Celebrating the Maya culture, Maroma Resort & Spa on the Riviera Maya, Mexico has created a series of special experiences to mark the end of the Mayan calendar and the coming of a new age. Available throughout the year, guests can indulge in a delicious Mayan menu or rejuvenating spa treatments, all of which are based on the four earth elements which are integral to Maya beliefs. The experience would not be complete without visiting the many historical temples that surround the hotel, including Coba and Chichen Itza and excursions to both are included in the new cultural itineraries offered by the hotel.

A fascinating and cryptic civilization, this year sees the end of the ancient Mayan calendar which runs on a 5,125 year ‘Great Cycle’. Currently in its 5th age, the present calendar cycle is due to come to an end on 21st December 2012, marking a time for spiritual renewal, new beginnings and the start of a fresh era. In addition to the cultural experiences, to mark this special year, Maroma Resort & Spa is launching a permanent Maya Room, where guests will be able to learn about these enthralling people at their leisure. Also, all staff at the hotel will wear Mayan pins to highlight that they can speak about the different cultural topics and upon arrival guests will be welcomed with a cocktail created with the Mayan mystic anise liquor, Xtabentun, which will be served in a Mayan chalice.

Four Elements Dinner

Created using 100% traditional Mayan culinary techniques and ingredients, this four course meal is served under the stars and on the beach in front of Maroma Resort & Spa’s Temazcal, a sacred and important area according to Maya culture. Charged with positive energy, each dish is designed to connect guests’ senses to their surroundings.

Four Elements Dinner Menu:

Há-Agua (water) – Fish ceviche with chilled cucumber broth, jicama (Mexican turnip) and avocado

K’aak-Fuego (fire) – Ashes tamales with red spices, smoked chillies and caramelised onions

Lu’um-Tierra (earth) – Corn, black beans, squash, tomato and grasshoppers

Iik’-Aire (Air) – Pineapple, banana, chayotes (a native Mexican plant), honey and Mexican chocolate foam

The Four Elements Dinner costsare per person and includes a cocktail served in a “jícara” (a traditional natural bowl) made with orange juice, tamarind and mezcal.

Kinan Spa – Authentically Mayan Spa Experiences

Named after the Mayan word for the healing energy of the sun, at Maroma’s Kinan Spa each building, treatment room and waterfall has been aligned to the stars to ensure positive energy flow to the body. To celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar the Kinan Spa has launched four new treatments to honour its natural surroundings. These can be combined with a traditional Mayan Temazcal, a ritualistic treatment which weaves together ancient traditions to leave an overall feeling of cleanliness, calm and inner peace.

The Mayan Clay Ritual (earth) – This nourishing treatment starts with a Mayan cleansing ceremony and foot scrub using salts from a prehistoric crater on the Yucatan Peninsula. A deep heat massage using hot volcanic stone and Mayan clay follows. The treatment is completed with a purification ceremony to remove the clay. The Mayan Clay Ritual lasts 105 minutes.

The Mayan Cycle of Water (water) – The treatment begins with a traditional blessing and the burning of copal incense as the guest is immersed into the Ixchel fountain plunge pool (which is a tribute to Ixchel the goddess of medicine), to leave their outer world behind. The treatment continues in the Chaac Pool (a soothing private pool dedicated to the Maya rain deity), where guests are transported to a deep level of relaxation before finishing with a herbal infusion. The Mayan Cycle of Water treatment lasts 75 minutes.

The Mayan Spiritual Power of Wind (Air) – Following a traditional blessing and burning of copal incense, guests are soothed by a therapeutic Mayan massage accompanied by the sound of the Teponaztli (a traditional Mayan drum). The Mayan Spiritual Power of Wind treatment lasts 90 minutes.

An Offering to the Divine Powers (Fire) – The experience starts with the burning of aromatic herbs and plants, including rue, rosemary and copal, to ask the gods for protection and good physical health. The treatment continues with a mineral foot bath and scrub, followed by a deep massage using soya oil. An Offering to the Divine Powers treatment lasts 105 minutes.

Cultural Experiences

The mystical Maya people found a home near the glorious beaches and jungles that surround Maroma Resort & Spa. To fully understand this wondrous culture, guests are encouraged to discover the master works of these impressive geniuses with private tours to the historical sites of Coba and Chichen Itza, alongside a visit to a local Mayan community.

Coba – Hidden deep inside the rainforest and situated around five small lagoons, the Mayan ruins of Coba are one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. During the tour guests can bike through the ruins and temples, still covered by vegetation and climb the Nohoch-Muul temple (the tallest pyramid in the state), where they can admire the beauty of the vast surrounding sub-tropical rainforest. In addition, guests can spend time with a Mayan community where they will engage in a cooking or a crafts class and visit a local school.

Chichen Itza – The day starts with a visit to a Mayan community, where guests are encouraged to join in day-to-day activities. This experience is followed by a visit to one of the most magnificent convents in the region, as well as a primary school and to a local artesian to learn how he works with barro, a red clay which is baked inside a kiln. The private tour culminates in a visit to the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza, a cultural World Heritage site since 1988 and one of the New7Wonders of the World. Containing many fine stone buildings, the highlight is the massive Kukulkan Pyramid, which was designed so that during spring and autumn equinox (this year occurring on 21st March and 22nd September 2012) the setting sun casts a shadow of a serpent (the Mayan God Kukulkan) slithering down the steps of the pyramid.