Spas around the world are influenced by their local communities when curating treatment menus. These 7 wellness experiences take inspiration from their indigenous communities, with treatments that make use of natural resources, ancient modalities and spirituality.
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1. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
The Kuö Spa at this San Jose-based hotel is inspired by Costa Rica’s fertile landscape, connecting luxury, nature and the latest spa expertise. Facial and corporate treatments come from delicate and autochthon ingredients, the product of a rich fountain of natural resources, including mineral waters, mud, algae, herbal extracts and essential oils. The signature Costa Rica Coffee Scrub at Kuo Spa revives the skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated.
2. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Puerto Rico, provides tailored luxury services and unique experiences for every guest. Travelers can indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Spa Botánico, a five-acre spa built on a pineapple field and integrating indigenous traditions. Here guests can enjoy the Manos Santas treatment, which is rooted in Afro-Caribbean and indigenous spiritual traditions originating in Puerto Rico. During the treatment, a healer uses their hands to transfer peace and tranquility to guests, leaving them rejuvenated.
3. Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort
At the resort's Real Spa, there is locally inspired Vinotherapy utilizing Tannat grapes and wine. Pairs who book this treatment will begin with a full body exfoliation, utilizing a special cream that contains whole grapes and seeds, continue with an immersion bath in Tannat wine, allowing revitalizing and antioxidant benefits to seep through the skin, and end with hydrating grape essence mask while enjoying wine and autochthonous cheeses.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
This rooftop spa offers an indoor pool enveloped by a glass cupola and offering access to an outdoor terrace overlooking Santiago. The team's professional staff have also curated an innovative menu of treatments that can address all concerns from head to toe. One signature treatment inspired by the local culture and beliefs in stones is the Hot Stone Massage With Lapis Lazuli. This 50-minute treatment uses the semi-precious stone, common in Western Chile. In addition to healing and reducing stress, the lapis lazuli replenishes a tired body promoting peaceful sleep.
5. Grand Cayman Marriott Resort
The oceanfront Grand Cayman Marriott Resort's on-site spa, Botanika Union, offers an indigenous-inspired Manuka Honey Bespoke Facial. the holistic facial embraces beauty rooted in wellness. Manuka Honey, a local, beloved product, has the ability to cleanse, nourish, and heal, due to it containing methylglyoxal as an active ingredient, which affords antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
6. JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa
The Temazcal Ceremony, also known as a vapor bath ritual, was a method once used by the indigenous people of Mesoamerica. This 90-minute experience is led by a Temazcalero, a master in Temazcal art. The Temezcalero will personalize the experience based on guests and carefully select herbs while guiding guests through this unique journey. With a detoxified body and clear mind, travelers will leave refreshed with clear minds.
7. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Reserva Conchal is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Guests are invited to try the Heavenly Spa by Westin’s offerings, including the signature Seashell Massage. Inspired by the richness of the environment, this medium-pressure massage not only promotes relaxation but also recharges clients with new energy. Inspired by the local culture, it centers around the fusion of organic coconut oil and therapeutic seashells.
