Girlfriends and spas go together - just because...

Spas and vacations go together like tequila and margaritas - and they're all a must for a girlfriend getaway in Cancun. Despite being Canadian, which makes me an automatic beach-luster, the spa at the JW Marriott Cancun gave me a delish excuse to drag myself away from the beach to soothe my sun-kissed skin. They didn't disappoint.

quiet, serene, elegant spaLike the rest of the JW Marriott, luxury is the name of the game here. The pool, off to the side of the welcome desk at the spa, serves as the gateway to their 17 treatment room 3,500 sq ft spa. Quiet, serene and elegance without pretence, the pool exemplifies everything I love about the resort itself. Combining Caribbean décor with Mayan inspiration, the result is soothing luxury for the beach-weary traveler. Large vaulted windows overlook the impossibly blue Caribbean sea, tempting you to set up camp in one of the lounge chairs and never, ever leave.

But the spa is calling and one should never be late for a spa treatment...

the spa at JW Marriott Cancun

I visit a lot of spas and I've enjoyed (and sometimes endured) some very unique spa treatments. With 10 days of back to back travel, I choose the most vanilla treatment on the menu - a 90 minute massage. My experience was anything but ordinary though. I never fall asleep on a massage table because, well, I'll be honest, it takes longer than 90 minutes to unhinge all those locks in my shoulders. I fell asleep here though - and I wasn't the only one. There were 6 of us on this Mexican girlfriend getaway and half of us slept through our treatments. I don't know what they're using for massage oil but I approve.

Mayan inspired spa treatments

I love when a spa embraces the culture which surrounds it. The JW Marriott Cancun is obviously part of a larger brand but they pay homage to their Mexican heritage. After pouring over their menu and chatting with staff from the spa, my top recommendations are below. Feel free to prioritize but don't bother choosing - enjoy them all.

The Mayan Rain God Ritual

JW Marriott spa amenitiesThis experience begins with a Chaya Vichy exfoliation, followed by a restoring Chaiay body wrap. It also includes a facial treatment designed to further the mental and physical relaxation. Just say ahhhhhhh...

Eight Greens Phyto Facial
The exotic, herbal active ingredients contained in yucca, hop and an assortment of seeds, along with the potent rejuvenating power of chlorophyll and the oxygenating properties of paprika extract, will enhance the overall tone and elasticity of your skin right away.

Mayan Herbal Exfoliation
A warm exfoliation by a select blend of native herbs, oats and herbal oils is applied and massaged into the skin. The deep penetrating effect of these herbs nourishes the skin and restores an energetic glow of life.

on Cancun's beachesIf you go, please visit the Spa at JW Marriott Cancun resort for prices and booking or JW Marriott Cancun for resort information. Of course, I also highly recommend joining their Facebook and Twitter communities and reading reviews on TripAdvisor for your own 360 view of the resort.

GoGirlfriend loves Mexico so check out our other posts:

• My Cancun Love Affair
• Cancun & the Girlfriend Vacation Rescue
• The Art of Tequila Tasting
• Cancun Vacation Planning

Ever been to Cancun? Enjoyed the spa? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook - and let's share some secrets!

To comply with the long list of regulating bodies, possibly even Geneva Conventions and in the interest of transparency, our trip to Cancun was sponsored. Commentary and perspectives are those of GoGirlfriend.