TRAVEL SPAS ARE SPROUTING UP IN MEXICAN SPAS MIX RELAXATION WITH TRADITIONAL HOSPITALITY

by Bob Brooke rma , are good Gonzales, examples of I her hands inland resort covered with spas. Many resort aromatic oil,laid owners are now her fingers gen- looking at spas as tly on my fore- an additional head and began amenity, likening the long, slow them to pools or transformation golf. But a spa is that would take much more and me from the shouldn't be stress of 20th taken lightly. century life to Owners of both the peacefulness the Morelos' spas of total relax- have taken steps ation.Little did I to make sure realize that in their spas go well the next 45 min- beyond just a utes I'd surrender myself totally to her gentle but firm resort amenity. touch.She worked over my head and then seemed to pull According to Spa-Finders of New York, one of the the tension out of my shoulders, She moved on down to largest tour operators specializing in spa vacations, only my feet, massaging them until I could feel my organs 10 percent of the market go to a resort just for the spa. shifting around inside me body. As she rubbed and Most are looking for a well rounded vacation, including stroked my legs, massaging the oil into them until the sightseeing, shopping, sports activities, and the like.And friction created a warm glow, I drifted into a deep medi- because most of Mexico's spas cater to small groups of no tation that brought colors to my eyes from bright orange more than 30 persons per week, the spa experience is and red to blue and purple. I became a prisoner of her very personal and allows spa personnel to offer advice on decisive touch. Thus began my first-ever massage in a stress management and how to continue living a healthi- spa at the magic touch of a young Mexican woman. er lifestyle. Spas are sprouting up all over Mexico like beans in a Spas elsewhere are generally found in more upscale field The cost of a week-long spa package at a Mexican resorts such as the Palms in Palm Springsand Canyon beachfront resort is one-third to one-fourth the price of Ranch of Tucson, Arizona. But in Mexico spas are pop- the same program in the U.S. Those at inland spas are ping up in a wide range of resorts, making them down- even less. right affordable for the average person. And with pack- Mexican spas run the gamut from traditional miner- ages, they can be almost a bargain. al spring spas to destination spas that are self-contained Until now,I never considered going to a spa.I exercise to European-style spas with facilities for men and daily and lift weights. My body is probably in the best women that are part of a large resort. Since the shape of my life.So why did I venture into Mexico to have European-style spa is relatively new in Mexico, most one of the most sensual experiences of my life? Spas are offer new facilities and young energetic staffs. for losing weight. Right? Not any more. As interest in fitness sails to an all-time high and as "People are tired of going on a vacation where they a growing number of Americans view exercise and fit- overeat, overdrink, oversun, and under sleep," said ness as an integral part of their daily lives, travelers to Orlando Hidalgo, spokesman for the Mexican Spa Mexico are looking for spas and fitness centers both at Association. the beach and beyond.Unlike spa resorts in the U.S., few Hidalgo practices what he preaches. At his spa, of today's Mexican resorts exist solely as destination Hosteria Las Quintas, guests not only get thefull body spas, except for Ixtapan de la Sal in the State of Mexico treatment but lots of outdoor exercise as well, for Las and Rancho la Puerta in Baja California.Spa Las Quintas Quintas is the only eco-spa in Mexico, if not North and Hotel and Spa Cocoyoc, in the State of America.

