe experiences: the romantic getaway for couples, a special day of relaxation before your wedding day, a spa party for your bridesmaids, or the golfer’s swing package for men. The a la carte menu of treatments includes a massage that is much more than a massage. It’s the Mexican Hot Stone Ceremony. Two types of minerals are used: obsidians for energy and warmth and onyx for relaxation and coolness. Whether it’s a Swedish massage or deep tissue, you will discover a new you. Facial treatments include a lifting-shock treatment that gives an immediate lifting effect, or you may choose a sun repair facial with vitamin C and papaya. Other body treatments include a Vichy shower in an invigorating symphony of water and aromatherapies to balance your energy, while your skin is pampered with a relaxing massage. The Aztec chocolate wrap or the tropical body polish, using a delicious mixture of dried coconut and ground coffee beans, are so good you’ll want seconds! Steam room, sauna or whirlpool available prior to treatment. Spa hours are 8 am to 8 pm. Advance reservations advised. Located at the Casa del Mar Beach Golf & Spa Resort on the Transpeninsular Highway at Km. 19.5. (624) 145-7700 ext. 1147 ––S.B.

Yhi Spa at ME by Melia Cabo

With an aspiration of nourishing the needs of the modern generation, the new Yhi Spa at the ME by Melia Cabo Resort, offers an ambience of relaxation and luxury. The concept and name of this wellness facility have their origins in the legend of Yhi, a young girl who ended darkness by creating a land full of life and light. Invigorating the senses with soothing aromas, mystical music and the tender touch of expert hands, Yhi Spa is a site of modern rituals for people seeking renewal and revitalization, as well as a chance to forget the worries and stress of modern life. Choose from an extensive list of extraordinary treatments, all of which are based on 100% natural products. Each session includes a hydrotherapy ritual and a mini facial. Aromatherapy is also an integral part of each treatment and only natural high quality oils are used. A unique collection of services, the Anuiti, was created to honor the mysticism and history of the Los Cabos region. For that reason, you’ll find historical names among the services that include Pericu energizing exfoliations, Tamaral renewal massages, Altepetl cleansing and detoxifying wraps, as well as Tlatoani restoration facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. The Yhi Spa is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. A la carte treatments and packages are available. For those who maintain their workout routine while on vacation, Yhi Mouves offers personal trainer sessions and wellness classes. Reservations are necessary. (624) 143-0420, ext. 754 ––A.U.

By Sandra Berry