Spa Itzá Previews In Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
With Elevated Levels of Comfort, Amenities And Authentic
Traditional Mayan Healing Therapies
Playa del Carmen, Mexico - From the moment one meets Sharon Sedgwick-foraging in the Yucatan jungle in search of indigenous products to incorporate into her menu of native Mayan treatments-the founder and director of Spa Itzá immediately sets herself apart from competitors. Says Sedgwick "Spa Itzá's treatments and therapies are based on the Yucatan Peninsula natural bounty, native history, and natural resources." The veteran spa designer adds, "My role is to make sure that the spa tantalizes and stimulates all of the senses while remaining fun, sensual, and genuinely therapeutic."
Spa Itzá is unique in its role as the only spa facility in the region that harvests natural botanicals from the jungle and provides therapies in accordance with the ancient techniques of the Mayans. Great care is taken not to deplete the natural resources when harvesting plants used in the spa's treatment recipes. For example, seven growths of a plant in an individual species must be found before one plant is taken. The spa's harvest and treatment regime pays homage to the native Mayans who were ecologically attuned to their environment and early advocates of the healing powers of water. A core principle of the Spa Itzá concept is the integration of the healing and restorative powers of water into all spa treatments.
The serenely elegant Spa Itzá is located in a secluded garden in the artsy "Calle Corazon" district of Playa del Carmen. Guests begin their spa journey by entering a tunnel-like threshold and crossing a shallow, candle-lighted pool via a symbolic stone and wood bridge. The guest emerges into a lush garden surrounding a stone sculpture inspired by the Temple of The Sun in the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá.
Beautifully merging nature with a full compliment of state of the art equipment and amenities, the 4,000 square foot spa's atmosphere is one of serene sensuality. The Main level features elevated pedicure stations crafted from indigenous wood and finished off with ornate basins hand-painted by regional artisans. The Organic Tea and Oxygen Bar offer spa guests creative options for relaxation or invigoration with fruit and herbal infusions and aroma-therapeutic oxygen.
Moving up, the first level is dedicated to manipulation of the bodily tissue and liquids to promote healing on a cellular level. Specialty massage environments have been designed to compliment the individual nuances of the techniques that are offered, including: Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Hot Rock, Tandem and "Four Hands" massage, featuring two therapists working in synchronicity.
The spa's second level continues the theme of healing through water through immersion. Guests can choose from the Sensory Floatation Room, a specially designed Hydro Tub for Mayan Bath therapies or the Vichy Room. Spa Itzá's Vichy Room utilizes a system custom-designed by Sharon Sedgwick to target the seven charkas with pressurized water jets in conjunction with mud and algae treatments. The rooftop level opens to a blue Mayan sky, the dramatic turquoise beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the green canopy of the surrounding treetops. Enjoy an invigorating open air shower and relax on the deck after purifying in the dry sauna or vapor lodge. Charmingly appointed gender-specific dressing rooms feature secure cedar lockers.
Sharon Sedgwick founded Spa Itzá with a passionate dedication to healing, wellness and rejuvenation that goes deeper than the stylish design of the facility. From concept to completion, she directly oversaw all aspects of the spa's creation. She continues to direct all daily services and training of personnel--all highly qualified and hand selected for specific skills. Says Sedgwick "Our commitment is to maintaining personalized attention, consistent quality and authenticity of the treatment experience."
In addition to contemporary treatments, Sedgwick has incorporated several signature therapies incorporating a Mayan Healing Bath that is prepared and administered with the same recipes and technique that have been used regionally for centuries to assist with issues including circulation, depression and pain. In preparing the baths, Spa Itzá uses only plants that are picked directly from the neighboring jungle and chosen for their unique individual healing properties. One popular magical treatment is the spa's sunburn remedy, which was originally used by the Mayans for severe burns.
The spa also offers an extensive menu of Body Antidote™ treatments including Mayan Salt Exfoliation, Organic Body Masque, Para-Fango Masque, Hot Rock and Marine Algae, Black Mud, numerous body scrubs, waxing and facial treatments.
A resident of Mexico for over 13 years, Sedgwick settled on the Playa del Carmen location for spa due a combination of factors; popularity with international visitors, availability of natural resources and the eclectic flavor of the town itself. As recently as 20 years ago, Playa del Carmen was a sleepy Caribbean fishing village surrounded by the ancient Mayan temples of Tulum, Coba and Chichén Itzá. Now with a population of over 100,000 and acknowledged as Latin America's hottest visitor destination, Playa del Carmen retains it's reputation as a hip, culturally diverse gathering place for an eclectic mix of visitors seeking natural beauty, relaxation and rejuvenation.
In addition to the extensive menu of available spa services, a variety of creative, specially priced spa specials are available, including: Full and Half Day, Mother and Daughter, Teen, Wedding and Holiday, Jet Lag and Recovery from Last Night. Cuisine can be ordered in from a variety of the diverse local restaurants located around the spa. Many packages include unlimited use of spa facilities, including the sauna, Vapor Lodge and Rooftop Lounge. Spa membership packages are also available for local residents and visitors.
Spa Itzá is located just steps north of 12th Street just off 5th Avenue in the Calle Corazon district of Playa del Carmen Mexico, 45 miles south of Cancun. Hours of operation are 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. (CST) For reservations call (011-52) 984-803-2588. Web site: www.spaitza.com.