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complete beauty salon plus treatment areas. "We try to do as little with machines as possible," said Hidalgo, co- owner of the spa. "We believe in a hands-on approach." In addition, Spa Las Quintas does have ecotours, something which none of the others do. "We don't have aerobics classes," he said. "Unlike many other spas, we stress ecofitness, meshing natural tours with spa treat- ments and activities. We offer a different tour each day, and combine them with walking,meditation,buying oils in the market,etc.to give our guests a well-rounded pro- gram." Tours, which are optional,depart at 8:30 each morn- ing and return at 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon, so guests can take advantage of spa services, which are best done after exercise, according to Hidalgo. On Sunday, I found myself enjoying a spectacular view next to the ruins of a temple, a brisk one-hour climb above the village of Tepoztlan, dedicated to the ancient god Tepoztecatl, the patron of both fertility and pulque, an inebriating drink obtained from fermenting the maguey plant. After climbing down, I browsed the town's colorful market, filled with all sorts of natural herbal remedies, curative quartz crystals, essential oils, as well as local artesan's goods.I even had my palm read, although some of the others had their tea leaves, coffee or tarot cards read to round out an invigorating and mystical day. Monday brought me to Las Estacas (The Stalks, osteria Las Quintas, where Spa Las Quintas is referring to the reeds growing along the riverbank). An located, fits into a small 500-square-meter parcel hour from , it's the closest to Eden modern- H of land called a quinta five minutes from down- day Adams and Eves will ever get. Though there are no town Cuernavaca, 90 minutes from Mexico City.It began serpents, the lushness of this ecological reserve offers a as a modest eight-room home,which has now grown into peaceful retreat from the hectic pace of 20th-century a 60-room hotel. The hotel grounds are a riot Tours, which are life. Here, I was able to relive my love for old of color. Flowers, all marked by species, are Tarzan movies–T.V.'s "Tarzan" with Ron Eli arranged in a tropical wonderland punctuat- optional, depart at was filmed here–as I floated down the five- ed by a huge old ceiba tree,two pools,a foun- mile-long Rio Las Estacas in an inner tube tain and bronze and terra cotta statuary. 8:30 each morning under drooping palms and amate trees cov- Most of the rooms are terrace suites and six ered in vines. I could have also rented scuba and return at 2:00 or have private Jacuzzi. diving equipment if I wished. But keeping Spa Las Quintas, which is separately 3:00 in the afternoon, my tube centered on the river was enough owned and managed, occupies 10 percent of exercise for the day. Originally part of the the hotel space.It blends the interior with the so guests can take orchards of the old Hacienda de Temilpa, it's exterior through murals painted by Gustavo now a large wildlife preserve full of exotic Morales and Ezmeralda Brito, which inte- advantage of spa birds and butterflies. grate earth and man. The whole effect is not services, which are On Tuesday, I had the opportunity only artistic but very soothing. It's almost to hike amid the ruins of .Built on like taking treatments in an art gallery. A best done after a plateau which divides the prairie between large open salon on the second level has two valleys, Xochicalco, meaning "In the benches on rollers so guests can look out into exercise. House of Flowers in the Aztec nahuatal lan- the garden while receiving manicures or pedicures. guage, boasts twleve restored principal structures. The third level features an exercise gym with all the Unfortunately, there weren't any archaeologists working main machines, and the roof will soon be revamped for the day I visited. nude sunbathing of both sexes.Spa Las Quintas has gone Wednesday took me to see sights a little closer to one step beyond most spas, it not only recreates and home. The easiest of Las Qunitas' eco tours, my half-day restores beauty and health to its guests, but it does it in visit to the historic center of Cuernavaca allowed me to an atmosphere of beauty and color. visit the Palace of Cortez, built in 1529 and now a muse- Here, 90 percent of the guests are women the much um. Also, I went for a stroll through the Borda Gardens, smaller men's spa with sauna, showers, steam room, built in the 19th century by Emperor Maxmilian. massage room and hydrotherapy tub attests to that. The Cuernavaca's , built over a great Aztec temple, women's section on the second level, however, offers a was also home to a Franciscan convent.

