A short distance from ancient Mayan sites and located right in the center of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Panama Jack Resorts Cancun is an all-inclusive, family-friendly escape designed for all ages. The Mexican resort features luxurious suites with ocean views, pristine swimming pools, as well as an array of activities including mini golf and premier golf courses, beachfront yoga, and multiple restaurant options.

The property’s Aura Spa offers a traditional approach to modern-day wellness with stress-relieving treatments and age-old Mayan-inspired treatments. Facilities include a hydrotherapy circuit with a steam bath, outdoor tub, and sauna, in addition to a beauty salon that offers manis and pedis, hair and makeup services, and more. We interviewed Spa Manager Alejandra Sotomayor, who provided insider tips, recommended treatments, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: The spa deck, which was built as part of the hotel launch in 2017, has become a guest favorite. Located just steps from the Caribbean Sea, the spa deck provides guests with a quiet space to disconnect while enjoying the peace and quiet of one of the most noteworthy beaches in all of Mexico.

Guests of Aura Spa can enjoy outdoor massages on the beach.

Key Features: In our case, it’s not about the amenities as much as it is about the guest’s experience. When we were building out what the Panama Jack Resorts experience would be, the concept of Aura Spa was born. We wanted to create an environment that offered guests a remarkable yet personalized experience. As a result, we created a simple, straightforward spa menu with the intent that guests can curate an experience based upon their personal preference. If two guests decide on the same treatment, their outcomes will be distinctly different based upon their needs and what they are looking to accomplish. Each technician is trained to create an experience that is personalized for each guest, so the menu is simply meant to be a guide. We don’t sell massages—we guide you through your wellness journey.

Bonus: The spa deck. When you purchase a treatment, use of the spa deck is included. As a bonus, it’s semi-private so the space is ideal for couples or small groups, including bachelorette parties.

Insider’s Tip: Most spas and spa professionals recommend that you arrive anywhere from a half hour to an hour prior to a treatment to relax and prepare for your treatment. While I agree, I believe that anyone enjoying spa time should also block out some time following their treatment to enjoy the facilities and not rush back to the pool or beach—this especially applies to guests that are traveling with their families. Spending an extra half hour of “me” time in the hot tub, sauna, or steam room following a treatment can make a big difference.

Snacks Served: In addition to a daily variety of fruit fusions, liquid chlorophyll is a staple at Aura Spa for several reasons. You may have heard the term “green juice” before. This is one of the main ingredients, just in a more concentrated form. The color is derived from a natural pigment found in green plants, which is known for its detoxification properties and in some countries is considered a medicinal medicine. It’s also rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and offers easy-to-digest nutrients. My team and I drink it daily, so we walk the walk so to speak.

The spa offers a variety of couples treatments for ultimate relaxation time together.

Splurge Treatment: For guests looking to immerse themselves in the culture of the destination, the Mayan Ritual is a must-try. It’s not so much of a treatment as it is an entire experience. It combines elements only found in the Yucatan and dates back to Mayan/pre-Hispanic times. This ritual induces a sense of wellness using a holistic approach.

Couples massages can be enjoyed side-by-side on the beach.

Unique Treatment: Our signature treatment is the Tequila Sunrise Massage. It’s a journey through all five senses and includes aromatherapy, warm massage wax (think paraffin), and an oil derived from the agave plant. In fact, it was showcased on an episode of the television show “The Doctors” for being an ode to Mexico.

Insider’s Favorite: Hands down, the Tequila Sunrise Massage. The concept is out-of-the-box and offers different yet complimentary experiences within a single treatment. The concept of the treatment was a collaboration between the spa teams at Panama Jack so it’s personal. We designed the experience with our guests in mind, and our team is passionate about delivering a memorable experience that guests won’t soon forget.

Featured Products: We’re continuing to evolve and are dedicated to offering products that resonate with our guests. Since opening, Aura Spa has been a guest favorite, but long term we’ll look to further diversify our product offerings.