The best way to learn a language — or understand a culture — is to surround yourself with it. And Maroma Resort & Spa, a luxury Mexico hotel in the Riviera Maya, is making it easier to pamper yourself while the learning process takes place. They’ve launched a program, Maroma’s Mexican Immersion, which aims to incorporate as much of the local culture into daily resort life as possible — from traditional spa treatments and Mexican cuisine to staff who, when requested, will converse only in Spanish.
As part of the Mexican Immersion program, guests can experience a Mayan Temazcal. A therapeutic cleansing ritual known for its healing properties, the Temazcal is one of the richest traditional spa experiences in Mayan culture. Carried out at dusk, this ritualistic treatment weaves together ancient traditions, chants and meditationto provide deep physical detoxification combined with mental calm and relaxation.
Mexican cuisine takes center stage at the hotel’s new La Cantina restaurant, where Noches de Cantina is a twice-weekly event with a diverse menu of botanas (home-style dishes), including fideo seco (dry noodles with chipotle, avocado and fresh cheese) and cordero rostizado (roasted suckling lamb), served alongside home-brewed beers, a range of tequilas and the local favorite, Mezcal. The evening is completed by vibrant Mexican music and dancing.
The Spanish Language Immersion program sounds appropriate for travelers looking to absorb a bit of language and culture, without having to cut back on the luxurious amenities or devote time to a set class schedule. Guests can wear a special pulsera (bracelet) signalling to the resort team that they wish to communicate in Spanish only. To help guests along, Spanish-English dictionaries are placed in every room along with a “cheat-sheet” of helpful phrases. Maroma’s 2:1 staff to guest ratio ensures guests plenty of people with whom to practice.
Guests can partake in a private walking tour of Maroma, where staff will discuss the iconic symbols that make up the property’s history, combined with their cultural and social importance.
Maroma’s Mexican Immersion programme costs from U.S.$240 per person and can be added to any holiday at the hotel. The price includes a Temazcal spa experience, an evening at Noches de Cantina including a special menu of Botanas and a tasting of Mezcal and beer, a tour of Maroma and the Spanish Language Immersion program. Nightly rates at Maroma Resort and Spa start from US$575 based on two sharing a Deluxe Garden View Room, including breakfast. For more information, visit www.orient-express.com.
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Category: Mexico