Wanting to take advantage of its namesake, a tree with healing properties that grows in South America, Palo Santo (Buenos Aires), an intimate luxury design and green hotel, recently introduced the Palo Santo Luxury Spa Ritual ($90, 1 hour 40 minutes), which incorporates wood from the mystical tree.
Meaning "holy wood" in Spanish, Palo Santo was used in shamanic celebrations to expel negative energies and attract positive ones. Drawing on this ancient wisdom, the in-room treatment begins with a footbath, a symbol of fraternity and forgiveness. Next comes a deep massage with Palo Santo essential oil. Throughout the ritual, Palo Santo incense is used to complete the sensorial experience.
Says sales and marketing manager Aurélia Monnier, “Using Palo Santo wood, both for crafts and in mystical rituals, is part of Argentina culture, and though our hotel is resolutely modern and inspired by European architecture, we found it very interesting to allow our guests to immerse themselves in such a local tradition.”
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