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hursday's tour to Lake Tequesquitengo in south- points, with one point equal to a dollar. This basic pack- ern Morelos offered an opportunity for fun and age includes roundtrip transfers, deluxe hotel accommo- T relaxation. Known locally as the "Sea of dations, and three meals daily. In addition, by providing Morelos," the lake was an ideal spot to try jet skiing, each guest with a point list so he or she can decide which although I could have gone water skiing, sailing, para- treatments to take, Hidalgo enables guests to customize sailing, or boating.Lake Tequesquitengo, steeped in leg- their program and still stay on the package. In addition, end, covers what was once a town. The small valley was each tour is worth 50 points. flooded as a result of the sudden overflowing of subter- "It's beauty a la carte using the point system," he ranean currents. Occasionally, the old church steeple is added. "By the time their stay is over, most of our guests seen above the water. Some say the sound of the church end up buying more points." Hidalgo sits down with new bell can be heard at dusk. guests and explains how the package works and answers Friday offered the most strenous of the eco tours. questions, so that they're sure to get what they want. He When I climbed to the pyramid above Tepoztlan, I also reviews spa etiquette with them. glimpsed,at the end of the valley,Amatlan,said to be the Packages are also available which offer a definite birthplace of Quetzacoatl, the plumed serpent, a prehis- number of activities and treatments. A two-night pack- panic deity who stood for peace and understanding, but age sells for $379 double,with extra nights selling for $87 was driven from these lands. After riding horseback for each. Three meals, including all beverages, are included, one and a half hours through a river and valley,I came to featuring selections from the spa and/or regular menu.A Amatlan at the foot of a mountain where I could medi- three-day/two-night anti-stress package sells for $415 tate with nature and the spirit of Quetzalcoatl.I must say, double,including the usual amenities plus a deep cleans- I felt invigorated in both body and spirit when I returned ing facial, two Swedish massages with aromatherapy, an to the spa. exfoliating body scrub,a marine algae wrap,a fangother- On Saturday, I signed on for the The Thousand apy (dead Sea Mud wrap), and a thalassotherapy treat- Waterfalls of Granada tour, the best of the week. Located ment (hydrotherapy massage).A complete health and fit- approximately 50 minutes from Cuernavaca, I first rode ness week package sells for $1,235 double and includes a horseback and then hiked down to the falls.After swim- medical evaluation, fitness, nutrition and composition ming in the natural lagoons created by the many water- analysis, six Swedish massages, two shiatsu massages, falls and enjoying the sparkling clear mineral waters and one lymphatic drainage, two exfoliating scrubs, three the breataking views of the countryside, I took time to thalassotherapy treatments, a computerized facial analy- eat my picnic box lunch, prepared for the trip by the sis, a deep cleansing facial plus a second regular facial, Hosteria Las Qunitas kitchen staff. one eye treatment, and one manicure. Las Quintas also Although I didn't choose it, guests can also take a offers its spa services a la carte, with a one-hour Swedish tour to the Caverns of Cacahuamilpa instead of going to massage costing $30, a deep cleansing facial $30, body the waterfalls. These ancient caverns, considered by scrub $30, marine algae wrap $40, and reflexology mas- many the laregst in Latin Aemrica, are filled with sta- sage $20, for example. lagtite and stalagmite formations.The entire guided tour As yet, there is no licencing program for spa person- through the caverns takes approximately three hours nel in Mexico. While many staff members are trained at and provides a great aerobic experience. fine cosmetology schools in Guadalajara and seem to "Our guests like to know everything is paid for," said know the procedures, the lack of enough English-speak- Hidalgo, "but they also like to customize their stay." To ing staff members–only 5 out of 14 speak some English accommodate his guests, Hidalgo came up with his at Las Quintas–poses problems, especially if medical Passage to Better Living Package.Each guest is given 550 problems occur.

