Sculpted from a rocky cliffside just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Capella Ixtapa’s enchanting new seaside spa draws inspiration from ancient Aztec healing traditions as it pampers spa-goers with the latest wellness techniques. From the heady scents of verbena and toronjil that linger in the air, to the soft chimes that play on the ocean breeze, to the inspiring views of sand, sea and sky, the Spa at Capella Ixtapa is designed to awaken all the senses. Its debut follows Capella Ixtapa’s own December 2008 opening as the first of four Mexican resorts in the exclusive Capella Hotels and Resorts brand.  At 6,000 square feet, the Spa at Capella Ixtapa is as intimate as it is luxurious, limited to five private treatment rooms, with shutters that open to the breathtaking ocean views and fresh coastal air, and an open-air massage area that takes full advantage of the idyllic climate. In keeping with the hideaway nature of Capella Ixtapa, which gives the 59-room resort special appeal to couples, the spa also features a private room designed exclusively for treatments à deux. Each treatment room is named for a local flower - such as the Citlaxochitl (poinsettia) - in the nahuatl dialect. Local artwork adds to the authentic ambience.

        Women’s and men’s spa lounges feature dry sauna, whirlpools and color-therapy steam rooms, as well as lockers and showers. 

        Each spa experience begins with a ritual floral foot bath and a water ritual of steam, sauna whirlpool and rain showers. Natural beverages and hot herbal teas are offered as spa-goers await their treatments.

At the heart of the spa’s menu is its Regional Collection, whose treatments incorporate local herbs, flowers and fruits used for centuries by traditional healers, among them papaya and mango, cacao and coffee, aloe and cactus. A signature Lemongrass & Toronjil Wrap combines the therapeutic qualities of these two botanicals (toronjil is a lemon-scented red flower central to Aztec healing traditions) in a soothing wrap that improves skin condition and metabolic functions as it detoxifies.  A variety of flowers collected in the Guerrero region are infused in a Regional Flower Wrap that is followed by a 30-minute massage with hydrating body cream.

Massage selections range from the total body Serenity Massage and Sacred Obsidian Massage to sport, aromatherapy, reflexology, and therapeutic massages. The Amuzgo Herbal Massage is based on ancient traditions and includes the application of an herbal and dried flower poultice activated by heat and moisture to heal sore muscles and eliminate toxins. In addition, couples can indulge in a Yoloxochitl Couple’s Massage, conducted in the spa’s exclusive cabana for two, which takes its inspiration from the yoloxochitl or heart flower.

For an even more indulgent experience, the Yoloxochitl Love Ritual combines a couple’s massage with his-and-her facials: the Citlaxochitl Aromatherapy Facial for her, which includes a cleansing and exfoliation followed by an aromatherapy warm stone facial massage and hydrating mask, and an Emperor’s Facial for him, designed to soothe rough, sensitive skin damaged by razor blade irritations and dehydration.

Other Spa Rituals, which combine several treatments in one ultra-pampering experience, include the Indulgent Ritual - a hot stone massage followed by a renewing Deep Cleansing Facial; and an Aztec Ritual that pairs a Lemongrass & Toronjil Signature Wrap with a Therapeutic Massage. Grounding and deeply relaxing, the Harmony Ritual offers a traditional Amuzgo Herbal Massage and Experience de l’age anti-aging facial.

The Spa at Capella Ixtapa also offers a full range of manicures and pedicures and salon services.
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