The Royal Sands Resort & Spa Cancún, Mexico
Julie Register visited this resort spa in 2000

It was my first time in Cancún. In the back of my mind, I had some pretty big reservations. This was the place they had MTV's Spring Break 2000, I was staying in a timeshare resort, and it was hurricane season. None of those facts appealed to me. I had visions of drunken teenagers roaming the streets, having to endure a lengthy high-pressure timeshare sales pitch, and having to be evacuated from the resort. I am delighted to say that none of these nightmares materialized. I found Cancún to be family-oriented and, since it didn't exist 30 years ago, everything was new and modern. I did not have to have any conversations with timeshare sales people. And I enjoyed beautiful, however hot and humid, weather.

The Royal Sands is part of the Royal Resorts properties which are timeshares. What makes this company different is that they also rent their unsold inventory of timeshare Flexivillas (rooms, suites, and villas) and they do it as a service for members who will not be using their time. I had never considered renting a timeshare before. We have rented houses and condos and stayed at suite hotels. Staying at a timeshare, this timeshare anyway, has lots of advantages over the other options. Here are some of them: reduced greens fees for golf, free sports equipment usage, kids activities, various lessons, access to any resort property and restaurant, the spa, free shuttle between properties, etc. Renters get every amenity that members do. The resort hopes that some day renters will want to become members and wants them to know what it will be like. That's the sales pitch. The end. If you want to talk to the sales people, they will be glad to accommodate you. But you don't have to. 75% of their timeshare sales are from member referrals.

Weekly rental rates depend on location and time of year. Beachfront costs more than Ocean View. High season is Dec 23 - Jan 6. Low season is April 29 - Dec 23. I stayed in an Ocean View Suite and thought it was great. I wasn't in the room very much, though. Too many things to do - like relaxing in the spa, on the beach, or at the pool, sightseeing, or shopping.

By the way, I didn't run into any of the MTV crowd in Cancún. You would be more likely to find them in Playa del Carmen.

Opened in June, 2000, the 17,000 square foot Spa at the Royal Sands is the latest addition to the Royal Resorts offerings in Cancun, Mexico. It is available to members and guests of any Royal Resort property, but not to the public at this time. A shuttle bus runs regularly between the properties making access easy and quick. I stayed at The Royal Sands which is right next to The Spa.

The Spa is managed by MCM International whose lengthy client list includes spas in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and all over the U.S. including Solace at Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona, Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida, and six other spas in Cancun. With this kind of experience behind The Royal Spa, it raised my expectations for excellence in facility design and services offered.

I indulged in a spa day consisting of a Cellulite / Firming Treatment with Natural Moor (50 min., $77 US), an Anti Free-Radical Facial (50 min., $77 US), and a "Moon & Stars" Relaxing Night Massage (50 min., $71.50 US). My day started by taking the short walk from the Royal Sands to the entrance of The Spa where I was greeted at the large reception desk. The space is bright and cheery with the fitness room, retail area, and Men's Spa entrance to the right and juice bar, aerobics studio, salon entrance, and Women's Spa entrance to the left.

I was met by my therapist, Marcelina, who escorted me to the Women's Spa, provided me with robe and slippers, and showed me to the dressing room and lockers. Marcelina spoke some English and my Spanish is limited to about 10 words, but we managed to communicate just fine.

Wet Area Circuit
The first part of the treatment was the wet area circuit with 5-10 minutes for each station: shower, Jacuzzi, eucalyptus inhalation room, sauna, and steam room. I was surprised to see the Jacuzzi was not built in. However, once in, I realized the contoured seats were far more comfortable than the tiled benches you find in most spa whirlpools. I was getting pretty warm by the the time I was ready for the steam room and really appreciated taking a couple of the icy washcloths soaked in witch hazel that were available right outside the steam room entrance. They cooled my face and neck and made the steam much more enjoyable.

