Renova Spa — Local services in Playa del Carmen

Definitely not a fantastic experience like you’d hope for. We booked online for the moonlight massage which takes place under the gazebo on the beach. Once we arrive for our stay, we checked out the location and it was right next to all the other guests lounge chairs so not very private like we had hoped. Plus the latest you could book the massage for was 6pm so it wouldn’t be “moonlight”. On top of that, it was hot so we’d recommend to skip any outside massages. All this to say, we had a booking change a few days before our massage to move it inside. They were able to accommodate but apparently the changes didn’t persist because they expected us outside on the day of our massage. Fortunately, they were able to take us 15min later than our appointment time. Also, we actually won a free 25min massage from a game during the nightly entertainment. When trying to book it, the receptionist said it was only available for outside (no please) and at 1:30pm. Not that they only had appointments at 1:30 but that the freebie could only be booked at 1:30. This directly contradicted what the hotel staff told us when we won it.

Onto the massage. The massage was decent but not anything we’d do again. We have had several massages before, many being about half the price, that were much better. I had to ask for more pressure and the therapist adjusted so no issues there. The room was extremely cold and the lights were on full blast so you didn’t get the relaxing experience you should when receiving a massage.

Didn’t have any issues with oil or smell like other reviews have mentioned.

Overall, I’d probably skip this location and search for somewhere in town with...

Buyer Beware Overpriced 'spa' experience. The spa is not relaxing at all. There is no lounge where you can relax before and after. The thermal pools in the spa are open to everyone at the hotel, not just paying spa guests. Which would be fine if that was stated when you're paying for a spa priced massage. When we finished our massage and wanted to use the thermal pools, it was like MTV spring break 1995 in there (loud, obnoxious drunk people, and no room whatsoever to relax). When we brought this to the attention of the manager Omar all he could say was "the point is, we're an all inclusive resort". Well that'd be an acceptable explanation if my massage was included. Save your money and go into town to get a massage for 1/4...

What oil do you use for the massage? Wesson? The masseuse held a hand under my nose of some fragrant oil (eucalyptus or lavender) and then preceded to rub us down with what smelled and felt like cooking oil. YUCK!

Disgusting odor stayed with us on the beach for the rest of the day and attracted small flies. It would not even come off by swimming in the ocean. We had to scrub it off in the shower. Still feel like a baking pan the next day...

Good massage but could have spent a lit more time on my back and shoulders.

Ditch the nasty grease and get some proper...