Yucatan rejuvenation: All-inclusive vacations get spiritual with the ancient Maya ritual of temazcal.
By Blane Bachelor
Just a few weeks into 2012, the travel industry is abuzz with packages and deals to celebrate the much-hyped end of the Maya Long Count calendar. One resort offering that promises authenticity – and, as a complimentary amenity, affordability too – is a version of the traditional Mayan ritual of temazcal.
This spiritual, cleansing ceremony is offered complimentary to guests at two AMResorts, whose properties have set the standard for all-inclusive vacations with their spot-on amenities.
AMResorts’ latest offering at two of its spectacular Mexico properties — Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya and Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa, both nestled in the heart of the country’s Maya-rich temples and sites — shows just how much resort amenities have improved over the years.
Available free to all guests in a 30-minute format, the temazcal ceremony is rooted in the ancient cleansing and rebirth ritual used by the Maya for centuries, which involves sweating out impurities in the sauna-like structure. (Fun fact: The igloo-esque shape of most traditional temazcals, like the domes at each of these resorts, is believed to represent the womb of Mother Earth.)
A traditional Shaman leads the ceremony, invoking the essential elements and providing insight into the revered ritual, as well as helping guests visualize their own goals for rebirth and renewal. For the non-New Age-y types, there are some physical benefits, too. “This treatment helps reduce stress, back pain, relax muscles, and helps with skin problems,” says Teresa Torres, spa director. “It’s an excellent rejuvenation. Our clients use it when they get married, and for anniversaries, birthdays and New Year’s.”
Guests who want to experience a longer version of the treatment can participate in a 75-minute session, or book a private one. Torres recommends making appointments at least several days in advance to give the guides, many of whom live among local communities, enough advance notice.
And though traditional temazcal ceremonies were believed to have been conducted sans clothing because of the heat, modest modern-day participants needn’t worry: A swimsuit is acceptable attire.
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San Francisco-based travel writer Blane Bachelor plans to be somewhere in Mundo Maya during 2012.