The Luna Jaguar Spa resort, situated close to the historically important Mayan city, Copan, is hoping to open its doors in March 2005.

Plans are still being drawn up and the final cost has yet to be confirmed, but the resort will offer accommodation in 35 tree house-style villas, designed to blend in with the surrounding rainforest.

The spa will have 10 treatment rooms, three hot thermal spring pools and two cold pools, relaxation areas, a meditation garden, whirlpools, a fruit garden, a restaurant and a fresh juice bar.

Facilities will also include a gym with around 15 to 20 cv stations, although the resort’s emphasis lies heavily in outdoor activity.

The resort is being planned by Spaplan, an Italian consultancy firm, which has previously worked on spa developments in Russia, Argentina, Germany and Italy.

Yoshie Otomi, spokesperson for SpaPlan, said: “We want to construct a resort which doesn’t interfere with the surrounding nature. We are also very close to a significant Mayan heritage site, Copan, so we understand the importance of blending in.”

“The actual spa building will be a light construction, as all the treatments – hydrotherapy, therapeutic massage, stress management, aromatherapy and the traditional beauty treatments – will be available for visitors in the villas,” she said.

Visitors to the two-hectare area can visit the Mayan ruins and a coffee plantation, both within a short distance from the Luna Jaguar site.

The resort hopes to attract visitors from all over the world as the city of San Pedro Sula – close to the resort – is only an hour’s flight away from Miami, Florida. Details: www.spaplan.com or www.lunajaguar.com