Women's Relaxation Room
Marcelina then offered me water and asked me to wait in the Women's relaxation room while she prepared the room for the Cellulite / Firming Treatment with Natural Moor. With its low light, comfortable chairs, earthy decor, pleasant aroma, and soothing music, the relaxation room lived up to its name.

Cellulite / Firming Treatment with Natural Moor
Marcelina escorted me to the wet room where I disrobed and got on the table under a sheet. Marcelina then applied an active gel specially formulated to smooth down fatty deposits under the arms, on the thighs and on the stomach, uncovering only the areas she was working on. This gel helps the Moor to penetrate and firm those areas. It was followed by warm Moor mud all over the body which detoxifies and firms. I was then wrapped up in plastic sheets and covered with a warm blanket for about 15 minutes or so. Very relaxing. After I was unwrapped, Marcelina scrubbed off most of the Moor mud using warm water from a hose with a brush attachment while I remained on the table. The water drained away inside the table. I then stepped into the 11-head Swiss shower and finished rinsing off. The final step was an ampoule of guaranine extract applied to areas with cellulite followed by a blend of essential oils to detoxify the skin and muddy milk to moisturize. This treatment, as all treatments in The Spa, used Pevonia Botanica products.

Co-Ed Relaxation Room
Marcelina then showed a very relaxed me to the co-ed relaxation room to wait for the esthetician and my facial. I was again offered water to drink. This room is even nicer than the one before but provides the same peaceful atmosphere. The decor is lovely - highlighted with a wall of water flanked by two large Mayan figures.

Anti Free-Radical Facial
Iliana escorted me to a facial treatment room (12 treatment rooms are in a co-ed part of The Spa). She spoke no English, but again, communicated quite effectively. I was about to have one of the best facials I've ever had (and, if you have read about my other experiences with facials, you know I am pretty picky about them). This treatment was made up of many steps that I will list below. However, once on the table, I was so relaxed, it seemed like time did not exist. This is a case where the therapist/esthetician radiated a feeling of expertise and calmness which encouraged trust. There was no feeling of being rushed - quite the opposite. I could relax because I felt I was in good hands. Here are the steps that made up this wonderful facial:

• Cleanse with cream - more than cleansing, it was a slow, soothing massage
• Exfoliate to further cleanse, open pores, and remove dead skin
• Use high frequency wand to detoxify, kill bacteria, and relax
• Vacuum the skin (it was very gentle)
• Apply a vitamin concentrate (C, E, B1, B12) to nourish the skin with another relaxation massage
• Apply Pevonia's anti free-radical lifting mask. A gradual change of temperature promotes the generation of active ingredients and micronized vitamins to provide a tight and radiant skin appearance
• Remove mask
• Apply toning lotion
• Apply eye mask to soften the fine lines around the eyes and reduce puffiness under the eyes
• Apply personalized moisturizing cream dependent on skin type with yet another massage
  

The purpose of this treatment is to provide deep hydration and an instantly vibrant look but, frankly, I felt so good, I really didn't care what I looked like. Iliana was superb and I cannot rave too much about the facial. Being a new spa, the mitts and booties for hands and feet that would normally be part of this facial had not arrived yet. It's hard to imagine improving this facial, but with the hands and feet being moisturized in warm coverings, it will be even better.

"Moon & Stars" Relaxing Night Massage
When the facial was all over, Iliana took me back to the co-ed relaxation room where I had more water and waited for a few minutes for Marcelina and the massage. I really thought I had hit the peak with the facial, but the massage was up to the challenge. Marcelina escorted me to the ocean-side terrace on the far side of the 4th floor of the The Royal Sands. It was quite a hike and I felt somewhat conspicuous walking around in a robe. However, when we arrived at the terrace, I understood why it was a desirable location. It's fairly private - high enough so people on the beach or at the pool cannot see - and you can still enjoy the sound of the surf. My "Moon and Stars" actually started about 6 pm. It was still light, but while you are having the massage, your eyes are closed anyway. The advantage of later would be the ability to lay on one of the lounge chairs and enjoy the sky after the massage is over. Any earlier and the noise from the pool and the beach would probably detract from the relaxation.

