If you’re looking for the best massages in Playa del Carmen, look no further. I have been living in Playa del Carmen for two years and have sampled plenty of the wonderful spas around Playa del Carmen (all in the name of research, of course!).
Sun, sand, and relaxation. Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination to escape reality and indulge in a tropical paradise.
As you explore beaches, cenotes, nightlife, and all this vibrant city has to offer, don’t forget to take some time for yourself and enjoy the best massages in Playa del Carmen.
From the luxurious spas at 5-star hotels and resorts to the small hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing Swedish massage, an invigorating deep tissue massage, or something more exotic like a Mayan Massage or Thai massage, you are sure to find it here.
In this article, I will share some of the best places to get a massage in Playa del Carmen. Everyone deserves to feel pampered, refreshed, and rejuvenated. So, put your feet up, relax, and learn about the best massages in Playa del Carmen.
The Benefits of massage while on Vacation
Massages are a great way to help with stress, anxiety, headaches, circulation, and muscle pain. They can also be a great way to relax after a long day of exploring the Riviera Maya.
The relaxation that comes from a massage can even help you sleep better at night.
Stuck inside on a rainy day in Playa del Carmen? A spa day is a perfect activity to keep you occupied, cozy, and dry.
Do you have a kink in your neck from a snorkeling excursion? Or tired legs from walking around Xcaret all day? Treat yourself to a massage to help alleviate the pain.
Getting a massage in Playa del Carmen.
Where to get Massages in Playa del Carmen
With Playa del Carmen being a popular tourist hot spot, massage therapy is abundantly available.
You will find a wide range of establishments offering massages for every budget.
If you are looking for a lavish spa experience, you will want to experience a spa located inside one of the luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, you are normally able to book a service and indulge in the facilities.
Playa del Carmen also has many locations in the downtown area offering massages at a mid-range budget. Do keep in mind that the amenities of a luxury spa won’t be available at these establishments.
To find a cheap budget-friendly massage, simply take a stroll down 5th avenue. There will be many ladies standing on the street offering you a masaje, the Spanish word for massage.
This is actually how I found my favorite massage place in Playa del Carmen and also how I found the worst (I will share those details with you later in this article).
Are there Massages on the Beach in Playa del Carmen?
What can be more peaceful than receiving a relaxing massage while listening to waves crashing on the shore with the Caribbean breeze cooling your skin?
If you are hanging out at a beach club in town, you will no doubt have people coming up to you asking if you want a massage.
A lot of beachfront massages in Playa del Carmen are offered under palapas or tent structures. People will approach you on the beach offering their services.
For these services, it is best to arrive wearing your swimwear as you won’t be closed off in a private room. Also, have cash on hand as your payment method.
Many spas in Playa del Carmen include cold plunges or Jacuzzi pools as well as a massage.
Pricing for Massages in Playa del Carmen
Location, facility, amenities, and duration of the massage will all contribute to the price of your massage.
Luxury spas located in 5-star hotels in Playa del Carmen will be equivalent to pricing you would find in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Massage services can start at $90 USD and run up to $250 or more. The rates at these spas will even be quoted in USD (even though the local currency is Pesos) and you will pay in Pesos, even if you pay by card.
Visiting these types of spas is a truly blissful and ever-so-relaxing experience.
Playa del Carmen also has many wellness centers where massage, body, and facial services are offered. The massages at these facilities are great but they don’t include all of the same amenities as luxury spas.
Massage prices at these types of facilities normally start around 500 Pesos ($25 USD) and can go up to 2,000 Pesos ($100 USD).
The $20 USD massages are the ones you will find being offered along 5th avenue. The facilities are by no means fancy, but if that is not important to you then this might be the right option for you.
Just a quick word of advice before starting these massages. Ask the lady what type of pressure she will assert during the massage. You can even ask for a quick demonstration.
Sometimes these budget-friendly massages lack pressure and force from the therapists.
Once I received a massage along 5th ave and no matter how many times I asked for more pressure, the pressure would remain the same. I was quite disappointed because the service I was paying for was no more than a soft back rub with massage oil.
That being said I have also received my best massage along 5th avenue and have found a favorite massage therapist that I return to frequently.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference of what you are looking for in a massage.
Now that you have some details on what to expect about massages in Playa del Carmen, let’s dive into the blissful information—the best massages in Playa del Carmen.
Map of the Best Massages in Playa del Carmen
1. Magic Hands
Magic Hands is my go-to place for massage in Playa del Carmen. The locations are clean, the massages are fantastic and the ladies are very professional. I always leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and with fewer muscle knots than when I arrived.
I discovered Magic Hands simply by walking down 5th Avenue searching for a massage. Two sweet ladies were standing outside the facility offering their services.
I had been walking around for a bit comparing prices. The pricing was a bit higher than the $20 dollar massages that other people were offering but the location looked nice and clean and the ladies were professional.
One of the therapists gave me a quick massage on my hand to demonstrate the pressure. From this she had me sold.
