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Spa Guide

Nature on Your Skin

Imagine if the delicious cup of coffee, the freshly made piña colada, the aromatic essences that give flavor to your salad or even the fragrance of the wild rainforest flowers which you breathe, could be part of your skin. By mixing these ingredients within various health, relaxation and beauty treatments, it is now possible to treat yourself to a pampering process that will make you look and feel like new.

Situated throughout our vast national territory are locations of an inspirational nature that are home to many diverse spas. These strive to offer a holistic or integral service of international quality and to do it with the warmth and personalized attention only offered by the Costa Rican people.

If you add a never-ending source of certified natural produce, creativity and knowledge, you will end up with an array of benefits to replenish any kind of skin. Take it further and these products will improve your health, calm emotions and truly work their magic while used for massages at the able hands of local therapists.

These healing ingredients include coffee, brown sugar and even coconut. They may be used to exfoliate your skin and help it eliminate dead cells and toxins, or they may improve blood circulation and allow positive energy to flow throughout your body. We encourage you to immerse yourself in aromas only found in Costa Rica. One way to do this is by enjoying the ever-popular body wraps, in which volcanic mud, jasmine, mint or tropical fruits are used to hydrate and replenish your skin while also nurturing it with vitamins and minerals.

Specially designed healing rooms provide an ideal climate – one enriched by stimulating decorations, soothing music and ambient sounds from nature, sea or forest animals – in which one may enjoy a therapeutic experience meant for couples or to be shared with friends and family.

According to Dorelia Mulca, director of the Casa Spa at Hotel Punta Islita, the current tendency is to return to our origins, where great value is placed on the natural. “We must not forget that the ancestral indigenous shamans would heal with herbs and rituals,” she points out.

To guide you in your selection, Nature Landings offers below the best natural treatments from the main spas in our country.

Neidín Spa, Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

In Bribri indigenous dialect, the word “neidín” means “small nest” or point of rest to recover lost energy. Thanks to its location on the basin of the majestic Arenal Volcano, not to mention its relaxing natural treatments and hot springs, this spa will fill you with a sense of complete vigor and well-being. Treatments include volcanic mud baths, which are rich in antioxidants. The spa also has its own line of products.

Recommendations:

“Tocando el cielo,” a grape pulp wrap, followed by an orange and honey polish, a “wave” massage (two therapists and four hands), an exotic herb and flower bath and a glass of sparkling wine to finish. The cost is $475 for two hours and 20 minutes of pampering. Also available is a milk and honey “Cleopatra bath,” accompanied by a massage and a deep facial cleanse that costs $180 for two hours and 20 minutes of pampering.

Schedule: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2246-1700
E-mail: info@hotelarenalkioro.com
Web site: www.hotelarenalkioro.com

Elementos Spa, El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Nestled within the cloud forest of Los Bajos del Toro, located an hour and a half away from San Jose, this spa’s treatments are just as natural as the sounds of nature surrounding it. It offers a menu designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

Recommendations:

“El Silencio Purifying Revival Massage” in the cone room. This is an aromatherapy treatment utilizing hot oil compress ball with herbs like thyme, oregano and mint meant to increase relaxation. The treatment is followed by a Thai-style massage and has a cost of $155 for 90 minutes of pampering. The cone-shaped room was specifically designed to capture positive energy from the forest that surrounds it, with the intent of enhancing the effectiveness of the treatments. Also offered are packages that combine wraps, exfoliating treatments, facials and aromatherapy. The hotel’s organic orchard on property supplies fruits and vegetables to be used in the treatments.

Schedule: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2291-3044
E-mail: info@elsilenciolodge.com
Web site: www.elsilenciolodge.com

Pacifica Spa, Parador Boutique Resort & Spa

Located in a region of great beauty, boasting a view of the Pacific Ocean and close to the Manuel Antonio National Park, Pacífica Spa offers all kinds of natural treatments, including special day packages. You can choose from a sand exfoliation, an aloe massage and a papaya and honey facial. Also offered are yoga lessons and a special place designed for couple’s massages with a view of the sea. All spa visitors receive a plate of fruits. The spa also has its own line of products.

Recommendations:

“Naturalmente para él,” a massage designed for men that includes a relaxing exfoliating cappuccino bath, a volcanic mud wrap with a hydrotherapeutic massage, a facial and a hot stone massage. Total cost is 143,000 colones for three and a half hours of pampering.

