The Hacienda Vista Real is unveiling its new state-of-the-art destination spa, hidden inside a dramatic Mayan pyramid which celebrates life’s most precious and nourishing element: water.
Nestled in the lush Playacar 18-hole championship golf green, not far from La Quinta Avenue’s bustling pedestrian shopping lane and nightlife, the 75-room Hacienda Vista Real hotel debuted in late 2004 and reopened a year later following extensive renovations and the grand launch of the $7 million destination spa, Vida Real.

“What we did was pull together three ancient cultures that we feel most influenced the spa world with healing through water,” explains general manager Paul Celis of the 7,000 square meter spa which boasts 28 treatment rooms and is considered the largest destination spa in Latin America. “The first floor is completely spiritual like the Mayan world with an emphasis on tranquil flowing water. And the second floor is Roman, featuring murals from Pompeii and Jacuzzis modeled after the natural springs Roman soldiers would bathe in after battles.”

The third ancient culture, the Orient, is reflected in the hotel’s Eurasian fusion restaurant. Jazmin whets appetites with Thai-influenced cuisine—not to mention the best sushi in Quintana Roo—from the spa pyramid rooftop, which affords panoramic views of the golf course and twinkling lights of Cozumel Island beyond. Spa menus are also available upon request for those who wish to tempt their tummies with an explosion of guilt-free, low calorie flavors. Hacienda Vista Real’s beach club and restaurant allow guests to take full advantage of the secluded white sand beach of Xpu-Ha, accessible by a convenient hotel shuttle just 15 minutes away.

These three spiritual cultures converge in an exotic and intoxicating sanctuary inside the hotel’s Mayan spa pyramid, which immediately envelops visitors in delicious scents (tangerine essence is the official aroma) and the soothing effects of running water.

The spa lobby opens to a soaring light-infused atrium with a 50-foot indoor waterfall plunging into a natural cenote pool—ideal for soaking in following the ancient temazcal sweat lodge ceremony. Active types can ascend the 50-foot high climbing wall which hugs the rocky fissures beside the waterfall. A two-story wall of cerulean blue mosaic tiles (some of the 1 million used throughout the spa) shimmers with cascading water, and an outside Asian-influenced Zen Buddha garden and wood sundeck provide tranquil space for yoga, meditation or Chi-Kung and Tai-Chi classes just beyond the Robert Von Hagge-designed Playacar golf course.

Ancient hydrotherapies are the specialty at Hacienda Vista Real’s spa. A thalassotherapy pool massages the body with high powered jets while salt water lightly exfoliates skin and encourages the absorption of oligoelements (trace elements), which aid in correcting body imbalances. Post-rejuvenation, guests can relax on modern mosaic-tile lounge chairs with warmers that envelope the entire body in a relaxing balm of heat. On the second floor, separate men’s and women’s “Roman Bath” sections offer multiple areas of relaxation with Jacuzzis of varying temperatures, steam rooms and massage quarters. A Turkish Hammam bath, housed in a beautiful tiled chamber, combines the effects of steam and sauna to refresh and detoxify the body. A Danish-inspired cold steam bath sparkles in winter white and offers an invigorating way to close pores and revive after treatments or a day in the Mexican sun.

Couples seeking seclusion may also retreat to private VIP spa rooms, equipped for a full day of pampering with lounges, seductive soaking tubs, massage tables, complete bathing areas and beds draped in sumptuous linens. Order in from the restaurant and indulge in the art of relaxation as time slips away.
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