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Hacienda Cocoyoc was among the twelve most important sugar plan- tations in the country. It was burned to ruin during the and after many years of neglect and several owners, Don Paulino Rivera Torres bought what remained of the it and made it into a hotel. His son, Paulino, runs the hotel today. Mexican cuisine, "We're surrounded by lots of although normally interesting things to do," said Don Paulino. "This is the real Mexico. rich, can be made "We not only offer a relaxing spa experience, but an educational one, into delicious also." Spa Cocoyoc lies at the heart of entree's at the Hotel Hacienda Cocoyoc, a modern ood at Mexican spas has come along way from the resort with two golf courses,three tennis courts and four hands of creative bland and sparse diets many spas had become swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Housed in a chefs like F known for. Mexican cuisine, although normally building constructed around an existing arch, it consists rich, can be made into delicious entree's at the hands of of a Jacuzzi, juice bar, beauty salon, three rooms for Alejandro Lemus creative chefs like Alejandro Lemus Gutierrez of Hosteria facials, two for massage, a hydromassage room, herbal Las Quintas.A typical dinner entree from the spa menu, wrap room, workout center with Nautilus equipment, Gutierrez of such as requeson crepes with zucchini and mushrooms and two "wet" areas, one for men and one for women, or chicken breast with huitlacoche (corn fungus) had lit- including dressing rooms, showers, saunas, steam baths, Hosteria Las tle more than 300 calories. pressure showers, Swiss showers, loopha scrub rooms, Breakfast at Las Quintas began with a magnificent and sunning areas. Designed and outfitted by Quintas. A typical buffet featuring many Mexican dishes. One of the Romanians, it offers the ultimate in European spa serv- favorites among the chilaquiles verdes, municlores al ices, including an Alpha Jet capsule, just one of several dinner entree from chipotle, plantanos fritos and huevos al guston, was que- state-of-the-art pieces of equipment. "Though our spa is the spa menu, sadillas served on a variety of tortillas. While some of Romanian in concept, it's definitely American in spirit," these dishes were high in caloric content, the exercise of said Don Paulino. such as requeson day touring burns them off. The basic two-day/one-night package selling for Morelos's other spa, Hotel Hacienda Cocoyoc, 30 $230 per person double and $320 single,includes a med- crepes with zucchi- minutes from Cuernavaca at a subtropical 4,000 feet ical checkup, two entrances to workout room, two above sea level, is built around an original Dominican entrances to the wet area, a relaxing massage, loofah ni and mushrooms convent, the first in the Americas. Originally, this fine bath, facial, manicure, pedicure, fruit or fruit juices, hotel was a hacienda built by Cortes' son to raise sugar- three meals room and transfers. However, hotel guests or chicken breast cane and process sugar. Its many buildings lie in a lush and others can enter the wet area for $8.A la carte prices with huitlacoche garden movie-set-like setting surrounding the ruins of for spa services include $12.50 for a reflexolgy massage, with huitlacoche the sugar mill.An 18-hole golf course now winds its way $28.00 for an anti-stress massage, and $23 to $31 for a (corn fungus) had through the original mango grove and part of the old facial. sugar mill has become the disco. Named the "Paradise of A typical day at Spa Cocoyoc begins with a medical little more than the Americas" by Viceroy Mendoza in the 16th century, checkup, followed by a walk or a game of tennis, then a loofah scrub, massage, mudpack 300 calories. or seaweed wrap to relax, then water treatments.After a leisurely lunch and rest, guests can take another spa treatment followed by dinner. I chose to go horseback riding in the early morning through fields of sugarcane and corn. The peacefulness of the fields, dotted here and there by campesinos beginning their daily chores, and the jovialness of my guide, Bernadino, set the pace for a relaxing day of mud wraps and hydrotherapy back at the spa.

