The modern mexican spa can be a luxurious resort or resort hotel, that may be located near a special water source or offers hot tub or similar warm-water hydromassage facilities. In some cases, it can refer to a high end hotel or resort that caters to individuals seeking privacy.Some of the most popular spas are:
Ikal del Mar (tel. 888/230-7330 in the U.S.); Maroma (tel. 866/454-9351 in the U.S.); and Paraíso de la Bonita (tel. 800/327-0200 in the U.S.): The area north of Playa del Carmen, around Puerto Morelos, is a hotbed of spa-resort luxury.
Le Méridien Cancún Resort & Spa (Cancún; tel. 800/543-4300 in the U.S.): The Spa del Mar is a state-of-the-art, 1,400-sq.-m (15,000-sq.-ft.) facility bordering the brilliant Caribbean. It boasts the most complete spa in the area, with inhalation rooms, saunas, steam, Jacuzzis, cold plunges, Swiss showers, a cascading waterfall whirlpool, and 14 treatment rooms. There's also an expansive fitness center and salon services.
El Tamarindo (Costa Alegre; tel. 315/351-5032): Admittedly, the spa facilities at this resort are limited, but the spa director has creatively integrated the surrounding natural beauty and history into this spa.
Aqua (Cancún; tel. 800/343-7821 in the U.S.): This brand-new resort, part of the Fiesta Americana chain, was designed with the sense of "spa" (salud por agua) in mind -- all colors and spaces carry a water theme. As for its actual spa, it's a 1,500 sq.-m (over 15,000-sq.-ft.) facility that blends Eastern, pre-Hispanic, and Western treatment philosophies. Tai Chi, yoga, and Pilates classes are offered, and you can indulge in a full array of massages and treatments.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso (Los Cabos; tel. 888/525-0483 in the U.S.): This is an elegant and highly professional spa in one of the area's most exclusive resorts.
Misión Del Sol Resort & Spa (Cuernavaca; tel. 777/321-0999 in the U.S.): Mexico's finest spa resort, with every architectural and functional detail designed to soothe body and soul -- from meditation rooms to reflexology showers to magnets under your mattress.
Paradise Village (Nuevo Vallarta; tel. 800/995-5714): Excellent fitness facilities combined with pampering yet affordable spa services make this one of the best all-around spas in Mexico. It actively promotes the beneficial properties of indigenous Mexican spa therapies and natural treatments.
