Wrap Your Valentine in Chocolate & Honey in Mexico

This Valentine’s weekend lay on some extra special doting and coddling within a historical framework. Do as the ancient Mayas did. Let the magical rejuvenating, powers of chocolate and honey, the luxury of a privately owned historic hacienda, sybaritic spa treatments, and an indulgent valentine?s feast, woo that special sweetheart.

Start by flying with your valentine into Merida, the Yucatan’s sunny capital. On the outskirts of the city, settle into the colonial splendor of the elegantly restored 18th century Hacienda Xcanatun & Spa. An over-the-top romantic hideaway, Hacienda Xcanatun (ssh-kana-toon) is nestled in a private oasis of greenery and flowers and boasts a gourmet restaurant and two freshwater swimming pools.

The cost of the 4-day/3night Maya Valentine Weekend Package, available from February 1 to 15th, is $1250.00 for Two. Three-night accommodations are in one of the 13, luxurious period suites and include a full Xcanatun breakfast served on the suite terrace or restaurant dining veranda daily. Two spa treatments per person are also part of the Maya’s legacy –our favorites: the Deluxe Chocolate Body Wrap, and a holistic Maya Flower and Honey Massage. Other Valentine Package Perks: a three-course feast served in the hacienda’s gourmet restaurant, accompanied by a fine bottle of wine; a sampler of made in the Yucatan Belgian chocolates; roundtrip Merida airport transfers; taxes; plus hotel service charges.

According to Mexican legend, only the gods were allowed to feast on chocolate. Later the Maya used chocolate as currency. Five beans was the price for a good wife (!). The drink itself was reserved mainly for priests, nobles and the upper classes, with the average person tasting this elixir only on ceremonial occasions. However, Hacienda Xcanatun’s Valentine Chocolate Body Wrap has a vastly different objective. It offers a non-fattening chocolate- fix for people seeking to relieve stress and improve the appearance of their skin. In the intimate spa, staffed by a team of highly trained therapists, the Wrap begins with a rich warm chocolate base gently massaged into the body, then tucked into a warm blanket to speed the production of endorphins, a.k.a happiness molecules. The aroma alone is enough to send someone into chocolate rehab. As the treatment is rinsed away, the skin emerges soothed, softened and glowing and the body is rejuvenated. .

Essential to the Mayas for rebalancing the body and spirit are honey for purification, flowers to cleanse the spirit and herbs to filter negative energy. The special Yucatecan honey comes from the stinger-free Melis Melipona bee, which also acts as a connector to the Mayan gods’ Supreme World. Xcanatun?s most favored spa treatments uses this honey in its Honey & Flower Massage, performed by a Mayan therapist, schooled by her shaman grandfather. During treatment, honey is gently massaged into the body to sooth and eliminates toxins, then flower petals are placed on the body bringing the soul into balance and removing stress. Rose petals are used in winter, frangipani in spring and summer. A host of additional holistic Maya or wellness and beauty treatments, healings, facials, etc. are offered at Xcanatun?s spa — most under $50.

A word about Xcanatun’s Valentine’s Feast ? The setting can be public or private — candlelight dining on the romantic terrace or a meal for only two on the private, second-story balcony. Signature fusion Yucatecan dishes featured include the house specialty, Xtabentun-Glazed Duck (a local honey and herb based liquor used in ancient times as an offering to the gods). For dessert — Coco Loco, a chocolate-shaped coconut filled with coconut mousse and topped with a tangy kiwi coulis.

Carved out of one of the Yucatan?s largest sisal plantations, the restored 18th century Hacienda Xcanatun boasts 13 suites and 5 superior rooms. It is privately owned and managed by an entrepreneurial couple with lifelong ties to the Yucatan and to the Maya. They have incorporated the Maya precept of seeking harmony with nature and the universe throughout the property –in the jungle-like gardens of native plants and flowers, the authentically restored architecture, and design details. Privacy, hospitality, five-star cuisine, and topnotch service are the goals set for their highly trained staff.

For reservations and information call toll free 1-888-883-3633, e-mail hacienda@xcanatun.com or go to the website at www.xcanatun.com

December 31, 2005   Posted in: Mexico