A ravine and spring-fed river lead to a water circuit at Hotel Rodavento
Located about two hours from Mexico City, the colonial-era town of Valle de Bravo is best known for its mountain-ringed lake, where big-city dwellers flock for activities like sailing, kayaking and paragliding. To enjoy the town’s best spa, though, you need to head deep in the forest.
Tucked away in the foothills outside Valle, Hotel Rodavento evokes an idyllic summer camp with its treehouse-inspired accommodations and on-site fun like archery, tree-climbing and zip lining. A woodland path brings you to the Spa’s glass-walled reception, then continues along a natural ravine and spring-fed river up to an indoor/outdoor water circuit and the cozy treatment cabins, each equipped with a terrace and wood-burning fireplace. This April, the Spa is relaunching with three additional cabins and a new menu that draws from traditions of the pre-Hispanic Mazahua culture, which prized the “magic” of medicinal plants.
Beginning with the burning of an energy-cleansing copal incense, the standout Ritual Mazahuas Rodavento features a massage performed using warm, handmade cloth bundles filled with native botanicals like laurel, mint, wormwood, arnica and lemon verbena, then continues with an herb-steeped wrap, organic mini-facial, scalp rub and hydrating rosemary application. Afterwards, relax in the riverside open-air lounge with a cup of house-blend tea, soaking up the restorative energy of the leafy location. hotelrodavento.com