Spaaah

The trend of luxury spas in Mexico, and particularly in vacation hot spots like Puerto Vallarta, shows no signs of slowing. From elegant resort spas scented with essence of orange and bergamot to Aztec-inspired day spas, each has its own personality and signature treatments. Competition keeps creativity high, with an ever-changing menu of new treatments, many using native products like sage, aloe vera, and even tequila. El Tamarindo. This Gilligan's Island-style spa has no steam, sauna, gym, whirlpool, elegant lounge or fancy extras. What it does have is two plain, rustic treatment rooms and some of the best treatments and staff in Pacific Mexico.

Swiss spa manager Reto Kade administers one of the most authentic temazcals around. The vibe is more convivial warmth than nonchalant New Age. Products prepared by the friendly technicians -- made with lemon grass, aloe vera, fresh coconut and mineral-laced mud -- supplement organic spa products by Miguett.

The most popular treatment is the signature seaside massage. Other favorites are the cleansing and hydrating coconut body exfoliation, and the Tonameyotl Teocuitlatic facial, which employs a mixture of champagne and real gold.

A brand new facility, which is to be built halfway up the adjacent cliff by early 2007 will be a welcome addition.

BODY TREATMENTS & SERVICES: Exfoliation; massage; wraps, scrubs and body treatments (11 types); temazcal sweat lodge; yoga and Chi-Kung classes; meditation.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS: Facials; manicure; pedicure.

PRICES: Body treatments $67-$152; facials $86-$95; manicure/pedicure: $38-$48.

PACKAGES: None at this writing.[. Carretera Melaque-Puerto Vallarta (Carretera 200), Km 7.5. 315/351-5032. www.mexicanboutiquehotels.com/thetamarindo. AE, MC, V

Terra Noble. Your cares begin to melt away as soon as you enter the rustic, garden-surrounded property of this day-spa aerie overlooking Banderas Bay. Familiar and unpretentious, Terra Noble is more accessible pricewise than some of the area's more elegant spas. Treatment rooms occupy a small building down a series of stairs; after-treatment teas are served on an outdoor patio with a great sea view. Two-hour temazcal sweat lodge rituals cleanse on three levels: physical, mental, and spiritual.

BODY TREATMENTS: Reflexology, massage; several wraps and scrubs; Tarot reading, individual yoga/meditation; clay and painting classes.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS: Facials; manicure; pedicure.

PACKAGES: There are a few economical packages such as the Stress Recovery (a sea-salt body scrub, a massage, and a facial), for $138.

PRICES: Body treatments $50-$130; facials $65-$85; manicure/pedicure $20-$25.[. Av. Tulipanes 595, Fracc. Lomas de Terra Noble, Col. 5 de Diciembre. 322/223-3530. www.terranoble.com. MC, V

Four Seasons Punta Mita Apuane Spa. Professional service is the hallmark of this exclusive spa. An excellent kid's club allows you to enjoy spa treatments, knowing that your children are thoroughly engaged. The gym is first rate. An inspirational experience is a traditional temazcal ceremony, which takes place in a little building on knoll near the sea. Beat the drum and release your inner demons (and toxins) in the ancient ritual.

Treatments here are among the most expensive in the area, but the facilities, products, and staff are top drawer. Native products are used almost exclusively; the Punta Mita massage combines tequila and locally grown sage to excellent effect. And refreshing lime is mixed with tequila and salt for -- what else? -- a margarita body scrub.

BODY TREATMENTS: Aromatherapy; facials; exfoliation; massage (12 types); Vichy hydrotherapy; wraps and scrubs (5 types); temazcal sweat lodge.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS: Facials (7 types); manicure; pedicure; hair/scalp treatment.

PRICES: Body treatments $80-$188; facials $94-$206; hair: $44-$95; manicure or pedicure $30-$95; waxing $25-$70.

PACKAGES: Fairly standard combinations of treatments, such as the Day of Beauty, which includes a deep-cleansing facial, manicure, pedicure, and Swedish massage.[. Punta de Mita, Bahía de Banderas. 329/291-6000. www.fourseasons.com/puntamita. AE, DC, MC, V

Paradise Village Palenque Spa. On a peninsula between the beach and marina, this modern Maya temple of glass and marble is a cool, sweet-smelling oasis with separate wings for men and women, each equipped with private hydrotherapy tubs, whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms. The coed gym has state-of-the-art equipment and views of the ocean, plus aerobics classes in a separate studio and an indoor lap pool.

Spa designer Diana Mestre, an old hand in these parts, brings together ancient healing arts and the latest technologies. The reasonably priced therapy selections are extensive, from an anti-cellulite seaweed wrap to milk baths with honey, amaranth, and orange oil or the raindrop aromatherapy massage, employing clove, sage, bergamot, and other essential oils.

BODY TREATMENTS: Aromatherapy; facials; electro-acuscope anti-pain & stress therapy; Reiki; exfoliation, hot-stone massage; hydrotherapy; wraps, scrubs, and body treatments (14 types); reflexology; shiatsu.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS: Facials (10 types), manicure, pedicure.

PRICES: Body treatments $36-$104; facials $36-$104; manicure/pedicure $20-$60; hair $36-$80; waxing $8-$55.

PACKAGES: A wide variety of packages that allow switching treatments in an equivalent price bracket. The basic plan combines three 50-minute treatments: marine body scrub, holistic massage, and hydrating facial.[. Paseo de los Cocoteros 1, Nuevo Vallarta. 322/226-6770. www.paradisevillage.com. AE, MC, V

Gran Velas. Nuevo Vallarta's most elegant all-inclusive also has one of the area's nicest spas, with the same dramatic architectural lines and artful use of marble, stone, teak and tile. The 16,500-square-foot facility has 23 treatment rooms, and ample steam, sauna and whirlpools in both the men's and women's sections. Comfortable chaises in the "plunge lagoon" (with warm and cold pools) invite you to lounge, between or after treatments, with a cup of hot tea or cold chlorophyll water.

Reading the extensive menu of treatments can take hours -- highlights are the chocolate, gold, or avocado wraps, Thai massage, European facial, cinnamon-sage foot scrub, and the challenging buttocks sculpt-lift. Adjoining the spa is an impressive fitness facility.

BODY TREATMENTS: Reflexology; massage (18 types); shiatsu; Vichy shower; exfoliation; wraps, scrubs, baths, and body treatments (32 types).

BEAUTY TREATMENTS: Facials (more than a dozen); manicure/pedicure; hair care; waxing; make-up.

PRICES: Body treatments: $58-$178; Facials: $89-$148; Manicure/Pedicure: $20-$89; Hair care: $29-$89; Waxing: $29-$58; Makeup: $78.

PACKAGES: A 10% discount is given for three or more treatments, but otherwise no packages.[. Av. de los Cocoteros 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta. 322/226-8000. www.grandvelas.com. AE, MC, V