As sargassum seaweed becomes a bigger issue around the globe due to the warming seas and more active ocean currents, tourist destinations around the world are facing the challenges of what to do with all of it that washes up on local beaches.
Muluk Spa at Hotel Xcaret Arte in Cancún is one of tourism businesses providing services to visitors that is finding some creative solutions to the seaweed problem in the Mexican Caribbean. Their latest invention? Utilizing the coastline menace to enhance beauty and overall health in their spa treatments.
A Pampered Day at the Spa
Ah, a relaxing day at the spa is a must do for any Cancún luxury traveler. Walking into the Muluk Spa gets a visitor in the mood for a fantastic rejuvenating and relaxing treatment session.
Nuzzling into the treatment room, the guest can only imagine the amazing wellness service they are about to receive. A definite tropical escape awaits.
The skilled practitioner enters the room to start the long-awaited spa treatment with….what’s that? Seaweed?
Yes, the trained spa professional enters with seaweed for the Muluk Spa’s signature Tropical Kelp Exfoliation. Alright, they call it a more luxurious “kelp” but really it is related to the same seaweed, or Sargassum, we all hate on the beaches of Cancún.
Tropical Kelp Exfoliation
According to the spa treatment catalog, the 30-minute Tropical Kelp Exfoliation treatment is promoted as “delightful sensations to the touch and smell, with an impeccable renewing technique. Marine salts from ocean foam energize the body and eliminate toxins from the skin leaving it smooth and clean.”
Strangely enough, it is billed as ocean foam instead of the seaweed most people would be offended to have as part of their treatment. Especially at a price of $175.
It is not the only common item used to enhance skin health at Muluk. They also incorporate honey, cacao, clay and corn to relax and rejuvenate the faces and bodies of travelers.
However, amazingly enough seaweed has some amazing qualities that are actually good for your health.
Skin Benefits of Seaweed
According to Epicuren.com, seaweed has a number of healthy elements for skincare including Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron, Vitamin B12 (Niacin) and even Choline.
These are all important ingredients to maintain good skin health.
It also contributes to hydration, volumization, aging reduction, fine line reduction, detoxification and even protection of facial skin.
In fact, seaweed is a commonly found base additive in many lotions that are used to protect, promote and assist with healthy skin.
What Travelers Need to Know
While it may be strange to enter a high-end spa in a tropical luxury resort destination in Cancún and be treated with seaweed, it actually is a smart way to leverage an unwanted ocean product.
Instead of collecting and disposing of Sargassum from the beaches of Cancún and other tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, the better idea is to find a way to leverage its many benefits to enhance the visitor experience.
Muluk Spa at Hotel Xcaret Arte is a making a difference in this initiative and hopefully will encourage others in Cancún to leverage this weed from the sea for tourism.