Travel + Leisure magazine is calling Villa Resort and Spa experience ” a sexy, eco-concious hideaway in  the jungle”.  After reading a recent newsletter from luxurylifestyle.com I thought to myself hmmm…life doesn’t get much better than that, so I had to share.

The Tides at the Riviera Maya had the following to say.  “Enliven your senses with an indulgent massage, facial or body treatment at the Maya Spa, a full-service holistic haven offering privacy, luxury and superlative treatment in a serene indoor-outdoor setting. For the active and athletic, Hatha yoga classes are offered daily in our seaside yoga studio. Playa del Carmen’s fine shopping venues are easily accessible from the resort, as are the area’s golf courses and ancient Maya ruins. More robust recreational activities include scuba diving, cenote diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing.”

 The Spa offers a fresh treatment menu using a marine-derived line of skin care products by Osea. The spas new signature treatment is inspired by their dedication to ocean-based and sustainable products, in keeping with The Tides coastal ethos and environmental commitments.

Zihuatanejo’s intimate new facility is now the first spa in the world to offer guests The Tides signature Lava Shell Therapy massage, a holistic treatment epitomizing the brand’s coastal spirit.  The therapy utilizes a revolutionary system of self-heating tiger clam shells in its Swedish-style massage. Developed by innovative spa products and spa revolutions, the finely polished shells generate heat through contact with gels derived from sea kelp, sea salts and self-heating natural minerals (Lava Gel™) and retain the heat for up to an hour.The signature Lava Shell Therapy begins with an aromatic essential-oil application, using an all-new product designed especially for The Tides by Osea. The essential-oil is blended from basil, Bulgarian lavender, geranium, grapefruit and jasmine.  The oil helps to balance the central nervous system and reduce stress. Holding heated shells in the palm of the hand, therapists apply traditional Swedish massage strokes for a full-body treatment, followed by a massage with the hands. More powerful than traditional “Hot Stone” methods, Lava Shell Therapy soothes the body with waves of healing energy, enhancing skin tone and radiating deep within the skin.  The Tides offer a line of body-care products designed exclusively by Osea, the progressive skin care company known for its therapeutic marine-derived wellness products. The premiere collection includes shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body gel and facial cleanser.A leader in high-tech, marine-based skin care, Osea combines nutrients such as seaweed, algae and other ocean extracts with organic essential oils and botanicals to produce pure and effective products.  
Nestled amidst a lush tropical landscape filled with fragrant plants, The Tides Zihuatanejo hacienda-style aesthetics features nine updated spa suites. A lounge provides the spa’s spiritual center and a soothing area to relax and gather. A focal point of the lounge design is a graceful tree trunk surrounded by river rocks and artisan-crafted hanging lanterns. Locally inspired accents such as antique Mexican mirrors, appealing colors and fabrics provide rich complements to the wooden furniture and beautiful artistic décor. 

Photo credit: The Tides Riviera Maya