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Wayak, the Spa at Viceroy Riviera Maya
An hideaway in the Caribbean jungle
Made up entirely of private palapa-domed luxury villas, Viceroy Riviera Maya has an intimate jungle setting on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, just north of the beach town of Playa del Carmen. When you’re not relaxing in your private pool or lounging on the white sand beach, stop by the resort’s oasis of calm, Wayak, the Spa at Viceroy Riviera Maya, for an experience that blends lush nature with an upscale retreat.
The spa was built in a circular configuration that calls back to the holistic beliefs and practices of the Mayans who inhabited the region. Here, towering palapa roofs create an atmosphere of jungle grandeur with a slight scent of purifying copal incense in the air.
Winding paths lead to hidden-away massage dwelling entrenched in the tropical landscape, allowing you to indulge in ancient treatments while you’re surrounded by swaying trees, wildlife and serene lantern glow.
The spa was built in a circular configuration that calls back to the holistic beliefs and practices of the Mayans who inhabited the region. Here, towering palapa roofs create an atmosphere of jungle grandeur with a slight scent of purifying copal incense in the air.
Winding paths lead to hidden-away massage dwelling entrenched in the tropical landscape, allowing you to indulge in ancient treatments while you’re surrounded by swaying trees, wildlife and serene lantern glow.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The spa’s Mayan Rituals collection features a menu of experiences incorporating centuries-old techniques (blanket stretching) and healing ingredients (honey) used by the region’s indigenous people.
- At the Riviera Maya spa, you can purchase bars of organic soap hand-crafted in nearby communities. These soaps are also found in guest suites and come in a variety of natural scents like chocolate and strawberry.
- In the nearby jungle, the spa has its own hives for melipona bees, a stingless bee that lives only in this region of Mexico. Their valuable honey has been used by the local Mayans for centuries due to its healing effects, which explains why you see it on the spa’s menu.
- Secluded outdoor palapas offer a massage experience for one or two people, with jungle surroundings and complete privacy.
- After being pampered in one of the jungle palapas, you can rinse off in an outdoor shower or in a hand-carved tub made of local black zapote wood.
Things to Know
- The common facilities at Wayak, the Spa at Viceroy Riviera Maya are complimentary and open for all hotel guests.
- Reservations for spa treatments and massages should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- If possible, request your service in one of the spacious and calming jungle palapas to take full advantage of the resort’s stunning natural surroundings.
The Treatments
- The Tzolkin treatment utilizes the purifying effects of copal, a tree resin used by the Mayans as ceremonial incense. A foot massage leads you into a state of relaxation, followed by a body massage with soothing and aromatic copal mud.
- The Viceroy Signature Experiences menu includes the spa’s most exhilarating services with techniques from across the globe.
- Experience a facial using Swiss glacial spring water, open your chakras with Amerindian rituals, hydrate the skin with a warm treatment inspired by the volcanoes of Italy, and find harmony with the three-step massage journey known as the Viceroy Trilogy.
The Facilities
- The main spa building is divided into separate but identical men’s and women’s locker and relaxation areas.
- Each locker room has several shower options with a variety of pressures, as well as a central hot tub, lockers with small safes and a domed herbal steam room.
- An ancient Mesoamerican sweat lodge session takes place in a traditional mortar-and-stone steam house known as a Temazcal. Steam and healing herbs help to purify the body and spirit during a ceremony that combines the elements of earth, fire, air and water.
- You can opt to enjoy your treatment in an outdoor palapas or in the indoor treatment rooms. A couple’s suite is also available for romantic experiences.
Getting There
Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7, Riviera Maya, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
TEL52-984-877-3000
