Spas in the News
Inspiring New Spa Destination
Opens - Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico May 2006... Offering the most luxurious
and authentic spa treatments and experiences, Willow
Stream Spa at Fairmont Mayakoba is the newest spa destination from
the award-winning Willow Stream The Spas Fairmont. An unspoiled tropical
paradise, Mayakoba is situated just south of Cancun on Mexicos
prized Caribbean coast the Riviera Maya. Willow Stream is a sanctuary
located within the 397-room Fairmont resort, which is designed to create
an indelible sense of place in Mayakoba while respecting the natural
network of inland waterways and crystal clear pools known locally as
cenotes.
A fusion of five-diamond hotel elegance and genuine spa
experiences, Willow Stream Spa Fairmont Mayakoba is 37,000 square feet
with 20 authentically-designed spa treatment rooms, most with private
balconies for outdoor treatments and separate mens and womens
lounges with oversized outdoor whirlpools. Suites and rooms around the
spa include the womens Inhalación (inhalation) room, (Vapor)
steam room, mens sauna, Regadera Suiza (swiss shower), quiet meditation
areas, state-of-the-art Gimnasio (fitness facilities) as well as a Salón
de Belleza and spa retail boutique with an authentic selection of local
spa treasures as well as Willow Stream spa products.
Spa guests can experience an authentic reflection of the
Riveria Mayas energy, culture and history throughout. Glass walls
allow nature into the spa as waterfalls from the roof deck of the pool
stream down and flow throughout. Designed with a sophisticated-blend
of warm, deep rich hues of plum, wine, olive and emerald with a touch
of maize and chocolate, Willow Stream Spa Fairmont Mayakoba is reminiscent
of the textures, colors and scents of the ancient Mayan culture. The
spas interior design details integrate regional Mayan ancestry
with modern spa necessity.
The Mayan-inspired touches appear throughout the spa.
The reception desk is a glass covered hand carved authentic Mayan canoe
used for transportation throughout the Riviera Maya. Beautiful Mayan
crystals are displayed throughout this Willow Stream spa to allow the
energy to move smoothly. Both men and women have their own outdoor private
pre-and post-spa experience areas with oversized whirlpool jacuzzis
to enjoy.
The roof deck off of the Serenity Salon has two pools
and private treatment areas under the sun or stars. The mineral pool
is a treatment in and of itself filled with Hungarian mineral salts
to soothe aching muscles. The main pool has special shoulder and neck
waterfalls which will soak away tension and stress.
As with all Willow Stream spas this one is developed with
the earths natural healing elements in mind. Elements of the Mayan
earth (Lu´um, Kaab -representing balance), water (Ha ó
Way -purification), air (Lik -creativity) and fire (K´aak -rebirth)
flow throughout.
Inside and out, Willow Stream Spa Fairmont Mayakoba has
been carefully created to harmonize with the surrounding environment,
respecting the preservation of the natural mangrove forest and abundant
wildlife. Mangrove treetops provide private canopies for some of the
Willow Stream treatment rooms. Natural elements incorporated throughout
the spa include Conchera Fossil stone used in the facial treatment rooms,
which tell the story of the ancient Mayakoban marine life, while Tikul
green marble is utilized as the elements for shelving and bars. Porous
stone, naturally formed and adjusted, is showcased in the architectural
structure of the exterior walls of the spa and illustrated by its unique
color. This stone was used centuries ago in the construction of ceremonial
Mayan temples.
The impressive Alberca Vitalidad (vitality pool) on the
roof deck of the spa exhibits an awe-inspiring array of colors contrasting
with the wood elements of Zapote Negro used to frame private
roof top treatment areas. All of these elements are harmoniously brought
together by the consistent presence of a rich chocolate marble throughout
the spa.
Locally inspired spa treatments include engaging, magical
and healing experiences base on Mayan traditions. Guests can immerse
themselves in the Mayan culture with the Food of the Gods Body Nourisher
Treatment. Cacao, the Mayan word for chocolate, was highly revered in
pre-Hispanic
Mexico and offered as a tribute to the gods. This 60-minute experience
includes a wrap with a cacao body mask. While the body absorbs the anti-oxidant
properties of cacao, the guest is indulged in a relaxing scalp massage
and hair treatment. The treatment finishes with a nourishing massage
application with pure coconut oil and rose essence.
Another locally-inspired treatment, the Mayan Bath Ritual,
celebrates the ancient Mayan tradition of cleansing the body and soul.
This 60-minute ritual starts with a purification blessing of copal incense
followed by an herbal footbath on a private treatment patio. A body
mask made of cornmeal, yogurt and honey is then applied to the body.
After being immersed in an herbal flower bath with an ayate cloth to
remove the mask, a nourishing massage complete with a selection of oils
including coconut, sage or tropical euphoria finishes the experience.
Couples can enjoy side-by-side spa treatments in The Fuego
Suite situated high in the treetops under the mangrove canopy. Spa guests
can enter the mystical and magical Cha Chac Rain Room and leave the
outer world behind. Chac, the Rain God was one of the most important
gods in Mayan history and the word cha means to let
go or let loose. Designed to help alleviate pain,
discomfort, stress, and tensions this magical experience is complete
heaven.
Willow Stream Signature spa treatments are also on the
menu and include The Golf Performance Treatment, The Ultimate Facial
and a Jet Lag Recovery treatment for weary travelers. Willow Stream
spas also have spa experiences for couples, men and those that lead
very active lifestyles.
Willow Stream signature and locally inspired spa treatments
range from 60 to 90 minutes (Willow Stream spa treatments are never
less than 1 hour) and from $99 (for a Customized Deep Cleansing Facial)
to $359 (for the Yucatan Healing Retreat for couples).
Capturing the essence, elegance and energy of their unique
geographic locales, Willow Stream spas are luxurious retreats that strive
to help guests build their own personal reserves of energy.
Willow Stream The Spas At Fairmont currently has eight
signature locations - The Fairmont
Scottsdale Princess (Arizona), The
Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club (Florida), The
Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta, Canada), The
Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia), The
Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), The
Fairmont Acapulco Princess (Mexico), The
Fairmont Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and
Fairmont Mayakoba in the heart of the Riviera Maya near Playa del
Carmen.
Willow Stream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairmont
Hotels & Resorts.
Featuring a collection of fabled castles, secluded lodges, storied meeting
places and modern retreats, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opens the
doors to
some of the world's most celebrated addresses. With locations throughout
ten countries, our 51 distinctive hotels - including The Fairmont San
Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs and London's Savoy - promise travelers
rich experiences and lasting memories in unparalleled settings. Committed
to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels, Fairmont will soon reflag
five hotels in Kenya and anticipates the 2007 re-opening of New York's
famed Plaza Hotel. Future Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also include
locations in Cairo, Turks & Caicos, Abu Dhabi and Dubai's Palm Island.
Fairmont Raffles Holdings International owns and operates 120 hotels
worldwide under the Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta brands.
For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or
visit www.fairmont.com