Sandra's Jungle Spa — Local services in Puerto Morelos

My wife and I have been receiving wonderful massages at the Jungle Spa for several years. There have been so many we have stopped counting (over seven separate visits). Every time it has been a superb massage experience.

This visit was in December 2020

LOCATION: The Jungle Spa is located in Puerto Morales, west the main highway. It is on Calle Dos and is not readily accessible by foot. We took a taxi from a local hotel. The drive there takes you through the town to the west to a quiet area in the jungle where the spa is located. Enter through the nondescript gate and walk along the short, winding gravel path and be greeted by one or more of the rescue dogs Sandra has adopted, to the main palapa area.

BACKGROUND: Sandra takes time to explain her business and how she came about to be in such a location. It is informative and provides insight and context. She employs local women who possess innate skills of not only relieving stress and muscle tightness but also detecting physical "issues" you might not have been aware of in the first place.

INTRODUCTIONS: Sandra takes the time to have the massage staff present as you are asked to provide details of any specific ailments or injuries that you might have. This is an important process as you may have booked an hour massage but found out that the more appropriate massage would be a longer, more comprehensive treatment. This is not an attempt to elicit more money from you, it is a genuine attempt to provide you with the most worthwhile massage experience. Unlike many resort-based spas, you are assessed and provided with the most beneficial massage rather than being "sold" a product off a list.

MASSAGE AREAS: The massage tables are set up in various palapas, some with two or more tables. Although the decor is minimal, it provides more than adequate privacy and cleanliness. The warm breezes flow freely through the tents and there are fans to assist if needed. There are restroom facilities on site in a separate building.

THE MASSAGE: I had the 1h 30min Mayan massage. My masseuse Carolina was able to locate and relieve several stressed and knotted areas. She also used some ropes hanging from the beams for support as she applied foot pressure to my back and legs (see photo).

FOLLOW-UP: After the massage there is an opportunity to meet with Sandra and the masseuses to get feedback. This is very important as the masseuses' English is limited and the assessment translation from Sandra is insightful as to what issues you may have and what future massages may be beneficial.

The Jungle Spa is a fabulous place that provides not only a superb massage but is imminently conscious of the local area, traditions and it's people. It is a testament to the quality and dedication that they all provide. Overall a great business and experience. A real gem. Highly...

Good experience that soured towards the end on price: I have just left Sandra’s Jungle Spa, where I had a great massage with an experienced masseuse. She was kind, helpful and effective. Alarm bells started to ring, however, when I got into the room and she stated that the service would cost 2000 pesos. I had spoken with Sandra on the phone beforehand and she was very clear that it would be 1700 pesos. I had 200 denominations with me, so in total 2050 or so. I suspected that the masseuse was trying make a little extra on the side, so didn’t worry about it and decided that I would settle up with Sandra after anyway. After some chit chat, I asked how much it would be and she said “2000” I said “so not the 1700 you stated on the phone?” She said no (with confidence) because you got the delux package (the same deluxe package that she said on the phone was 1700 pesos or $90 dollars if paying in that currency [I only had pesos]. I paid it, however it left a very bad taste in my mouth and made things quite awkward. The masseuse would’ve gotten an extra 100 from me anyway, but asking for more than the agreed price meant that I had little money left over (thankfully, I had my back cards but little cash now). It seems like the long conversation that Sandra initiates at the beginning of the visit is a way of both selling the benefits of the massage but also encouraging you to put your hand in your pocket and not feel cheated when she springs a new price on you. I don’t like dishonesty and frankly, it’s a bit ironic to accuse a rival business of being deceitful and then deceive the customers that do choose to come to you. I suspect that had that rival business not been fully booked at the time I emailed them and I had not already booked with Sandra when they let me know of a cancellation, this wouldn’t have happened. I hope that prospective customers find this review helpful.

reply to owner on 26.10.23 There are multiple reviews where customers were either deceived on price or on the services you offer, despite quoting the website or agreeing it with you/the masseuse prior to the service. As we discussed (and you could tell by my accent”) I am from the UK and was here on vacation. I find it very sad and highly misleading to people reading this that you would pretend that you did not quote me 1700 pesos/$90 on the phone and very clearly. 2000 pesos is nearly $110 dollars, so as a lie, it doesn’t even add up. I wish the Mayan women well and please send my...

Two lovely ladies from the US tipped me off about this amazing place so I had to give it a go. Absolutely the hidden gem of Puerto Morelos if you want a genuine Mayan Massage and in such a tranquil setting.

Sandra is such an amazing lady who has lived life and settled here in Puerto Morelos. Sandra made it her mission to help Mayan women to be able to work by being able to bring their healing hands and creative talents to us all.

On arrival I was struck by the peace and the ambience of the place. I knew I was somewhere special. I enjoyed a great chat with Sandra before being taken off for the deluxe massage followed by the aloe and banana leaf wrap. The Mayan Deluxe is 1hr 45 minutes is 12O US or 2,000 pesos. The fresh aloe wrap 30 minutes 30 dollars and my goodness the best 3 hours of my trip. The Mayan women have healing hands and without words my ailments correctly identified and worked out of my body. It was the most thorough massage, expertly given and in the peace and tranquility of the spa. After the Deluxe Massage I had the aloe Vera and banana leaf wrap.Fresh Aloe grown by the Mayan women and generously applied from head to toe and covered in Banana leaves. I was woken to find my hair had been beautifully braided during the wrap and I felt absolutely amazing from top to toe I could have stayed there all day!

Before leaving I also purchased a great hand embroidered beach bag (with a zip) and made by the lovely Mayan ladies who sell a range of handmade memories also. It’s cash only I don’t think Apple Pay would work in this lovely place so bring pesos or dollars. Sandra very accurately translated to me the ailments that were picked up during my massage and I can see why Sandra calls it a “tune up” it really was! I will return to Sandra and the lovely Mayan ladies every time I am back. You won’t find a massage like it anywhere in Cancun, incredibly well priced and a massage like no other. Thank you Sandra “ mi hermana” and my thanks to your lovely Mayan Ladies for the healing and peace they gave to me and my beauty swan...