Experience the Temazcal Treatment at Azul Blue Spa
Instant Purity: Just Add Hot Rocks, Herbs & A Shaman
OCTOBER 9, 2006. Five minutes from the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum is AZUL BLUE HOTEL + SPA, which opens in November 2006. Underscoring the hotel's philosophy of a 100% stress-free experience, the spa offers the Temazcal treatment, an ancient Mayan purifying ritual. The name Temazcal comes from two Nahuatl words: temas, which means bath, and calli, meaning house. Construction of the Temazcal at Azul Blue was overseen by a shaman, or holy man, schooled in Mayan spirituality. The beehive-shaped structure, designed to represent a microcosm of the universe, is located outside the spa.
The Temazcal is an indigenous tradition that consists of entering an enclosed stone construction in which water is poured over scalding stones to create an environment similar to that of a sauna. The amount of heat and steam is carefully calibrated to release stress and toxins according to each individual's course of treatment.
Before the bath begins, each guest meets with the Temazcalera, a specially trained healer who assesses the guest's needs of body, mind and spirit. Herbs are selected based on the Temazcalera's diagnosis and laid on the heated rocks to infuse the air with healing aromatherapy. After completing the Temazcal ritual, the guest is wrapped in a cotton sheet and encouraged to recline in a private area of the Spa until the perspiration has ceased. To rehydrate after the ritual, the shaman offers Agua de Jamaica (distilled water, Jamaica flowers and sugar) which is prepared fresh daily.
The Temazcal Treatment at Azul Blue Spa costs $118 (USD) and is available exclusively to guests of the hotel. Hotel and spa reservations can be made through a travel agent, by calling 1-866-KARISMA or booking online at: www.karismahotels.com/azul_blue/index.html.
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