Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort - Wellness Spa in Cancun, Mexico
Julie Register visited this Resort Spa in June 2005

*We were soaking in the whirlpool on our expansive terrace. Catching up on our Dan Brown books, I was reading Angels and Demons and Jeff was reading Digital Fortress. We hadn't noticed that a shower had just passed by, but when I looked up, there was a rainbow over the Caribbean. A few seconds later, it turned into a double rainbow. It was time to put the books down and admire the view. And the view was spectacular - probably the best in Cancun! From our vantage point on the 7th floor, we could see the Caribbean Sea on the left, the Nichupté Lagoon and Hilton golf course on the right and the Hilton pool complex and beach below. The Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort is laid out in a tripod configuration. Honestly, I don't think there is a room there that doesn't have a great view. Of course, the higher you go, the better it gets.

Rainbow from the Terrace of Junior Suite 729	View of the Caribbean, the 700-yard White Sand Beach and the Hilton Infinity Pool Complex from Junior Suite 729 on the 7th Floor
View of the 18-hole, 72-par Professional Golf Course and Lagoon from Junior Suite 729	Junior Suite 729 Balcony with Whirlpool, Lounge Chairs and Dining Table

We were staying in one of the newly-renovated Junior Suites on the 7th floor. Our suite was so nice, we really didn't want to leave it.

Deluxe Suite Living/Dining Room

* Deluxe Suite Bedroom All Junior Suites are equipped with one king-size or two queen-size The Bed By Hilton™ beds. All guestrooms include a separate living room with working desk, full bath with two sinks, separate tub and shower, individually-controlled A/C, 31-inch cable TVs with pay-per-view movies in the living room and a 27-inch TV in the bedroom, high-speed wireless internet, complimentary in-room safes, a generously-stocked mini-bar, coffee maker and in-room coffee, comfortable cotton bathrobes and slippers and daily housekeeping and turn down service.

However, we knew we would be sorry if we didn't take advantage of the rest of the 150-acre resort, so we got into a routine - work out at the Fitness Center first thing in the morning, shower, eat breakfast, enjoy the beach and/or pool, eat lunch, sightsee or enjoy another activity in the afternoon, have a late afternoon whirlpool soak and end the evening with a long, romantic dinner.

Of course, the spa was on the top of my activity list. Part of the Hilton's recent, extensive hotel renovation, the Wellness Spa had been open only for a few months at the time of our visit. The entrance to the lower level, 12,000 square-foot, Mayan-inspired, spa is at the south end of the Hilton's large lobby area marked by a large, stone fountain where the water cascades down alongside the stairs leading to the reception area.

Water Feature near the Entrance to the Spa

Spa Reception Desk

The spa offers separate men's and women's locker rooms with private saunas, changing and waiting rooms. It also offers a co-ed relaxation lounge next to the outdoor spa garden.

Spa Hallway	Spa Hallway
Vanity Area in Women's Changing Room	Lockers and Sauna in Women's Changing Room
Women's Lounge	* Co-Ed Lounge

There are eight treatment rooms in the spa - six individual and two couples treatment suites. All have individual climate control, a multi-channel music menu and special lighting system to provide a soft, relaxing glow.

Couples Spa Treatment Room	The Wall between Two Couples Treatment Rooms can be Removed to Create a Family or Party Treatment Room
Spa Treatment Room with Shower	Spa Treatment Room

The secluded spa garden offers a whirlpool (be sure to bring your bathing suit!), a fountain, outdoor shower, relaxing lounge chairs and an area for outdoor treatments.

Whirlpool, Shower and Fountain in the Spa Garden

* The Spa Garden at Night

The spa also has a retail boutique and full service beauty salon offering hair, nail, paraffin, make up and waxing services.

Pedicure Chair in the Salon

Hair Stations in The Salon

Treatments in the spa are offered in one of four treatment paths: Harmony, Serenity, Purity or Vitality. Each path offers focused results based on specific needs.

• HARMONY: The pleasing interaction or appropriate combination of the elements in a whole (Orchid Beauty Facial, Marine Mineral Facial, Stone Massage, Couples Massage, Relaxation Wrap, Aromatherapy Wrap)
• SERENITY: The state or quality of having tranquility and being quiet (Breeze Facial, Ultimate Facial, Aroma Massage, Deep Hydration Wrap, Seaweed Wrap, Essential Massage)
• PURITY: The quality or condition of being pure to rid of impurities cleanse (Cleansing Facial, Flower Facial, Lymphatic Massage, Reflexology, Body Glow, Anti-Cellulite Wrap)
• VITALITY: An energy, force or principle characteristic of life (Anti-aging Facial, Eye Lift Treatment, Sports Power Massage, Energizing Massage, Leg Rejuvenation Therapy, Body Contour Therapy)

Jeff and I enjoyed a Couples Massage, part of the Harmony Path, on side-by-side treatment tables outside in the spa garden. From the receptionist to the changing room attendent to the massage therapists, we felt well cared for. We were both impressed with the massages given by Gabriella and Norma which were both therapeutic and relaxing. What a treat it was to remain in the spa garden after the treatment! Couples massage can also be given in a Spa Suite or Beachside Palapa.

