Amy McDonald, owner and CEO of Under a Tree, Health and Wellness Consulting, has created a destination spa built on Mayan tradition for the upcoming Chablé Resort in Mexico.
Operated by Hamak Hotels, The Chablé Resort is set to open next month in Chochola, Yucatan, and will feature 38 glass-fronted casitas and two villas designed by Jorge Borja of Grupo BV.
“Although it is really high-end luxury it is thoughtfully infused with local culture and nature,” said McDonald. “The rooms are completely surrounded by glass – you are in the jungle.”
The 3,022sq m (32,530sq ft) spa will blend ancient mysticism with modern curiosity, and features a naturally formed cenote as well as three temazcal experiences.
The cenote – seen as a healing force in Mayan culture – is central to the spa, and guests can even bathe in it. The spa features 12 single treatment rooms, one double and one spa suite – all situated around the cenote.
McDonald hired Bonnie Baker, owner of Mexico-based spa consultancy Satteva to collaborate on all aspects of the spa, including a wide selection of signature treatments for the property, each of which are focused around one of three themes: Fountain of Youth (Flow), designed to be relaxing and rhythmical; Tree of Life (Balance), which is purifying and de-stressing; and Heaven on Earth (Inspire), which aims to be heart-opening and connecting.
Each theme has a signature ritual, along with additional rituals that fit in with the theme. The Fountain’s Flow, for instance, is a three-hour ritual inspired by the fountain of youth that draws on the healing waters of the cenote. It includes a flotation experience, herbal salt exfoliation, lymphatic flow massage and aromatic anointment – which uses plants, herbs and protocols very specific to the area and to Mayan traditions.
“We really want people to come and experience a modern interpretation of traditional Mayan rituals,” said McDonald.
For guests looking for a deeper connection with nature and a “rebirth to a state of higher consciousness,” Chablé features three Temazcal Rituals, each inspired by a different tradition.
The Mayan Temazcal is performed by a Mayan Shaman, and is performed inside a traditional round structure designed to resemble a mother’s womb.
An Aztec Temazcal is intended to purify the body and heal health problems as well as emotional and psychological ailments. The ceremony symbolises a rebirth, thought to cleanse not only the body, but also the spirit in the ritualistic sense.
Inspired by the Lakota tradition, the Nomadic Temazcal at Chablé allows guests to explore their own relationship to the cosmos through awareness and mindfulness.
Other treatments on offer at Chablé include guided meditation, a Mayan Rebirth Massage and Energetic Sound and Stone Cleansing.
The spa will also have a hydrotherapy journey that includes sauna, steam, whirlpool, hot and cold plunge pools, swimming pool, salt room and floatation.
A fitness and movement studio, salon, retail boutique and juice bar round out the wellness offerings, along with a cafe and nutritional menu that supports guests’ individual health goals.
The spa is using Naturopathica and Body Bliss in its treatments, and incorporates indigenous plants and herbs as well.
