By Marissa Gold

It’s the end of the (Mayan) world as we know it, so why not spend it at the spa?

To commemorate the year 2012 and the end of the Mayan calendar on 12/21/12, some top Cancun spas are offering Mayan-inspired spa treatments that are so relaxing, you might not care about the alleged end of the world, either.

Le Blanc Spa Resort
(shown right)
Kukulkan Massage: “Initiates with shamanic purification ritual that cleanses the body from stress and tension. This is a four hand massage performed by two therapists that  incorporates special movements and manipulations that represents the Jaguar, keeper of the underworld; the serpent, earth and present time; and the eagle, heaven and the sacred. This massage is also designed to release muscular tension, physical blockage and stress.”

Live Aqua Cancun
Temazcal treatment: “Steam bath based on traditional healing methods. The origins of Temazcal begin in center of Mexico and the Yucatan region. The ancient ritual is conducted by a Mayan shaman and has been used for centuries to achieve space physical, emotional, mental and spiritual purification.”

The Westin Resort & Spa
(shown left)
Mayan Ritual: “Warm cotton compresses containing herbal mixtures are applied to energy points of the body, followed by a massage.”
Temazcal Ritual: “A steam bath based on traditional healing methods in which properties of fire and water are combined for purification.”
Black Mud: “Ancient anti-fatigue therapy where visitors bathe in holistic Pevonia Aromatoc Moor Mud that promotes healing and alleviates fatigue.”
Vanish: “A concentrated serum known for its smoothing and contouring properties is applied to problematic areas of skin followed by a body mask to leave skin feeling youthful, firm and toned.”

Royal Cancun
Temazcal treatment: “A steam bath based on traditional healing methods.”
Full & New Moon Celebrations: “After letting out toxins during a Temazcal treatment, visitors cool down and rest by an open air waterfall shower and then receive a relaxing massage under moonlight.”
Nine Leaves Divine Bath: “A bath designed to treat ‘spiritual diseases of the soul’ with 9 different herbs.”
Mayan Massage: “A combination of different massage techniques that relieve tension.”

The Ritz-Carlton Cancun
Mayan Seashell Massage: “A soothing relaxing massage with coconut, rosemary and hot seashells.”
Mayan Healing Ritual: “An oceanfront Mayan ritual which blends therapeutic and aromatic herbs to comfort the body and soul.”
Mayan Renewal Bath: “Infused with medicinal mint leaves, wood, lemon rind and seeds of annatto and a moisturizing organic cactus facial mask.”(Available through October 2012.)

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Cancun
The Mayan Gods Ritual: “Lasts 120 minutes and begins with a copal exfoliation and body wrap. Copal resin, used by ancient Mayans in their spiritual ceremonies, is known for revitalizing the spirit. After, a restorative facial incorporates jade and Tiger’s Eye, inspiring clarity and power.”

Fiesta Americana Condesa
Mayan Mud Massage: “Inspired by the Mayan story of creation that reads the gods created man from mud. The treatment nourishes the body with photo-enzymes and trace elements originally discovered by the Mayans to revitalize the body.”