Riviera Maya, Mexico (January 27, 2022) - SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is now offering a new Xkalim Mayan Gourd Massage. The treatment (80 min / $342 USD) begins with a traditional Mayan blessing honoring the elements - water, wind, fire and earth. Then, the spa therapist rolls different sizes of calabash gourds across the whole body, massaging every muscle, applying increased pressure to reflexology points, and releasing all tension. The gourds, one of the world's first cultivated plants grown not primarily for food, but for use as containers, collect everything that does not belong by renewing your energy. Before moving from the back, the therapist performs a traditional barrida (sweep) of the body with alcohol on a bouquet of herb-of-grace (or common rue). The therapist continues with the gourd massage on the front of the arms and legs before a massage of the face and head to activate ones' vital energy, called CHI.

The new offering enhances the already robust menu of treatments inspired by the region and local culture at the spa, one of only 6 in Mexico to be rated five stars by Forbes' Travel Guide. Other regionally inspired spa treatments to experience include the Bacal Massage, using one of the Mayan's most sacred plants - corn; Mayan Jade Facial; Coffee & Cocoa Experience; Aloe Vera Massage, featuring the Mayan's "immortality plant" named for its great regenerating life powers; Organic Kaab Honey Experience using local honey, vanilla and the Chaka tree; and Úumbal Shawl Massage, a full-body treatment with creative choreography dating back to prehistoric times. To start off the wellness experience at the spa, guests can partake in the resort's acclaimed Hydrotherapy Ritual, a seven-step water journey inclusive of a eucalyptus-scented steam room with chromotherapy, polar pool, sensory shower, orange scented exfoliate and clay room, mint ice room, sauna and more.

Inspired by the jungle and natural water pools of the Yucatan Peninsula, SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is 90,000 square feet. The stone, plants and streams specific to the Riviera Maya landscape were incorporated into the curved, organic design of the two-level spa, set just below ground level to allow a living rock wall with plants and flowers, and even a small stream, to form part of its structure. 

For reservations or additional information on Grand Velas Riviera Maya or Se Spa, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L'Occitane amenities, artisanal mezcal, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world-renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids' Clubs and Teens' Club; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso's Best Spa and TripAdvisor's Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.