In early November Megan, our original Cyber Maid of Honour, went on vacation (yes, surprisingly, travel professionals actually take a vacation). She chose Mexico and found several interesting spots that make Mexico a great destination for a wedding.
While Megan and her husband stayed at the Gran Bahia Principe Coba in Mexico (review to come), they made the most of their vacation and toured around. Here are two sizzling finds they had to share:
Jungle Spa Plant
Jungle Spa Review
The Spa is located on the outskirts of the fishing town of Puerto Morelos and is a little tricky to find, but well worth the effort. The ride to the spa is remote and is the “real” Mexico, and how real Mexicans live.
When we arrived we found Sandra and she told us her story. Sandra is an American and she started the Jungle Spa as a social outreach project for the local women. She’s a neat lady- very likeable, kind of eccentric but incredibly interesting!
She offered us a shot of D’Aristi’s Xtabentun before we got our massages. Similar to Sambuca, but I digress. While sipping on this Mayan liqueur she asked questions about any medical issues, the type of massage you wanted, etc. We emailed her and set the appointments in advance, they also have a market on the weekends during high season.
You get your massage in different areas separated by sheets. Nothing fancy…you are in the jungle! This is massage at its best. Don’t expect fluffy luxury, but expect good, clean, rustic, natural surroundings.
The Mayan women really get in tune with your body and work it through and find all your knots, even the navel heartbeat and position it correctly. There are many different types of massage, with additional services also such as the aloe wrap, chocolate massage, etc.
With wild jungle birds in the background, fresh air breezing over you, soothing music playing in the background, and hands, feet and knees that know what they are doing is simply remarkable. Just like you go to a restaurant for its food, not really for its decor or what glass they serve the wine in, etc., this Jungle Spa is a place for true to the word massages.
Visit this spa and you will not be disappointed. Both massages were awesome. This was an unforgettable experience, but definitely not a once in a lifetime because we will be back!
Here is an excerpt from the website:
The women’s hands are blessed with the gift from Gods. They have been given the “DON” or “HEALING HANDS” and they will work magic on your body. The Jungle Spa is operated by the non-profit organization, Lu’um K’aa Nab, directed by Sandra A. Dayton. The Spa was created so that the local women could benefit from the tourists coming to the area and make money for their families. We want visitors to experience a fabulous, unforgettable Mayan massage for less than half of what they could pay at a 5 star resort. A win, win situation for everyone and where cross cultural friendships are made. We are waiting for you!
TEEXOB (you are me and I am you)
The Jungle Place (Kuxi Ka’ax)
For a surreal interaction with rescued spider monkeys, Joel and Heidi, who run this centre are fabulous hosts.
Be sure to use Heidi’s directions to The Jungle Place as even the local taxi drivers do not seem to know where this place is – it seems to be a closely guarded secret but well worth the effort to find. Heidi and Joel’s passion for their work is clear to see, a true labour of love. Click here for their story.
Jo-anne, Ian, James & Cole Ferguson
Initially you sit around a table with your fellow group members and are given some snacks for the monkeys. You then enter the enclosure 2/3 at a time until the entire group 8/9 is in and seated on the floor. We spent nearly 2 hours interacting, feeding and holding the monkeys.
Of course, as with any place, there are rules for when you go in with the monkeys:
- No mosquito repellent
- No suntan lotion
- No cold sores or infections
- No loose jewellery
- Nothing in your pockets
One lady in our group had to turn her top inside out because of the decorative beads. Please be careful if you go and respect the rules.
Visitor numbers are limited as not to exploit the monkeys and not overwhelm them and also to allow all the “guests” to interact with the monkeys. This interaction allows you to get close to these animals, and feel so privileged. It is really an experience which will last a lifetime.
Luna is an independent monkey and does her own thing and you are warned every time she comes near. She quickly empties most of the snacks from hands of the visitors! When I went to leave Luna grabbed me by the leg and didn’t want me to leave! It was pretty funny and so much fun.
Joel and Heidi really have dedicated their lives to rescuing these monkeys and have a great natural environment for these feisty, adorable creatures. Of course the whole experience is fun, but the well-being and protection of the monkeys are really the most important part of this experience.
We strongly recommend going to Kuxi Ka’ax, but do yourself a favor and do a little research on this rescue, spider monkey poaching, and what to expect from your visit. The monkeys can become very comfortable with you, and may even let you hug them and rock them like a baby!
Please Note
We had such a great time at the monkey sanctuary that we told all our friends and family about it. This accompanying image is of my cousins and their kids who enjoyed a vacation in Mexico two weeks ago. If Mexico was such a scary place, would I send my family there?
Monkeys, dolphins, sun, palm trees, tequila, upgrade to a suite. One amazing family vacation. Jo-Anne Ferguson.
If you’re considering a destination wedding in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico, both the Jungle Spa and Jungle Place are worth mentioning to your guests!
Have you had a chance to experience either the Mayan Riviera or these two Mexico destination spots?
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