Luxury Spafinder Magazine featured Belize in a 10-page spread on its January-February 2008 issue in what they called “The Insider’s Guide, Belize” where it compared the top four Spa Resorts in the country. Included in the article is a review on Cayo Espanto, off the shores of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, which featured spa treatments from San Pedro’s very own massage therapist Kristi Gonzalez.
Ann Abel described Belize as not being the world’s greatest spa destination, but described her experience as a great combination of ecotourism and spa-going. “Both involve unplugging from the world, connecting with nature, and having fun while keeping fit. Who needs a gym when you can climb Maya ruins and kayak out to that reef?” she quoted.
She spent 12 days in Belize and visited two beach hideaways – Cayo Espanto (Ambergris Caye) and Turtle Inn (Placencia) and two jungle lodges – the Lodge at Chaa Creek and Blancaneaux, both in the Cayo District. Her report on Belize, she says, turned out to be surprisingly rich in spa spirit.
At Cayo Espanto, Ann Abel describes how their attention revolves around their guests and the relaxing and almost isolated atmosphere of the island. Her spa treatment was given by Sanpedrana Kristi Gonzalez, a certified massage therapist, who caters to resorts around the island and has garnered exclusive clientele.
Ann Abel had this to say about Kristi, “Shy and unassuming, Kristi Gonzalez has patience and persistence that belie her short tenure (three years as a therapist, after learning massaging in Atlanta and Florida). She painstakingly applied and removed a coffee scrub, and doggedly kneaded my shoulders until the knots came undone. But it was her focus that impressed me most. When it began to rain during a massage on my veranda, she had me get up so she could move the table inside, then regained her flow almost immediately. By the end of the treatment, I’d nearly forgotten the interruption.”
Luxury SpaFinder Magazine is a bi-monthly travel and lifestyle publication specializing in the spa experience. Its readers are among the most affluent and well-educated demographic in the U.S. The majority are women with large discretionary incomes who are health-conscious and avid travelers. Luxury SpaFinder Magazine covers the full spectrum of spa experiences, including: global destination, hotel and resort spas, medical spas, day spas, home spa design, fashion, beauty products and cuisine. To read Ann Abel’s article on her Belize spa experience log on to www.spafinder.com.
