The time is never better for a spa stay in Mexico, the Caribbean or Latin America with new spa openings and additions at a variety of hotels.
Club Med Punta Cana is opening a L’Occitane spa—the first in the Dominican Republic—as the final touch of its $1.5 million resort upgrade.
“L’Occitane has selected Club Med Punta Cana as the perfect location to open their first spa in the Dominican Republic and we’re thrilled to offer guests the L’Occitane spa experience at yet another Club Med resort,” says Xavier Mufraggi, CEO of Club Med North America.
The 54,000-sq.-ft. spa features 10 indoor treatment rooms, including one couples room; four oceanfront palapas, with two available for couples treatments; a manicure and pedicure area; a Zen Lounge; an infinity pool; and a L’Occitane boutique. A taste of Provence is offered with L’Occitane’s signature Immortelle Secret of Youth anti-aging facial ($130) and the Shea Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wrap ($95). Younger guests ages 8-17 can also enjoy the spa with treatments like the TOEtally About Me pedicure ($28) and Angelica Cheeks facial ($45). In between treatments, guests can relax in the Zen Lounge—a cabana set in a Zen garden—which has a refreshment bar with organic iced tea, fruit-infused water, fruit and almonds.
“Well-being is at the core of both the Club Med and L’Occitane philosophies, which aligns perfectly with what our customers are looking for—a way to balance their lives through enriching activities and relaxation,” Mufraggi says.
Rates start at $1,204 for an adult for a 7-night stay. For more information, visit clubmed.us.
In December, Bristol Panama opened The Spa at Bristol on its top floor, showing off its prime location in the heart of the financial center of Panama City. The spa, which offers panoramic views of the city, is part of the hotel’s extension, following the tower expansion last May, which added 56 guestrooms and suites.
“Bristol Panama has long been a haven for travelers from the hustle and bustle of Panama City. Now, our new spa at Bristol provides a place to relax and reconnect with beautiful views of the city and bay,” says spa director Susana Mena.
The spa’s decor is comprised of gold and silver, since ancient civilizations believed gold to be the sun’s tears with properties that help create a calm and wise mind, and silver represents femininity and energy from the moon.
“The Spa at Bristol is designed in gold and silver tones that reflect the spa’s philosophy: to provide holistic yet refined indulgence that reflects the character of Panama City,” Mena says. “Our spa menu incorporates the past and present, mixing proven therapies with ancient traditions to deliver outstanding spa journeys with a true sense of place.”
For example, the 60-minute aroma-reflexology treatment is inspired by thousand-year-old Chinese culture in Panama City, using essential oils to complement the reflexology foot massage.
The spa features four treatment rooms, one couple’s treatment room, a Vichy shower, men’s and women’s steam rooms, and a full-service salon. In addition, the waiting areas offer views of Panama City and food and drinks prepared by chef Cuquita Arias de Calvo, who is also creating authentic Panamanian cuisine for the new 8°58′ Lounge and Sal Si Puedes restaurant, which opened in December.
Rates start at $189 per night for a deluxe king and $409 for a tower suite. For more information, visit thebristol.com.
Palace Resorts is bringing the salon to its guestrooms with its new partnership with Farouk Systems, the company that owns CHI and BioSilk. Introduced last year, all seven of the five-star all-inclusive resorts in Mexico now carry the professional hair salon products in the rooms, including a CHI ceramic hairstyling iron, hair dryer, and bath amenities.
“When most women travel typically, they’ll find an average blow-dryer in their room—and certainly not a hair iron—so they will pack heavy hair tools and products,” says executive v.p. of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur. “By partnering with CHI, a brand women know and love, Palace Resorts is further pampering them with the professional quality hair and beauty products they would find in a salon.”
The resort salons also feature the CHI products. For more information, call (800) 635-1836 or visit palaceresorts.com.