Entrance to the Spa Garden

* Couples Massage in the Spa Garden

We returned to the spa on a rainy afternoon. Jeff liked his massage so much the first day, he returned for the Serenity Path's Essential Massage. I opted for a facial. I left the decision on which facial to have to the esthetician, Andres. In the sole facial treatment room (Sunrise - Amanecer), I relaxed in the comfortable contoured treatment chair. One wall of the room was windows to allow natural light. Andres examined my skin and selected another Serenity Path treatment - the hydrating Breeze Facial. This facial, using Phytomer and Fleurs products, is customized for dry, sensitive or normal skin to soothe blemishes and scars and make lines and wrinkles appear finer. The facial followed a typical facial procedure - cleanse, tone, exfoliate, steam, extract, tone. While a mask did its thing, Andres gave a great mini-massage on my hands then left for about 5 minutes. It would have been great if he stayed and massaged my feet! He returned and removed the mask and massaged a moisturizer into my face neck and shoulders. It was very relaxing and, when done, my skin felt soft and moist.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center also offered superb views with windows on three sides of the area. It was on the list of renovations yet to do for the Hilton, a relatively new owner of this property. As it was, it served our purpose very well.

* El Ray Mayan Ruins next to the Hilton Cancun Golf course	El Ray Ruins
El Ray Ruins	One of about 50 Iguanas we saw at El Ray Ruins

One of our sightseeing trips was to the Mayan Ruins at El Ray which are just across and down the boulevard from the Hilton. In fact, the Hilton's golf course is next to them. Even though I had been in Cancun a number of time before, I had never been to these ruins. I was surprised at how extensive they were.

*Finally, we enjoyed sushi and fresh seafood at the Hilton's Mitachi Seaside Grill. We ate on the terrace which is directly on the beach. The combination of the moon, the surf and live Latin jazz by ''Virna y su Caribe'' helped to make it a memorable and romantic dining experience.

Contact and Resources

Contact Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort - The Spa at the Hilton Cancun • Address: Retorno Lacandones Sec. A Km. 17 Cancun, NA 77500 Mexico • Resor t Phone: 52-998-881-8000 • Spa Phone: 00 52 998 881 8090 • Fax: 52-998-881-8080 • Resort Email • Spa Email: cunhr-spa@hilton.com • Hilton Cancun Web Site More Spas from Cancun to Tulum • Mexico Spa Directory Related Resources • Maps • Maya: Portraits of a People Cancun • All About Cancun • Cancun Blast • Cancun Meeting & Conference Bureau • Cancun Online • Cancun Travel Guide • Fodor's Cancun • Frommer's Cancun Mexico • Mexico Ministry of Tourism Riveria Maya • Centro Ecológico Akumal • Aktun Chen • Cave Diving in the Riveria Maya • Fodor's Mexico's Caribbean Coast • Frommer's Maya Riviera • Hidden Workds Cenotes Park • LocoGringo.com • Maps and Areal Tours • Riviera Maya Tourist Guide • Tres Rios Ecopark • Xcaret • Xel-Há Tulum • Cancun South Yucatan • Travel Yucatan	FYI • It is recommended that you make Spa reservations at least two weeks in advance to assure desired times and treatments. We have • There are both male and female therapists and you will be booked with either unless you state a preference. • The Spa and Spa Boutique are Open daily from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. The Fitness Center is Open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm • CANCELLATION POLICY - Because Spa treatments are reserved for you, please notify the spa at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointments. 50% of the value of the treatment will be charged for cancellations or changes within 24 hours. Same day ppointments are non-cancelable and are charged at full value. No-shows will be charged at full value. • Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so that you have time to enjoy the sauna prior to your treatment. • A robe and slippers will be provided to you. • During treatments your body will be fully draped, except the area being worked on. • You will need a swimsuit for the Spa's co-ed Jacuzzi. • The spa does provide lockers, however it is recommended that you leave valuables in your guest room safety box. The Spa at the Hilton Cancun does not assume liability for any lost or stolen valuables. • Please let your therapist know if you have any special physical or medical needs, or are uncomfortable during your treatment for any reason. Your comfort is the spa's main concern. • Keep in mind that many of the treatments are physical in nature, meant to reduce stress, relieve tense muscles and muscle fatigue, stimulate lymphatic drainage or exfoliate your skin. As a result, a few guests may experience a variety of symptoms following a Spa treatment including, but not limited to: soreness, minor bruising, skin redness and/or slight skin rash.
The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya THE definitive guide and information on snorkeling, cenote diving, and cave diving the Riviera Maya with 200+ color photos, maps and directions to the cenotes, and useful information on how to travel and safely dive the Riviera Maya area. more information	Incidents of Travel in Yucatan First published in 1843, a travelogue from one of the first tourists to the Yucatan.
Hidden Cancun & The Yucatan	Adventure Guide to the Yucatan, Cancun & Cozumel
Frommer's Cancun, Cozumel and The Yucatan 2004	Spas and Hot Springs of Mexico: Over 60 Restful Places from World-Class Spas to Simple Hot Springs
Eyewitness Travel Guide to Mexico	Fodor's Mexico 2005
Travels in Mexico & the Caribbean: Merida, Cancun & Belize DVD includes a tour of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, Cancun, Akumel, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and more.	Akumal - Paradise in Mexico on the Mayan Riviera DVD introduces the charming village of Akumal 65 miles south of Cancun. It features beautiful lagoon snorkeling, exciting ruin treks, bike tours, catamaran rides, sea turtles hatching in Half Moon Bay and more.
Berlitz Cancun & Cozumel Pocket Guide	Jiffy Phrasebook Spanish

Photos copyright 2005, Julie Register
except those marked * which have been provided by Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort - Wellness Spa

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