Travel News

Ready for 12.21.12? Mundo Maya Gears Up for New Cycle

Resorts throughout the area are offering ongoing temazcál rituals. Led by a shaman, these are conducted in a stone igloo (resembling a sweat lodge) and involve a purification ceremony celebrating Mother-Earth’s gifts of fire, water, earth and air. The ritual includes a series of exercises to cleanse the mind, body and spirit via special herbs, hot lava stones, steam, natural teas and candles. When finished, the cleansing often ends with participants throwing themselves into the sea or into a pool. It’s not only a spiritual exercise; you may just lose a few pounds along the way.

Here are just a few of the hotel packages and special activities put together in honor of 12.21.12:

  • Throughout its luxurious property Live Aqua Cancun maintains an ongoing bond with the area’s rituals. Maya-inspired spa treatments, menus and décor combine with the warm Maya greeting, “Inlaa’kech,” (a greeting of mutual respect you will hear often from staff) to evoke the area’s ancient heritage. In select areas of the resort at different times of day, homage is paid to the sun, moon and four cardinal points, with the blowing of the conch shell, incense, pre Hispanic music and soft sounds of rain showers.
  • The Condo Hotels group (El Taj, Porto Playa, Maya Villa and Villas Sacbe properties) is offering a “Doomsday Promotion.If the world doesn’t end, guests with a minimum three-night stay which includes 12/21/2012 will receive the night of the 21st free. If the predictions do come true, Condo Hotels will compensate stays by giving guests double their money back and free roundtrip transportation to Chichén Itza.
  • The luxurious Fairmont Mayakoba offers guests a variety of Maya-centric experiences including Maya spa treatments using ingredients sacred to them, as well as artisanal beer tastings pairing Mexican beers with Maya inspired “bonitas” (Mexican tapas). For younger guests, the Discovery Club Adventure Camp is offering children Maya experiences such as making their first letter sign, learning Maya words and even how to become a Maya warrior.
  • The Viceroy Riviera Maya has launched a new program for the new era that begins with the end of the Maya Calendar. With the help of the on-site Shaman, Jose Colli, the Viceroy has created a series of experiences for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the cultural and spiritual Maya traditions in the region, from the comfort of a luxurious resort. Experiences can be booked through December 21and include special spa treatments and adventures.
  • Grand Velas Riviera Maya is offering a new Maya spa renewal package using ancient practices for physical and mental well-being.  Guests can choose one of two specialty relaxing treatments, the Maya Shawl, a traditional technique using rhythmic movement to align posture, or the Nik Te Ha Aquatic Massage, an underwater massage designed to relax muscles and free the mind.  Both include the water journey, an adventure based on water rituals with alternating temperatures to achieve healing and relaxation.
  • The Rosewood Mayakoba has introduced Maya themed events with the “Ultimate New Beginning” and “Rosewood Rebirth” packages. For a mere $79,000 per couple, the Ultimate New Beginning package includes accommodations in the Presidential Oceanfront Suite; a private helicopter transport to famed archeological sites Tulum and Cobá for aerial views of where it all began; and a rare one-on-one opportunity with a Shaman for a private purification ceremony. The Rosewood Rebirth package offers a private lecture by a renowned professor on the history of Mexico; visits to Cobá and Chichén Itza archeological sites and a choice of an eco-adventure or cave exploring expedition. The property has also introduced an array of Maya-inspired offerings, including the Maya Equinox Ritual spa treatment, and tequila tasting with a Master “tequelero.” To top off the experience and ring in the new era, the resort will also host a New Beginning’s party on December 21, which is included with both packages.

The ancient Maya Empire may have disappeared but its rites and rituals are alive and well in an area which has become one of the “hottest” vacation spots in the world. The vestiges of the lost empire combined with Mexico’s legendary warmth and hospitality have resulted in a world-class vacation experience….one which I am confident will be around for many years to come.

In case the world doesn’t end, here are a few more Mundo Maya adventures:

Text and photos by Michelle da Silva Richmond