Schedule: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2777-1414
E-mail: info@hotelparador.com
Web site: www.hotelparador.com

Aloa Skin Care & Medical Spa

Located at the Atlantis Plaza, in Escazú, San José, the Aloa Spa offers a novel center for the integral care of your skin. This method combines medical, spa and esthetic care, all including medical supervision. Natural national products are available; their exotic treatments use ingredients such as pearls, mother of pearl, caviar, chocolate, almonds, strawberries and marine algae. A wedding preparation package is also offered, which includes brunch.

Recommendations:

“Aqua Detoux TM,” which consists of a system of corporal detoxification based on the effects derived from a low-voltage current passed through water, which produces a frequency of positive and negative ions that gently enter your body, stimulating cells and liberating accumulated toxins. It is also offered in combination with a shiatsu massage to increase results. It costs 44,000 colones for 90 minutes of pampering.

Schedule: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2588-1790
E-mail: info@aloaspa.com
Web site: www.aloaspa.com

Casa Spa, Punta Islita Hotel & Resort

Designed to make you fee at feel at home while integrating you into the warmth of nature, ocean and local, natural materials, Casa Spa at Hotel Punta Islita in Guanacaste offers much more than the traditional treatments. It aims to provide true rituals focused on bringing you well-being and health. It is an ideal location for honeymooning couples, for which the hotel also has a private special place near the ocean. The spa prepares its own products (called the Aura Spa Collection) containing an array of products, including a set of luffa sandals that guests may keep as a souvenir.

Recommendations:

“Punta Islita Ritual Massage,” a special massage that uses semiprecious stones meant to open up your chakras, or points of energy in your body, to create an aura of protection and harmony. These are then combined with hot stones. Fire plays an important role as an element used for relaxation. Reflexology is used as a technique to facilitate the flow of energy as a subtle sprinkle of Cacique liquor helps to alleviate pain and cleanse. It has a cost of $110 for 60 minutes of pampering.

Schedule: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2290-4259
info@hotelpuntaislita.com / www.hotelpuntaislita.com

Yoga Spa Natural, Trópico Latino Hotel

With its beachfront location at Santa Teresa Beach on the
southern side of the Nicoya Peninsula, this spa offers total contact with nature and the sea, while your body is nurtured with 100-percent natural treatments.

Recommendations:

“Body Bliss” consists of a coconut and almond exfoliation using two sets of hands, ideal for sensitive skin types, followed by a papaya, carrot and honey body wrap to achieve the perfect tan. Next comes a soothing four-hand massage accompanied by sounds of the ocean and a mini-facial using
cucumber. The price is $140 for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2640-0402 / 8302-9442
E-mail: spa@hoteltropicolatino.com / www.yogaspanatural.com

Terra Spa, Gaia Hotel & Reserve

An ideal atmosphere for a holistic journey. Aromas, the perfect temperature, sounds and sensations are the featured elements at the Terra Spa, located within the elegant Gaia Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Quepos. A natural forest reserve and a view of the Pacific Ocean are the perfect complements to this spa, which offers an array of treatments and therapies that use natural products, many of which are certified and produced by local companies that also follow the sustainable concept adopted by the hotel. Complementary juices are offered to spa clients, and yoga lessons are also available.

Recommendations:

“Terra Tuning” includes a sauna session, Reiki, Thai massage and a rainbow facial treatment using organic ingredients. The cost is $350 for four hours of pampering. Also available is the “Vichy Rain Shower,” which consists of a hydrotherapeutic massage of a warm rain shower in the tropical forest where you select your desired temperature and which you may follow with an exfoliation. The cost is $50 for 30 minutes.

Schedule: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2777-9797
E-mail: reservations@gaiahr.com / www.gaiahr.com

Serenity Spa

Located in Escazú at the Trejos Montealegre shopping center, Serenity Spa offers the comfort, serenity and peaceful ambiance that you require to liberate your body of the daily toils of stress and work.

Recommendations:

“The creme de la crème,” which consists of a cleansing treatment; skin exfoliation using a product that is 100 percent vegetable; 50 minutes of a relaxation massage; the application of the most aromatic and delicious creams, pure extracts and essential oils; and a clay wrap using 100-percent natural and organic clay. This treatment also includes a mini-facial and a head massage that will take you to a maximum state of relaxation. The cost is $150 for three hours. The Serenity Spa chain is also located at the Hotel Villa Caletas in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, at the Hotel Si Como No in Manuel Antonio, at the Hotel Villa Blanca in San Ramón de Alajuela and at the Hotel Paradisus Conchal in Guanacaste.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2289-3722
E-mail: serenityspaescazu@ice.co.cr / www.serenityspacr.com

Xandari Resort & Spa

Located among a tropical garden some 1,200 meters above sea level and boasting a beautiful view of the Central Valley, the Xandari Spa is located at only 20 minutes away from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Its specialty includes 100-percent natural treatments fitted to your specific needs in the privacy of your own Jalapa, with its own Jacuzzi. There you may experience the feeling of mind, body and soul melting into nature.