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fter my ride, I sat down to a served breakfast, Qualton Club and Spa: a resort spa in Puerto Vallarta, uti- beginning with a refreshing blended drink made lizing a program of bioinformation combined with anti- A of Nopal cactus, pineapple and celery. This was stress massage and technical bioenergy. 3-night detoxifi- followed by homemade yogurt with granola, chopped cation or relaxation package $175, including three spa fruit and honey, and finally an omelette made of egg services. whites and mushrooms. While Mexican spa packages and even a la carte Rancho La Puerta: destination spa 10 kilometers from prices are reasonable, the hidden cost of any spa vaca- Tecate, Baja California, founded in 1940 by Edward and tion comes in tipping.Unfortunately,with so many serv- Deborah Szekely. Weekly package $1,800 single /$1440 ices being taken, tipping can get out of hand. This is double. probably why spas have traditionally attracted the rich. Middle-market guests, however, may find the 20 to 30 Royal Spa Posada del Rey: in Zimapan, Hidalgo, two and percent tips that most spa personnel expect a little a half hours from Mexico City, combines old and new pricey. True, if the service is done well and warrants it, architecture with ample treatment facilities, and pack- then a good tip should be given. However, if guests are ages of 3, 5, 8 or 15 days.$315 per person double for 3 required to tip to offset the salary paid to spa employees, days, and $865 for 8 days then that's another matter. Hidalgo has his own solution. He charges all of his Hotel Hacienda Cocoyoc: a resort spa one hour from guests a flat percentage payable at their departure. This Mexico City in Morelos in old hacienda built by the son of amount he divides up among all of his employees, much Cortes. $535 for 5 days single. the way hoteliers do in Bermuda. All in all, a Mexican spa vacation, esepcially at these Spa Fiesta Americana: hotel spa in Hotel Fiesta two Morelos spas, is like no other. Unfortunately, the Americana, Atlacomulco, State of Mexico, with various relaxing effects of spa treatments are short lived, even if treatments for body and face. 4-day packages $225 per the spa goer follows a healthy lifestyle. But that makes it person in single. even easier to book a spa package the second and third time around. Spa Hosteria las Quintas: unique hotel spa set in lush gar- dens five minutes from downtown Cuernavaca. A SAMPLING OF SPAS OF MEXICO Spa Avandaro: a luxurious resort spa in the Hotel Avandaro Spa Resort in Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico, Spa Casa Playa Rosarito: 20 minutes from Tijuana in a with spectacular golf course and European style spa. 7- old mansion dating from 1926 includes fitness center day sampler package, including 8 spa treatments, $650 and treatment rooms. per person single.

Hotel Spa Ixtapan de la Sal: a destination spa 100 km Of all the above spas, only Spa Cocoyoc and Spa Resort from Mexico City, acres of gardens, golf course, tennis, Avandaro offer such new therapies as laser therapy to get horseback riding, etc. Diet, sport and relaxation pack- rid of wrinkles, non-surgical face and eye lifts, pressure ages for 4 to 7 days from $730 pp. therapy, thermo-Jet body sculpting treatment, liposculp- ture, anticellulitic Ionetherme massage, stretch mark Paradise Village Spa: a resort spa on the beach in Nuevo treatment and Alpha jet capsule (only at Cocoyoc). Most Vallarta, offering all the usual services plus, 3-night packages include three meals per day with non-alcoholic package $633; 7-night $1,317. beverages, room, and tax.

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COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA

Villa Rolandi Gourmet, Beach Club & Thalasso Spa

COVER STORY OVERLOOKS THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN SEA

he Mexican

Caribbean lies

on the Eastern

point of Mexico.

It is where the

TCaribbean begins at a short distance from

Cuba. Its ocean and its nature reflect the

dream pictures of the Caribbean Seas.

Developed on the Northern point of the

Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun has grown to

an international resort destination in the

last 25 years. Its modern hotel zone with

the widest variety of hotel categories has

become an attraction of millions of

visitors who stay at one of the 27,000

rooms in the zone.

COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA

COVER STORY IS SITUATED ON EXOTIC ISLA MUJERES ISLAND NORTH OF CANCUN

small island just in front of the northern part of Cancun, Isla Mujeres has kept its typical Caribbean look and has not A been affected by the growth of Cancun. Hundreds of visitors come to the island every day, but the evenings and nights turn the island into a heaven of tranquility and beauty after sunset. Located in the middle zone of Isla Mujeres, overlooking the impressive Caribbean Sea and the breathtaking view of Cancun, marvelous view of night lights from mainland.

Isla Mujeres has a long and colorful history, in Mayan times the island served as the sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of fertility, reason, medicine, and the moon. Isla Mujeres is a fishing village and though it is now discovered by tourists it still retains its charm and tranquil atmosphere. As you stroll the streets in the evening you will see families gathered together in Caribbean styled homes, tucked between stores and restaurants, mending their fishing nets and relaxing.

COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA

COVER STORY STILL RETAINS ITS CHARMS & TRANQUIL ATMOSPHERE

scape to a true island Hideaway to Isla Mujeres - the Isle of Women - where all is about local color and serenity. The Yucatan peninsula just out into the Caribbean Sea, at itsE tip, is the resort of Cancun whose phenomenal snow white sands stay cool underfoot even the fiercest sun. The turquoise waters lure the tourists but you can escape to the seclusion of Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres, seven minutes off the mainland. Water is a constant presence from the moment your journey begins when you are whisked away from port on the hotel's private catamaran "Cocoon" across the vibrant turquoise hues of the Caribbean.

The Villa is a meeting point of two ancient cultures: Mayan & Roman. Evidence of the amazing Mayan civilization is everywhere in the peninsula. Villa Rolandi takes the concept of modern Italy and plants its Mediterranean style on Mayan shore blending the architecture harmoniously with the beautiful environment of this small island.

COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA

COVER STORY PLANTS ITS MEDITERRANEAN STYLE ON MAYAN SHORE

he magic continues when you enter the hotel's impressive open-air lobby richly embellished with dramatic marble columns, domed ceiling and fresh flowers, with its distinctly Italian ambiance spiced with a Mexican flavor. The TikulT stone floors and the tiled vault ceilings add freshness and quietness to the property. Guests immediately feel right at home with the intimate and sensual ambience. Personalized attention from the staff is the managements pride on making guests feel at home and where wishes are orders to be fulfilled.

Each of the comfortable 35 rooms has state of the art facilities and enjoy a spectacular view from anywhere in the room, from the private terrace with Jacuzzi, the King size bed or even from the bathroom. Fine linen bedding, personal amenities, soft background music completes the seductive comfort of these exclusive rooms. Luxurious marble bathrooms are fully equipped with everything form a therapeutic shower for an invigorating massage, to a relaxing steam bath. Non-smoking accommodations are available under request, and all Suites have insulated walls to avoid noise between rooms, individual air conditioning control and sound system, flat color television with international cable, and service includes daily maid attention and evening turndown service. Every morning your courtesy continental breakfast is discretely served by the staff in your room.

Nestled in an exotic garden, there is an exquisite panoramic pool that reaches into the horizon with a waterfall dropping down to a pond below. The white sand beach is the perfect place for relaxing under a swaying palm. Discover the hotel surroundings by Kayak or hobby cat and let the island surprise you with its hidden treasures.

The new project for a Spa is a recent addition to the relaxing experience in the resort.

COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA

Spa & Thalasso

COVER STORY IS A CARRIBEAN SEA THALASSO THERAPY CENTER & SPA

SPA Designed with special care for clients with the tropical colors of the sand and sea fo the Caribbean they have created a center of Thalasso in memory of the Old culture and European philosophy where the body is taken care of with great delicacy.

DISCOVERING THE THALASSO The Thalasso therapy is based on the beneficial action of the marine climate and baths of the sea; they can be used in order to resolve various types of diseases.

The practical Thalasso therapy structures are placed on the edge of the sea, taking advantage of various members of the marine atmosphere such as the water of the sea, sand algae and mud.

Therapy can include external applications like mud baths, algae baths, marine water baths, showers, footbaths and walks in bath tubs; there also techniques that allow an exercise or massage to take place in the water.

THE ORIGINS Like the best ancient remedies, Thalasso therapy is the marine treatment that has ancient techniques: Egyptians, Greeks and Romans took advantage of the properties in the sea water to prevent and cure.

By the end of the eighteenth century the scientific value of these treatments came uncovered and only in the last thirty years centers have been equipped to elaborate such techniques.

Villa Rolandi is featuring its ideal complement: A Thalasso Therapy Center and Spa, has welcomed its first visitors since last winter 2006. Through the beauty and power of the Caribbean Sea Thalasso holds the key to health, beauty and relaxation. Dating back to the ancient times, sea water and sea products have been used to cure a variety of ailments. Now it is a globally recognized conception for back pain, rheumatism, cellulite, overweight, overwork, stress problems and skin conditioning.

This is the most ancient form of relaxation and natural healing.

