Aroma Spa at Hotel Esencia

Situated on a two-mile si retch of white sand on Playa Hpu-Ha beach about 45 minutes south of Cancun, Hotel Esencia is an unassuming nature inspired boutique resort that opened in March 2005, Set on 50 acres of lush green gardens, the hotel features 29 ocean and garden view guest rooms. suites, and cottages, It is also home to Aroma Spa, anorganic spa that specializes in the ancient practice of phytotherapy using fruits, herbs, and botanical extracts for medicinal purposes. "Aroma Spa merges the natural world of the Yucatan with the luxury resort experience bv incorporating indigenous fruits, plants, and herbs into the spa treatments," says spa director Teresa Buitron."The spa has its own herb garden ensuring fresh, natural spa ingredients." The 2 ,500-Square-foot palapa roofed spa features six treatments rooms, four Jacuzzis, and two Mayan-style domed steam rooms, as well as a beachside Temezcal Mayan sauna. Massage therapists wear a red chincuete a woven belt worn to protect them from evil and ill nesses according so Mayan custom. In place of lockers, guests place their clothing in a basket, like the Mayans used to do. After treatments, the clothes are returned to them the same way.

With a philosophy that reflects the ancient Mayan culture. Aroma Spa otters guests beauty through cer-emonies and rituals,, which is reflected in the menu. "Our goal is to offer unique treatments in the most traditional form," says Buitron. "It is very important to us to return to our natural slate, to Our essence." Among the most popular Services is The Ritual of Earth, Water, Fire, Air ($140, 80 minutes), which includes a holistic massage incorporating hot river stones, seaweed, semiprecious stones, and floral scents to allow the guest to expand his or her breathing. An herb garden near t he Spa is the main source for body treat ment ingredients, and each ingredient is selected just prior to being applied to the guest's body, "We carefully choose each one of the ingredients to be used in our treatments," says Buitron. "This is the base of our rituals, according to our ancestors" For facial treatments Yon-Ka Paris product sare used.

With 16 full-time and four part-time employees, Aroma Spa has the capacity to perform "90 services a day. According to Buitron, none of the services on the menu are hard to sell because they each offer such different experiences, but she is. constantly searching for new ways to incorporate Mayan traditions throughout the spamenu,"0ur biggest challenge has been to integrate ancestral healing techniques with modern methods of relaxation and well-being" says Buitron. "We use organic products as a way to incorporate the same elements that were used hundreds of years ago by Mesoamericans. This is what our guests want."—Nanci McArdle