Murrieta, a small spa located in the coastal town of Murrieta, Costa Rica, is one of the few locales in the Western Hemisphere that offer a full range of holistic services from massage to Ayurvedic treatment. Located in close proximity to the tropical Caribbean Sea, Murrieta’s warm climate and rich marine life provide an ideal location for massage and Ayurveda spas. The spa is open daily, and offers various packages depending on the level of service and sophistication of the facilities. Many of the services include deep sea massage, which utilizes the most advanced equipment and techniques. It is also the destination for special treatments such as facials, microdermabrasion, reflexology, and Thai massage.
Murrieta is home to numerous spas, some with traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian techniques and others that combine these cultural roots with more modern techniques. A typical morning at any of the spas in Murrieta will begin with a warm cleansing and massage treatment. Special attention is given to the soft tissue areas of the body, which are often ignored by westerners. After a soothing massage, the client is encouraged to participate in the natural healing process by adding fresh herbs and flower petals to the massage oil. Some spas even have small chapels on the premises where guests may leave their towels and soap.
Several spas in Murrieta offer additional services such as detoxifying foot pads, which are used during the actual treatment session. This helps restore proper balance to the body’s inner system. Some spas also use traditional Hawaiian healing ceremonies, such as Laka Kua, Ka’eleku, and other traditional practices. Some spas also emphasize nutrition counseling, as well as prenatal classes and education on healthy diets. Some specialize in Reiki, a Japanese technique that promotes the positive flow of energy throughout the patient’s body.