Marcelina gave a very firm massage, deeper than I am used to. She combined Shiatsu, acupressure, and deep muscle techniques. She worked on many areas that were sore (that I didn't realize were). Other than the sound of the ocean, the massage was not that relaxing. But that was OK. If I wanted her to lighten up, I could have asked her to. I wanted to see what the results of this massage would be. The result was I was energized. I felt great! After the lulling effects of the mud wrap and facial, it was just what I needed to get going again.

The End of My Spa Day
After the massage, we walked back to the spa and I dressed and fixed myself up in the vanity area. I was ready for the evening. I felt ready for anything.

The Royal Spa met and exceeded my high expectations for excellence in facility design and services offered. Would I go back? Absolutely!

Other Services offered at The Spa

Facials (50 minutes each)
European Deep Cleansing Facial
Eye Lifting Treatment
High-Performance Cellular
Beauty Flash Lifting Treatment
Fitness Facial for Men
Facial Aromatherapy

Body Treatments (25-50 minutes)
Aromatherapy Salt Glow
Detoxifying Body-Wrap with Seaweed Mask
Cooling Aloe Spritzer

Massage (25-80 minutes)
Relaxing Massage
Sports Massage
Aromatherapy Massage
Rise & Shine Massage

Beauty Services
Haircut
Shampoo
Manicure
Pedicure
Acrylic nails and fills
Braids
Perms
Highlighting
Waxing

For Couples
The wet room where I received the Moor treatment is part of the Spa Suite which has its own Jacuzzi and wet and dry treatment rooms. This suite was available for only an additional $5.50 at the time of my visit. The dry treatment room is set up with two massage tables, so couples can have massages together. It's a great deal and a very nice facility - a terrific idea for honeymooners, those celebrating an anniversary, or anyone wanting to share the experience.

Fitness Area
The fitness area contains televisions (the only room in the Spa that did, thank goodness!), Life Fitness machines for strength and cardiovascular workouts. Some equipment can be programmed for age/weight. There are tread mills, cycles, steppers, and free weights. Two trainers are always present to assist with technique and disinfect the equipment after each use. If you just want to use the fitness and wet areas, the fee was $38.50/week at the time of my visit.

Aromatherapy Diffusers
The Spa has Neways Jet Diffusers in most of its rooms. I have not seen them used in other spas. They are rather attractive and do a fine job of diffusing aromatherapy oils into the air.

The Spa Hours
7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week

Information and Photos

Contact The Salon Spa • Address: Aeropuerto de Cancun Local No. 25, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico • Phone: (52) 998 86 00 13 (52) 998 86 00 12 Related Resources Cancun • Cancun.info	More Spas in and around Cancun • Mexico Spa Directory The Hotel Zone in Cancun • Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa • Ritz-Carlton Cancun • The Royal Sands Puerto Morelos • Ceiba del Mar • Thalasso Center at Paraiso de la Bonita Other • The Salon Spa at the Cancun Airport
Lockers in Women's Spa Showers in Women's Spa Refreshments in Women's Spa Vanity in Women's Spa Whirlpool in Women's Spa Sauna in Women's Spa Iced Towels in Women's Spa Couples Treatment Room Spa Cafe Spa Retail Area Salon	Location of The Royal Sands * The Front of The Royal Sands The Royal Sands Beach Front The Beach Facing North The Beach Facing South The Pool Overlooks the Caribbean Lounge in the Pool Outdoor Dining Bedroom in Guest Suite Bedroom in Guest Suite Kitchen, Living Room and Dining Area in Guest Suite Guest Suite Balcony Grocery Store on Property
Eyewitness Travel Guide to Mexico	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	Jiffy Phrasebook Spanish
Adventure Guide to the Yucatan, Cancun & Cozumel	Hidden Cancun & the Yucatan

Photos copyright 2002, Julie Register
except those marked * which are courtesy of The Royal Sands