The 2,751-room, family-friendly Barceló Maya resort is comprised of five all-inclusive hotels, all sharing one of the longest stretches of private beach access in Riviera Maya, Mexico and each paying homage to a distinct aspect of Mexican heritage: Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, Barceló Maya Tropical, Barceló Colonial and Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe.
The 16,000 square-foot Barceló U Spa features a total of 25 treatment rooms as well as a hydrotherapy room, Mexico’s largest dual flotation room, three Vichy rooms and a Swedish and Scottish treatment room, among others. The spa is a destination in itself and offers various indigenous, cultural and innovative treatments.
New Fish Spa Treatment: The Garra Rufa come from Turkey and is well known as Doctor Fish and in this pedicure treatment the garra rufa eat all dead cells from the skin. The location of this new treatment is adjacent to the beach so spa-goers (adults and kids) can enjoy the breathtaking views while receiving the pedicure. The 20-minute treatment starts at $25 and is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nighttime Spa Treatment: Guests can experience a nighttime spa treatment experience during anytime of the day at the couples spa suite or floatation treatment room, both of which are designed to simulate the Mayan night sky. The resort’s dual floatation treatment room, the largest one in Mexico, is completely encased in a 180-degree dome of black sky adorned with twinkling artificial stars.
Temazcal: Typically held at night, the Temazcal facility and ritual is a replica of an ancient Maya sweat lodge that is believed by Mayan people to cleanse and purify the soul. The authentic, 80-minute spiritual ritual is held in a circular stone hut in which a medicinal “tea” comprised of Mayan herbs is poured over hot stones in the hut to create a purifying steam. The ritual is completed with a cleansing wash under the night sky at one of 13 statues, each representing one the 13 Tzolk’in cycles in the Mayan calendar.
U Spa for Kids — The first of its kind in Mexico, Barceló Maya’s U Kids Spa facility is exclusively for children. Services include sophisticated up-dos; fun hair wraps and braids; manicures and pedicures with elaborate nail design; massages; and facials among other treatments.
Barceló Maya Beach Resort, www.barcelo.com