The Villa Rolandi Hotel & SPA, aware of their guest's needs, developed one of the most formidable spas for Thalassotherapy. Its location right on the ocean, allows it to directly use sea salts at a temperature of 950 to 105 0 F (350-380 C), preserving all its natural properties which help improve human body functions.

COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA Thalasso Facilities Marine Space A swimming pool with sea water, heated between 860 - 950 F (300 - 350 C), with therapeutic cascades, hydro jets and bubbles of air. In this swimming pool you are able to carrie out a physiotherapy relaxant type of ginnica activity where the water diminishes the gravity.

These elements favors the improvement of muscular force, nocturnal rest and its very beneficial for the disturb venoso circle, also treating the coetaneous inflammation and motoria rehabilitation.

Shower Vichy Therapeutic treatment applied by therapists giving a massage with the application of multiple showers that act simultaneously from head to toe, with different results depending on water pressure and temperature.

Balneotherapy This hydrotherapy treatment is administrated inside a bathtub of hydromassage with 12 different computerized programs from variable temperatures between 950 to 105 0 F (350-380 C) with marine water and a mix of natural extracts that give effect of anti- stress, physical relieve.

Shower Jet This technique is a good option for cellulites and body firming.

What a better complement for a retreat to relieve strain or simply indulge yourself in a beautiful scenario!

Supplementary SPA services will include a wide range of services such as, facial treatments and cosmetic and sliming treatments. Therapies are applied by means of most modern equipment successfully proved for centuries. Top of the art design, qualified equipment and experienced personnel are a certain guarantee of absolute satisfaction to the most demanding visitors.

COVER STORY HAS MADE ITS RESTAURANT AN INSTITUTION AMONG GOURMETS

dd a touch of Latin hospitality and top it all with exciting Swiss-Italian cooking using traditional firewood ovens at the acclaimed restaurant Casa Rolandi, 25 years of tradition have made it an institution among gourmets. Created since June 1981, Casa Rolandi has been one of the Amost successful restaurants in the history of Cancun, it mixes all that's expected from a good restaurant, starting from superb food, outstanding service and a Mediterranean ambiance both cool and serene. You'll enjoy memorable lunches and dinners at this romantic restaurant with a deck extending right over the water and steps down to a pier where in season private yachts dock, bringing the rich and famous to dine. Like nowhere else in Isla Mujeres, Casa Rolandi is by far, the best Restaurant in the whole island and one of the best in its kind in the Caribbean. Following a great tradition of superb food and excellent service by its predecessor: CasaRolandi Cancun, Casa Rolandi Isla Mujeres has already developed a style of its own.

Casual lunching with our gourmet snack menu and elegant a-la-carte dinner are available 365 days a year. The restaurant is open daily from noon until midnight (kitchen service until 10:30pm). The extensive international bar has a sweeping view over the ocean and features romantic music at the time to enjoy the sunset. A Dining Experience

MENU HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Carpaccio di Pesce del Giorno Thin slices of fresh fish daily sprayed with extra virgin oil and lime juice Ravioli Neri all’Inchiostro di Seppia, ripieni di Gamberoni con Salsa al Cognac Black Ravioli filled with Shrimp and cognac sauce Risotto ai Frutti di Mare Seafood Risotto Filetto di Pesce al Prezzemolo Fish filet cooked to Perfection in a mixture of white wine, lemon and lots of parseley Spiedino d’Agnel!o alla Rolandi Grilled lamb medallion with Rolandi's butter Torta Gelato Rolandi IceCream cake topped with bananas and flamed au Grand Marnier Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco Cooked Cream with Wild Berries Just to mention a few of the great creations of the executive Chef ....

Excellent facilities and services along with outstanding food and wine menu make this Small Luxury Hotel a preferred location for private romantic weddings. Its guest's accommodations and experienced wedding management staff guarantee a magnificent event. Since the opening (summer 1999) until today Villa Rolandi has collaborated to organize numerous weddings. Every wedding is "tailored" to the dream of each couple, from the slightest detail to the most outrageous request to complete an unforgettable experience!

