U-Spa Wellness and Fitness Center (Mexico)

The U-Spa Wellness and Fitness Center at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand Resort underwent a $6 million renovation that expanded it to 32,000 square feet. An assortment of massages, body wraps, and facials are performed in the spa’s 26 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy room, three Vichy shower rooms, and a Swiss room. Throughout the updated space, water features play a significant role. A new indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy circuit was introduced in late 2015. The inside area includes hot and cold plunge pools and an extensive aromatherapy shower area with herbal, wood, and citrus scent options. The outdoor portion follows the perimeter of the pool and is surrounded by lush green vegetation. “It’s really nice because you can’t hear or see the rest of the resort from this pool,” says spa manager Francisco Payró. Another aquatic highlight is the dual flotation treatment room, which is the largest in Mexico. It was designed to mimic the Mayan night sky and is completely encased in a 180-degree black dome adorned with twinkling artificial stars. “The lights, which are also found in the couples’ therapy suite, allow guests to experience the tranquility of a nighttime treatment,” says Payró. "The sensation of floating in the middle of space, all while looking up at twinkling lights, allows the brain to release endorphins, and an hour in this flotation tank can be equivalent to almost five hours of uninterrupted, restful sleep, effectively fully restoring the body and mind." Pint size spa-goers can stay occupied at the new U-Kids Spa, which offers treatments designed especially for children.