In recent years, Americans and Canadians have increasingly turned to spas for relaxation and rejuvenation, with exotic or traditional treatments becoming ever more popular. Modern-day Mexican spas have fused indigenous practices and treatments with the world’s most innovative technologies to offer spa experiences few places in the world can match.

Since prehispanic times, Mexicans have studied and utilized the healing properties of the country’s immense variety of native plants. Visitors to Mexican spas can benefit from the same resources the natives have used for centuries.

One of these botanical wonders, the tender cactus (nopal), is a great source of vitamin C and amino acids. The nopal helps the body pull fluids back from the tissues into the bloodstream, thereby diminishing cellulite and fluid retention. The nopal is also used to regulate blood sugar among diabetics. Given its healing properties, its juice is also served in many spas either alone or combined with other juices.

The tepezcohuite tree, indigenous to the southeastern Mexican state of Chiapas, has amazing skin healing and regenerative properties, and is used in many spas to treat sunburn, blisters and blemishes; help prevent facial expression lines; and stimulate the production of collagen.

Mexicans also have a long history of using mineral-rich volcanic mud for stress relief. The mud is applied all over the body to detoxify, stimulate circulation and relieve muscular and arthritic pain.

Mexicans have enjoyed the benefits of spas since ancient Mayan and Aztec times, and today’s spas are increasingly incorporating prehispanic spa techniques into their menu of offerings. The temazcal, derived from the Aztec words teme, to bathe, and calli, house, is a type of sweat house, a clay or earthen dome-shaped room where indigenous Mexicans would take a ritual steam bath using hot stones and herbs to purify the body. The temazcal offered today enhances this cleansing experience by adding scents to the mix.

Mexico’s precursor to the spa are the hot springs or curative mineral waters located throughout the country. Several modern spas are conveniently located near these springs to offer traditional, natural treatments in addition to modern beauty and health services.

Mexico’s spa offerings are incredibly diverse. They include day spas and hotel spas; resort spas set against breathtaking backdrops; and spas combining ecotourism or adventure tourism activities. Many spas offer golf, swimming and other amenities to enhance the experience. When you add Mexico’s reputation for efficient and friendly service, it is truly the ideal spa-getaway.