Mayan Healing: Yäan Wellness Energy Spa In Tulum

*By: Jennifer Steele*

When I booked my winter getaway to Tulum, I knew I had to get my zen on at a spa. Deciding where to go wasn’t difficult since Yäan Wellness Energy Spa was already at the top of my list. The spa came highly recommended from friends and social media enthusiasts and has won awards from Condé Nast and Trip Advisor. All for good reason…

I instantly fell in love when I saw the welcoming oasis. The jungle grounds were simply breathtaking and whisked me off to a secret world far, far away.

Healing Water Circuit At Yäan Wellness Energy Spa

When I entered the spa I was shown the multi-step healing water circuit which comes with all treatments. To begin, guests are encouraged to enjoy the steam room with the Mamay scrub to smoothen over the skin and rinse off while relaxing in the steamer chairs. I loved using this scrub! The Mamay fruit is native to Yucatan area and the oil of the Maya seed is mixed with coconut oil, honey, sugar and salt to create the most glorious exfoliate. My skin felt as soft as a newborn immediately after use. The scrub is made locally by Mayans and exclusively for the spa.

Next, I showered off in the cold waters before entering the dry sauna. Following that, I had a relaxing swim in the cool outdoor pool, and then finished off with a dip in the massaging hot tub. The circuit is a wonderful way to commence restoration and prepare for a treatment.

The Treatments At Yäan Wellness Energy Spa

Yäan Wellness Energy Spa offers a range of unique treatments – from Exclusive Mexican Therapies and massages to energy treatments and herbal baths…

I decided to go with one of their most popular treatments under Exclusive Mexican Therapies; Sobada Maya. This is an 80 minute treatment that starts with an energetic Limpia, meaning cleansing of your physical and energetic body. Copal tree resin is burnt and the resulting white smoke incense is used to clear energies, blockages, align chakras and connect to the divine and astral planes. It is a cleansing instrument and has been used since ancient Pre- Hispanic times for ceremonial purposes. The scent was relaxing and invigorating to the senses all at the same time. Once lying down on the table, I was brushed with fresh basil and rosemary plants that came from their in-house rooftop garden.

Everything used smelled wonderful and felt restorative for both body and soul. The traditional ancient massage that followed was different than any massage I’ve had before. The technique used focuses on realigning organs in the abdominal area to promote a healthy reproduction system and energetic channels. There is quite a bit of movement in this massage, which I liked because I felt much less stiff and more limber after. If you are open to trying something new, I would most definitely suggest this treatment, not to mention its use of essential rosemary and eucalyptus oils was divine.

There is also a menu dedicated specifically to massage varieties ranging from 60 to 120 minutes in length. You could try a more traditional deep tissue or Swedish massage if that’s your cup of tea, or go for the Thai Temple Massage that incorporates deep rhythmic ancient stretching and techniques.

If you’re looking to take your wellness journey to an even higher level, you could explore the Ceremonial Temazcal service, also known as the ‘sweat lodge’. This is meant to deeply detoxify, purify and cleanse the mind, body and spirit. Referred as a form of ‘rebirthing’ ceremony, this event can welcome up to 15 guests. To learn more and to check out their upcoming moon ceremonies, see here.

Yaan also offers yoga and meditation classes, body scrubs, facial services, manicures, pedicures and much more. Their full menu can be accessed here. With so much pampering to choose from, you may wish to extend your vacation a few extra days. I know I did…

There is so much to explore at Yäan Wellness Energy Spa. On my next visit I’d love to check out the sound baths using gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, which is part of the spa’s Energy and Vibrational Healing therapies.

Thank you to the management and staff for hosting me and making my experience so memorable. For reservations or information click here. The top selling spa packages are the Yaan Traditional Mayan and Couple’s Divine.