Powers of the Past

Spa Palmera’s ancient practices lead to balance and well-being.

Sometimes to move forward, it’s important to recognize the power of the past. That’s why Spa Palmera is turning to ancient healing practices to help restore one’s balance and harmony. This season, Spa Palmera introduces its Wellness Collection, a series of services that bring a holistic, healing practice into our modern lives.

Inside the 50,000-square-foot spa that has recently received Five Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the Spa Palmera team is debuting a selection of therapies meant to complement its award-winning services that include Natura Bissé facials and ritual baths. “We want to make 2024 more about body-mind-energy flow and elevating the well-being component,” says Tatiana Reginello, Senior Spa Operations Manager.

One of the most exciting new services is the sound vibration therapy. Guests are invited to tap into the power of tonal frequencies and vibrations to allow the body to align on a cellular level. Research has shown that sound frequencies can slow down brain waves to a deeply restorative state, which activates the body’s self-healing. Credited as a practice introduced by the Australian Aboriginals 40,000 years ago, today’s version at Spa Palmera is available in 60- and 90-minute programs with a dedicated therapist leading the service.

Once inside the quiet, dimly lit therapy room, guests are invited to relax among Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. They are also given their choice of chakra stones to hold, which have been said to help heal and restore balance. All together, sound vibrational therapy is known to release cell blockage, opening energy flow for a healthy alignment. “This service is perfect for anybody who is always on the go and needs a little rebalance in their lives, or looking to do something different,” says Reginello.

Other new services include Reiki and Palmera reflexology, two practices that allow guests to check their energy levels to ensure their flow is positive and nourishing. With Reiki, the therapists will place their hands either lightly on the guest or slightly above the guest to introduce the flow of healthy energy through the body to reduce stress and promote healing. Developed in the early 1900s in Japan, Reiki has been known to elicit a sense of calm and reduce stress.

Similarly, the Palmera reflexology treatment is a rejuvenating treatment that allows the guest to experience healing while being pampered. It begins with a Himalayan salt scrub that’s followed by warm paraffin on the feet. The therapist focuses on specific points on the feet that are said to correlate with certain areas of the body. For example, the center of the foot is associated with the kidney, and the arch of the foot is connected to the pancreas. A goal is to release any energy blocks, as well as nourish the skin.

Also debuting this season are the Abhyanga and Shirodhara massages. Considered ayurvedic systems that are rooted in India’s deep history, both treatments use the power of soothing essential oils to relax the body and mind. That, coupled with a rhythmic massage, is known to bring harmony and balance to the guest. “These treatments help align the flow of energy with their very rhythmic, long strokes,” Reginello says. “In addition, the oils have the ability to soothe, energize, or calm, allowing for a better flow of energy.”

The final addition to the Wellness Collection menu is the Gemstone Awakening Massage, which uses warm volcanic stones and cool lapis lazuli stones to target pressure points with deep therapeutic work. The contrast therapy with hot and cold can help improve blood circulation, as well as energize the mind and body.

With the new slate of wellness treatments, Reginello suggests taking turns with each service to see which ones best align with the guest’s needs at the moment. “Each service will address everybody’s needs in some way, and we’re excited for our members and guests to try them.”