Recommendations:

“Xandari Heaven” involves three hours of enjoyment in your private Jalapa, one hour spent in the Jacuzzi, followed by an aromatherapy treatments for your hair, exfoliation for your entire body and a soft or deep massage of your choice. The cost is $165.

Schedule: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2443-2020
E-mail: spa@xandari.com / Web site: www.xandari.com

Cuna del Angel Spa

Surrounded by a relaxing and natural ambiance, this spa is located inside the Cuna del Angel Hotel, nine kilometers south of Dominical Beach. Treatments are accompanied by sound of the ocean, a décor reminiscent of the sea, delicious aromas and diverse textures, which you will experience on your skin. A chocolate, cup of wine or bunch of grapes, depending on preference, accompany all treatments.

Recommendation:

“Sueño del Angel” is a delicious and relaxing exfoliation of chocolate that will hydrate and regenerate your skin. Followed by a relaxing massage to further release tension and a foaming milk bath, the cost of $175 is well worth the experience. Also available are milk, algae or marine crystal baths.

Schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2787-8012
E-mail: info@cunadelangel.com / www.cunadelangel.com

Awapa Spa, Sueño Azul Resort

Situated amid exuberant rainforests and crystal clear waters in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, the Awapa Spa, which means “owner of health” in indigenous dialect, offers visitors a variety of treatments that seek to immerse the body and self into the soft and delicious aromas of the tropical rainforests. Their holistic vision aims to apply ancient indigenous knowledge about plant properties to improve physical, emotional and mental health. The hotel even has its own botanical garden where fresh, organic produce are available. Yoga, meditation rooms and opportunities for adventure sports abound.

Recommendation:

Jasmine wraps, hot stone massages and mini-facials. The weight of the stones relaxes the muscles and cleans and levels the chakras, or energetic centers of the body. The heat causes the essential oils utilized to penetrate the skin, making it relax, while the jasmine acts as a natural antidepressant and alleviates muscles spasm. The cost is $135.

Schedule: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2764-1000 / www.suenoazulresort.com
info@suenoazulresort.com

Tabacón Grand Spa, Thermal Resort

Located on the basin of Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a sanctuary of relaxation and well-being where life comes into direct contact with rainforest and the meditative sounds of the Tabacón mineral river. Admire the magnificent colors of the forest while delighting in its delicious treatments from inside a private, open-air bungalow with its own Jacuzzi. At the resort, visitors may also enjoy pools of mineral water and cascades of different temperatures, minerals and various depths.

Recommendation:

“Huey Temazcal” is the one temazcal in all of Central America. It consists of an authentic native Mesoamerican ceremony meant to purify the self with a pre-Hispanic style vapor bath. This indigenous ritual will connect you with your inner self, nature and the universe. The vapors used are good for improving the respiratory, nervous and circulatory systems, as well as skin and eyesight. The cost is $65 per person for a group setting and $145 for a private ritual (two-person minimum). The ritual is carried out twice a day, at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For more information: (506) 2460-2020
www.tabacon.com

Massage techniques

Shiatsu: A Japanese holistic therapy based on the concept that the chi, or the vital energy that flows through the meridians or channels within our bodies. If these are pressed in certain points, any blockages of the flow of energy will be dissolved. As a result, the functioning of our body and organs will improve.

Reflexology: A therapy based on applying pressure to certain zones of the skin and hands in order to benefit from the reflective effects, which alleviate and heal the different organs of the body.

Reiki: An ancient Japanese technique that aims to balance the seven central points of energy of our body called, chakras. Reiki guides us to our energy center, releasing negative emotions and emotional tensions.

Thai massage: Also known as passive yoga, it utilizes deep stretches and pressure techniques that adjust our corporal structure while alleviating the body from tension in its joints and muscles.

Therapeutic massage: Aimed at alleviating tension caused by stress and bad posture, it strengthens the nervous system and is an excellent way to alleviate aches and feel full of energy.

Swedish massage: A technique involving medium force applied to relax body and mind. This massage alleviates tired muscles, stimulates blood circulation and releases muscular tension.

Deep-tissue massage: Includes strong manipulation over areas where tension has concentrated, causing energy to be released and muscle relief.

Aromatherapy: Uses essential oils (from plants) that are absorbed by the body, which then benefits from their healing properties by releasing tension and calm the mind.