Belmond Maroma Spa, by Guerlain Spas

The spa formed part of the Belmond Maroma refurbishment project. Set in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it draws inspiration from the surrounding nature and ancient Mayan traditions.

We captured the essence of Mayan culture through pattern, texture, and local artisanal craft. The pebbled floor pattern of the apothecary was based on the Melipona beehive (a bee found only in this area), with non-concentric circular pebble inlays. The reception and consultation room took on organic shapes and forms, with the insertion of bold hand-crafted furniture to take on true Mayan form. We used ancient glyphs and traditional geometric carvings to bring the treatment rooms to life and transport the customer to the ancient surrounding cultures.

All materiality was locally sourced and manufactured with great care, in local palapa workshops.

The entire spa is a story telling journey, with the four elements (fire, water, air and earth) being drawn upon to breathe life to the Mayan heritage.  

I designed the spa with great care and attention to every detail. And coordinated with all external consultants to ensure that the designs gave the spa its intended cultural experience.

Spa facilities: Retail and reception area with consultation lounges. Apothecary with herb labyrinth (including a designed trellis with vanilla plants so visitors can experience the only naturally pollinated vanilla flowers on earth). Nine treatment rooms. Saunas and a steam room. An experience chamber set within a freestanding palapa. A hydro-pool and adjoining recovery and relaxion cabanas/palapas. A fully equipped gym and yoga studio.