DISCOVER THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF CONTRAST THERAPY: ROSEWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS® EMBRACES THE HEALING BENEFITS OF THERMAL TREATMENTS
Tapping into the restorative powers of hot and cold treatments, Rosewood invites guests to unlock the next level of well-being at select properties worldwide
July 25, 2023
![]()
The temazcal, a traditional Mayan Sweat Lodge, is incorporated into many wellness rituals at Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya
An ever-present concept in the wellness space, contrast therapy is derived from the abundant benefits of exposing the body to hot and cold temperatures in quick succession. Often done in the form of bathing, this practice is known to enhance circulation, relieve tension, improve immunity, and promote mental health. From ancient Roman bathhouses to Japanese onsen bathing and Nordic saunas, the technique is timeless, written in the histories of cultures and communities around the world. With a collection of award-winning spas and wellness destinations across the globe, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® invites guests to discover an exquisite array of contrast therapies this season. Each carefully curated according to the brand’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, the specialty treatments deliver an immersive and effective experience that encourage self-discovery and enhance guests’ physical and mental state.
| "Contrast therapy is a simple yet powerful practice that has been around for centuries, and it is exciting to see the technique implemented in new ways that cater to the routines and lifestyles we have developed as a society today,” said Emmanuel Arroyo, Senior Corporate Director of Wellness at Rosewood Hotel Group. "Driven by Rosewood’s ongoing commitment to providing enriching and locally inspired experiences that create real impact for our guests, we are thrilled to be able to support travelers in their pursuit of health and well-being through these innovative journeys we have created for the summer season." |
Available now throughout the remainder of Summer 2023, treatments include:
- Rosewood Mayakoba: Inspired by ancient Mayan medicine, the resort’s Curative Fire & Ice Therapy features warm and cool stones to relax muscles and provide a deep sense of relaxation. The combination of stone therapy and massage improves circulation, reduces muscular tension, and leaves guests feeling uplifted and invigorated. Rosewood Mayakoba is also home to a traditional Mayan Sweat Lodge that is incorporated into various treatments, along with a cold plunge that guests can couple with other experiences to achieve contrast therapy.
- Rosewood Baha Mar: Influenced by the healing practices of the Arawak Indians who were some of the first inhabitants of the Bahamian Islands, the Arawak Body Balance harnesses the powers of the hot and cold to help strengthen the immune system and offer relief from various illnesses. This ancient remedy commences with a natural exfoliation using a sea sponge to help increase blood flow throughout the body, followed by a body wrap using the Moringa Leaf, known in the Bahamas for its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Guests then gently cool down with a bespoke “Bahamian Ointment” made with rosemary and sage to cleanse and purify the body during a soothing full-body massage.
- Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth: The resort’s Return to Balance treatment pulls from the methods of the Carib people who first settled St. Barth and believed in balancing the body's temperature through hot and cold compresses to treat various maladies. This lost remedy begins with a refreshing salt foot soak and exfoliation, followed by a cooling wrap to improve the overall appearance of the skin. The experience concludes with hot compresses of ginger, lemongrass, and mint, all of which are incredibly effective in releasing blocked energy and relaxing the muscles.
- Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort: Newly debuted on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort’s Asaya Spa indulges guests in a myriad of treatments and therapies rooted in the ancient traditions and natural healing energy of the Kona Coast. Built into the island’s stark black lava flow, the destination’s offerings include the dedicated ‘Anu A Wela’ journey, a hydrotherapy circuit inclusive of steam sauna followed directly by a cold plunge. This combination has been designed to fully awaken the senses ahead of a mamaki tea-infused foot soak ritual that is focused on mindful release through the healing therapies of herbal water. Together these experiences support those looking to rejuvenate the body, slow the mind, and reset the soul, all while using water as a carrier towards deep relaxation. The spa’s cutting-edge facilities further allow for a self-guided introduction to contrast therapy for those who want to explore the benefits of the cold plunge and sauna on their own.
- Rosewood Luang Prabang: Located in the Laotian jungle, Rosewood Luang Prabang’s Sense, A Rosewood Spa® embodies the magic of Laos, where connections to the earth’s elements are profound and natural healing practices transcend the ages. The spa offers a Traditional Lao Herbal Poultice, which is an ancient technique used in Laos by farmers to relieve back pain. The treatment is a combination of heat, steam, and herbs, including Crinum Lily, Camphor Tree, Lao Coriander, White Butterfly Bush, and Lao Rice, that work together to reduce aches, stimulate blood circulation, increase lymphatic drainage, and detoxify and condition the skin.
- Rosewood Miramar Beach: One of Montecito’s top retreats and the only Forbes Five Star Spa in California, Sense, A Rosewood Spa® at Rosewood Miramar Beach draws from its seaside locale to deliver health and wellness practices rooted in both science and nature. New this summer, the CBD Total Reboot Contrast Therapy session beings with a dip in the immersive freestanding cold plunge pool situated on the spa rooftop, set against sweeping mountain and ocean views. Guests then head to the dry sauna and steam rooms for vasodilation and vasoconstriction, together quickening healing and improving blood circulation. This pre-massage ritual prepares the body and mind for further contrast therapy delivered by a Hypervolt percussion tool, a heated lavender compress, and a cooling full-spectrum CBD balm blend.
- Rosewood Villa Magna: This urban oasis, which has quickly become one of the most highly regarded wellness destinations in Madrid, invites guests to enjoy the Mayarit Hammam Ritual, which is inspired by the age-old beauty secrets of the North African Berber women and involves thorough exfoliation using traditional black soap and an authentic Kessa glove. Guests can also experience Balancing Stone Therapy, which utilizes warm and cool stones to relax muscles, calm the nervous system, improve circulation, reduce muscular tension, and eliminate toxins.
- Rosewood Guangzhou: As part of its Asaya Active experience, Rosewood Guangzhou invites guests to enjoy a special Himalayan Salt Sauna, where the effects of the salt stones on the air serve to relieve mental fatigue and regulate the balance of acid within the body. As with traditional saunas, the heat also supports relaxation of the muscles and helps replenish one’s energy stores.
The thermal therapies found at participating Rosewood hotels and resorts provide guests with restorative journeys for the mind, body, and soul during their worldly explorations. Rosewood continues to deliver on its mission to offer wellness therapies designed to help guests connect with themselves and their surroundings, promoting a sense of well-being that lasts long after they leave.
About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages a global collection of 31 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 18 countries. Each Rosewood® property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong and Rosewood São Paulo. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences® offer a distinct opportunity for the ownership or rental of properties co-located with a Rosewood hotel or resort and of standalone for-sale residences. Rosewood Residences are defined by the brand’s commitment to Enriched Living through thoughtful details and experiences that enhance the quality of life while evoking a sense of discovery and inspiration.
For more information, please visit rosewoodhotels.com
Connect with us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WeChat @RosewoodHotels