COVER STORY VILLA ROLANDI - GOURMET, BEACH CLUB & SPA The Modern Mexican Mediterranean style of this luxurious 5 star hotel is in perfect harmony with the envi- ronment and the beach.

FEATURES & GUEST SERVICES:

• Private dock on Laguna Makax. The round trip transfer from and to the Cancun Playa Linda dock on beautiful power yacht "Cocoon" is included in the hotel services • Pool, Spa and Thalasso • An outdoor swimming pool with cascade, sun patio, beach and food and beverage service • Room service • Tour arrangements, fishing, scuba diving and boat rentals • Medical service (on call) • Laundry service • All major credit cards accepted, money exchange.

Children Policy: Welcome guests +13 years old.

Ground Transportation services from/to Cancun’s International airport available under request

Isla has something to offer for everyone, all sorts of marine pastimes are at hand, from sailing to diving the world's second longest barrier reef or swimming with dolphins and visiting a nearby sea turtle farm. Isla Mujeres offers many activities for all ages. Beautiful white sand beaches where you can use water toys, kayaks and snorkeling gear.

COVER STORY OFFERS PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES TO SPEND TIME Swim with Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Dolphin Discovery is just a 5 minute walk form our Hotel, with careful instructions from our concierge group you can be part of an unforgettable interactive experience at any Dolphin Discovery's seven locations in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico.

Pok Ta Pok Cancun Golf Course Enjoy the sea transportation provided by the Hotel on thier own comfortable yacht “Cocoon” to In just a 5 minute walk the Playa Linda Dock in the Hotel Zone Cancun, were the trip will take only 40 minutes to be in the “T”. form our Hotel, with Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres and her visitors are blessed once a year with arguably the world's most amazing opportunity to experience Whale Sharks in their natural habitat! careful instructions from During the summer months (June - September) hundreds of Whale Shark gather just north of Isla Mujeres in a seven mile radius to take advantage of the plankton rich waters created by the our concierge group you joining of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

From Isla Mujeres you can easily reach many exciting destinations along the Mayan Riviera such can be part of an as Tulum and Xcaret. There are also tours available to the island of Cozumel, the Mayan ruins of Chichén-Itzá and the great city of Merida. Excursions to the Mayan ruins located in unforgettable interactive mainland and day trips to visit Cancun can be arranged through the hotel's front desk services.

The island offers plenty of activities to spend time; experienced hikers can literally cover the experience at any island on foot. Though, there is always the choice to rent mopeds, bicycles or golf carts. The island's small town square acts like a hub of diverse activities, it is a popular meeting place surrounded by shops and restaurants, the town's shops offer local handicrafts, clothing, and Dolphin Discovery's jewelry stores with their own on site work-shops. seven locations in But more than anything this is the perfect place to have a break, relax and loose track of time! Enjoy unparallel luxury in an unforgettable surrounding savoring the quiet side of the Yucatan Peninsula just 20 minutes from the mainland. Hawaii, the Caribbean

Villa Rolandi Gourmet Beach Club and Thalasso Spa and Mexico. is part of the JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts

JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts offers an exquisite collection of over 200 bou- tique and family owned hotels in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. Special interest packages and in-depth tours give travelers access to unique and extraordinary travel experiences. With JDB, guests can choose to stay in a palazzo owned by Florentine nobility, rejuvenate them- selves in hot springs used since the Etruscan times, tour Paris by night, ‘Dine with the Stars’ – Michelin stars, marvel at Barcelona’s modern masterpieces or experi- ence hacienda living in colonial Mexico.

Fracc. Laguna Mar SM 7 M75 L 15/16 Carretera Sac-Bajo, Isla Mujeres, Q.Roo 77400 - MEXICO T. +52 (998) 877 07 00 F. +52 (998) 877 0100 [email protected] / www.villarolandi.com Owner: Mr. Sandro Muller Rolandi General Manager: Mr. Giancarlo Frigerio Assistant Manager: Ms. Delia Menchaca

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