Spa Treatments that Tell a Story

Puerto Rico’s most iconic resort, Caribe Hilton, has hosted the likes of Liz Taylor, Sophia Loren, Gloria Swanson, and Barack Obama…but that’s not the hotel’s only claim to fame. In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero created the original Piña Colada recipe and served the drink at the hotel for 35 years before it was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico. In 2004, the property was even presented with an official government declaration stating that the drink had been invented there in support of its 50th anniversary. On the heels of unveiling a $150M top-to-bottom renovation, the resort recently launched a new Piña Colada inspired spa treatment at their Zen Spa Océano. The Piña Colada Body Boost treatment includes a full body massage with pineapple oil and guests’ choice of a coconut body wrap or body scrub. Once travelers have achieved their ultimate tropical euphoria, they can head over to Caribar (the resort’s lobby bar) to sample the signature libation straight from the source and read up on its unique history via a giant ‘history wall’ display.

Inspired by the Incan calendar and their magic rituals, the subterranean spa at the five-star JW Marriott El Convento Cusco preserves and honors the wonders of this ancient culture and combines indigenous traditions and local ingredients for a blissful spa experience with strong ties to its roots. Visitors can enjoy treatments like the Qhapaq Situwa, inspired by the Incan purification festival, believed to serve as a way to purify the soul and achieve inner peace. The treatment uses locally sourced ingredients and begins with a chocolate exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, followed by a warm chocolate wrap to hydrate the skin and a 50-minute full-body massage.

Known as the leading cocoa producer in the 1700s, Saint Lucia’s lush tropical rainforest, and warm climate makes it the perfect place for cocoa trees to thrive. In the early 1980s, it took a backseat to the banana industry but Jade Mountain, a cliffside resort known for its sweeping views of the famed Piton mountains, kept it alive by planting over 1,500 cocoa trees and offering guests the opportunity to discover the history of chocolate and how it is produced. Chocolate lover’s craving some relaxation at this high-end resort can indulge their senses at the resort’s Kai Belté spa with the Chocolate delight treatment that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and silky smooth. Sound sweet to you?

Home to the most scenic vineyards, Italy is one of the most diverse winemaking countries dating back to more than 4,000 years. Wine lovers looking for a getaway inspired by the country’s most prominent drink should head to Il Salviatino, a stylishly-restored 15th-century villa that offers guests wine-inspired spa treatments. Immersed in the greenest corner of the villa’s private park, the hotel’s La Spa at Il Salviatino trusts local wineries to source all-natural products. The “Tuscany Pleasure” signature treatment is most prominently known for its use of a wine gel and mist, which is handmade and sourced from the grapes of the Tuscan countryside. The three-hour polysensorial treatment uses this wine gel to cleanse, then peel, and uses wine mist to massage the face and body, leaving the skin feeling soft with the fresh aroma of grapes and revitalizing the mind, body, and spirit.

The Aloe and Milk Bath Wrap at the Aruba Marriott Resort’s Mandara Spa uses one of the island’s most signature exports – aloe. The aloe used in the treatment is harvested right there on the island at the Aruba Aloe Factory, the oldest aloe factory in the world, dating back to the 1890s, founded by Cornelius Eman. Under Cornelius’ leadership, the aloe industry became one of the biggest contributing factors to Aruba’s economy; so much so, that at one point the majority of Aruba’s land was dedicated to growing aloe vera plants, with Aruba producing 70% of the world’s aloe. Today, travelers are able to take a tour of the Aruba Aloe Factory and see the process of how workers break down the aloe plant. The resort’s Aloe and Milk Bath Wrap brings a piece of the island’s history to guests with a refreshing treatment that hydrates and replenishes the skin. A cool wrap infused with healing aloe gel and nourishing milk is gently applied to soothe and rejuvenate the skin.

From the moment you walk into Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, views of the ocean — and possibly hunchback whales splashing in and out of the water — can be enjoyed in the newly renovated open-aired lobby space, from any guest-room or suite of choice, or during dinner at the hotel’s outdoor restaurant. But for true healing by water, guests of the resort can experience water-focused treatments inspired by ancient traditions of the Huichol culture at Ohtli Spa. Treatments like the “Rebirth” Therapy session which is performed in a pool of warm water, and is focused on meditation and relaxation. Your therapist will guide you through a series of rhythmic water movements (swaying you from side to side in the water) that relax your mind, muscle tissue and joints, allowing you to gradually drift into a meditative state. With regular treatments, you will experience increased flexibility and a strengthened immune system. All treatments in the spa end in the hotel’s hot and cold plunges said to help stimulate and invigorate the sense.

Celebrating over 30 years of guests enjoying top-notch sporting facilities, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is the ideal getaway for wellness and fitness-minded travelers. From being ranked as one of the top tennis hotels in the world for their award-winning Tennis Gardens, to their 45 holes of championship golf along Sarasota Bay, this beachfront oasis takes top prize in healthy travel. Coinciding with its rich history, the resort offers “The Sports” a spa package of MANly proportions for top outdoor activities and country club-style travel. The Sports spa package starts off with a rugged deep tissue massage, followed by multi-exfoliating facial, and a MANicure any man would be proud of. Though this package is geared towards men, there are plenty of options for the ladies at this island-inspired spa, boasting 10 tranquil treatment rooms and two relaxation rooms each crafted to promote overall well-being. Health and fitness are always top of mind at this 226-room AAA Four-Diamond resort with special wellness events on property and additional outdoor activities including beach yoga and kayaking.

Take a trip on the “well” side in the jungle of Petén, Guatemala! Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel sits on more than 300 acres of lush, private jungle reserve with 19 bungalow suites that hover over Quexil Lagoon. Connect with nature as you hike the magnificent ruins of Tikal (a bucket list item for many!) and enjoy up-close encounters with friendly spider monkeys and local animals. End the day with a relaxing spa session at the hotel’s nature-inspired facility, with a Mayan Hot Stone massage, which combines ancient tradition and local ingredients for ultimate relaxation. Travelers seeking an active adventure with a touch of wellness for the mind, body, and soul can book the “Born to Be Well” package and enjoy accommodations for two, daily spa treatments and a-la-carte breakfast, as well as a day tour to the ruins of Tikal, among other perks. Visit www.laslagunashotel.com for more information.