For our first international project, during an era when many spas were buried in air-conditioned bunkers, we sought to shake up the status quo – by taking direct cues from the land and a light touch with the built environment to create an entirely new spa experience that is heightened and harmonized by nature.
“Esperanza” means hope: and the entire spa embodies this positive ethos, along with a deep sense of relaxation. A layered journey that unfolds in a series of environments that seamlessly blend with the landscape, the entire experience is designed to frame and filter the profound healing effects of nature.
The outdoor contrast bathing circuit – called Aqua de la Esperanza (The Waters of Esperanza) was also groundbreaking at the time when few Americans understood the therapeutic and recovery benefits of alternating between hot and cold temperatures. Rather than a passive amenity, the spa curated a self-directed sequence to kickstart the body’s natural self-healing power while educating the guest. Like many other original signature offerings within the spa, this circuit remains a mainstay of the current experience.
Similar attention to detail and care remains a fixture of the spa’s refreshment program – highlighting local produce hand-crafted at the spa, in the form of refreshing juices (Aguas Frescas) and homemade ice pops (Paletas) that reflect the culinary traditions of Mexico while elevating the hospitality proposition in an authentic and impactful manner.
Receiving the coveted Forbes 5-Star Award winners throughout its entire history, the Spa as Esperanza is still considered ‘outstanding, iconic, virtually flawless service, with amazing facilities’ 20 years later.
