For the past few years, Capella Pedregal’s Auriga Spa has been taking home a number of accolades from such publications as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor, with awards such as #6 spot on the “Top 25 Spas in the World” and making the “World’s Best Hotel Spa” list. But it wasn’t until I was able to experience the facility this past January, that I really understood why it was such a standout.
Through a large, hand-carved wooden door, the spa sits inside a 32,800-square-foot space that is decorated in neutrals, dark wood and rich reds and greens. The property recommends arriving early enough to take some time to enjoy fresh beverages and healthy eats prior to your treatment. Cucumber water, dried fruits, sesame seed bites and chlorophyll-infused water are all part of the Auriga Spa experience.
To one side sits a relaxation room with reading materials, cozy loungers and a warm, dimly lit atmosphere that may just have you taking a quick snooze before your massage. The women’s lounge includes a shower area, sauna, steam room, ice room and a Jacuzzi. Throughout your spa day, attendants make sure to check in and see if there is anything you are lacking, without being overbearing.
Before any treatment, guests will receive a complimentary foot cleansing in which spa therapists use curanderismo (a traditional healing method) on your feet while using herbs and warm water to ease your tired soles. A calming tea is also served as you sit and relax.
Wellness treatments are all inspired by one of the moon’s phases and the spa offers four signature services designed with the varying energies of the lunar cycle in mind. The facility also uses 100 percent natural products from The Organic Pharmacy.
Sitting in pods overlooking the spa’s indoor/outdoor pool, the treatment rooms feature sliding glass doors and thick curtains that can be left open to hear the sound of the waterfalls or to view out onto the pool area. On the pool’s patio, guests can lounge on chairs and receive massages under the warm sun and cool Cabo San Lucas breezes.
During the 60-minute therapeutic full body massage, the therapist uses acupressure, myofascial release and deep tissue techniques to work through muscle tension. Describing each step, she flowed through her process and made sure to check in on pressure levels and inquired about problem areas.
Auriga Spa has a real sense of place and does a great job of incorporating traditional Mexican techniques into its treatments. There’s a real feeling of peace inside its walls, an inviting quiet that reminds you of what a vacation should feel like—a time for relaxation and pampering.
