By William Tomicki
Magical Mayan Mexico. For those who do not see massages and facials as cultural experiences, there is new insight to be gained from the Mayan-inspired treatments offered at the luxurious Ikal del Mar Resort Spa near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Based on rituals from the Mayan culture, guests can soothe themselves with choices ranging from steam baths in traditional temezcalli stone saunas, moonlight massages in the warm Caribbean, and even a seaside wedding ceremony in colorful Mayan dress. A descendent of a sixteenth-century Mayan shaman has developed these therapies to reflect the beliefs and rituals that promoted the legendary energy of the Mayan civilization. For example, the Moon Massage in the Sea, in which guests are surrounded by fire torches and lulled by the surf, moonlight, and massage therapist’s deep strokes, draws its inspiration from the protective energy the Mayans attributed to the moon. Many diverse classes and treatments are available at the palapa-roofed spa or in the romantic jungle hut for two. Ikal del Mar’s thirty mahogany and stone villas, tropical butler service, and “Mex-iterranean” cuisine combine to deliver total perfection of Mayan chic. For more information call (888) 230-7330 or visit www.ikaldelmar.com.
Intrepid travelers to Belize can go cave tubing and explore through a veritable living museum – river cave systems where ancient Mayan ceremonial centers, pottery, artifacts, altars, obsidian blood letting blades, jade, and the actual footprints of Shamans and priests dating back to 400 C.E. are still seen. Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge offers special summer tubing and exploration packages that ensure the most from this unique experience. Accommodations are located in the heart of the rainforest, providing guests of the Jungle Lodge an unmatched opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings. Thatched-roof cabanas in the traditional Mayan style are available at affordable prices. Cave tubing – exploring caves by floating through them in an inner tube – costs $95 per person; a combination tubing and cave exploration is $85 per person. This spectacular world of looming stalactites and eerie, filtered light is truly unique. Contact Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge at www.cavesbranch.com. For more information about Belize, contact the tourism board at (800) 624-0686 or visit www.travelbelize.org.
The eight-day Psychic & Spiritual Healing Cruise is the only cruise offered for those wanting to combine cruising with life-transforming experiences, including intimate workshops with psychic mediums, past-life regression, and other metaphysical talent. Traveling from October 26 – November 3, 2004 the cruise departs out of Fort Lauderdale and travels to Limon, Costa Rica; Belize; and Colon, Panama. Fares start at $1,360 per person, including one half-hour private psychic reading and all workshop fees. Workshops are held only on days at sea, so as not to conflict with leisure and ports of call. For more information visit www.intuitivevision.com, or for exclusive cruise bookings, contact Marilyn Keemer, Corporate Cruzin, mscruiselady@corporatecruzin.com or (800) 231-7447 Ext.163.
Intuitive Vision Network is a New York City-based company dedicated to organizing empowerment retreats, psychic cruises, and helping those who need to navigate towards calmer waters in their lives. They are now in their fifth year, having touched the lives of many, especially the bereaved.
July/August 2004
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