Magic Hands has two locations in Playa del Carmen.
- Location #1 is located on La Quinta Avenue between Calle 10 Nte and Calle 12 Nte. They have a small booth out front to recognize the shop then upon arrival, you are led to the spa upstairs where the services take place.
- Location #2 is Located on Calle 20 between 1st avenue and 5th Avenue. This location is my favorite.
The spa is nice and big with a waiting area and some wellness products on display for purchase.
Location #2 has about five rooms total with a beautiful couples’ room on the upper level. The ambiance is soft and inviting and the air always smells refreshing.
I will say that I have never had a bad massage from any of the therapists at Magic Hands. All the ladies are strong and assert the perfect pressure to your liking. Lucy is my go-to Therapist as she knows how to work the kinks in my should blades just right.
The therapists will always ask what type of massage you are looking for before they begin your massage and they will follow up by asking about the pressure about 10 minutes into your massage. The ladies are always happy to adjust the pressure accordingly.
In each room, there is an air conditioning unit allowing you to stay feeling fresh during your massage. If it does get too cold for your liking don’t be afraid to ask them to raise the temperature or to simply turn it off.
Apart from fabulous massages, Magic Hands offers great pricing. A 60-minute massage costs 550 pesos. That’s just $30 USD!
They also offer other services such as foot reflexology and 4-hand massages with incredibly reasonable pricing as well.
Normally I book myself an appointment ahead of time so that I can ask to book with Lucy and that I get the exact time I want.
Appointments can be made by phone call or through whats app. The contact number is +52 984 155 1247 and the receptionist speaks both English and Spanish.
There is also a good chance if you walk into one of the two locations that they can take you on the spot.
Spas in Playa del Carmen.
2. Spa by the Fives Downtown
Pamper yourself with a delightful visit to the Spa by the Fives hotel downtown Playa del Carmen.
In my opinion, this is one of the best spas in Playa del Carmen and let me tell you why.
First off, you can’t beat the location. The Spa by the Fives is located on the rooftop of the Fives hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen.
Once arriving at the roof level, the first thing you see is a beautiful panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. In that instant, you become more relaxed from the stunning outlook of the blue waters.
Once you reach the spa, you are kindly greeted by the receptionist who will confirm the services that you have booked. You are then offered cold water and a cold, scented towel to welcome your visit.
You will be then guided to the changing rooms where you will receive a cozy robe, spa shoes, towels, and a locker to store your belongings.
With all massage services, the hydrotherapy circuit is included in the pricing. This makes the experience much more heavenly.
The circuit includes a hot jacuzzi, cold plunge, steam room, and wooden sauna. The therapists go over the instructions of the circuit and then leave you to enjoy your time before the massage begins. The time you are allotted for the hydrotherapy circuit is 30 minutes.
Following your hydrotherapy, you will be invited to start your massage.
The massage rooms are zen and peaceful and calming music is played to further deepen your relaxation.
The massage therapists are very professional and talented. Their hands are soft and they practice incredible relaxing techniques of massage therapy.
Choose from aromatherapy, balance, deep tissue, hot stone, or stress relief massage. No matter your selection of massage, you will leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
Upon completion of your service, you are offered tea or water. Feel free to use the shower in the locker room to your advantage. The perfect end to a lovely spa treatment.
Massages at the Spa by the Fives start at $143 USD and include the hydrotherapy circuit. This experience is definitely worth the splurge for a day of bliss.
Getting a massage in Playa del Carmen.
3. Cenote Spa at the Grand Hyatt
Searching for a luxurious self-care day filled with serenity? You will want to book a massage at the Cenote Spa located in the Grand Hyatt.
Cenote Spa is easily known as one of the best spas in Playa del Carmen as it offers top-notch service and 5-star amenities.
Don’t worry if you are not a guest of the hotel. The spa will be happy to accommodate you for the day. If you did want to book a stay at the Grand Hyatt, you can check out their offerings and prices and book here.
The spa features eight tranquil service rooms with two of them being designed for couples. Inside each room, you have personal showers, bathrooms, and patios that feature a lush jungle view.
The amenities at the Cenote Spa are what make this spa above and beyond the others in Playa del Carmen.
In the changing rooms, you will find a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge. Use of the lap pool is also included in the price of your service.
Another beautiful feature of the Cenote Spa is its indoor heated pool. The pool is in a grand domed room meant to represent the aesthetic of a cenote. The room is dimly lit with lanterns and candles creating a cozy and ambient cave-like feel.
The main purpose of the Cenote Spa pool is for natural healing and ultimate relaxation.
Pricing at the Cenote Spa starts at $155 USD and moves upwards from there. This is truly a spa experience like no other and for a special treat it is absolutely worth it.
Massages in Playa del Carmen.
4. Prana Spa in Fashion Hotel
Located inside the In Fashion Hotel on 10th avenue, Prana Spa is popular amongst both tourists and locals.
The spa is warm and inviting and offers great pricing. The decor is serene and there are rooms that are built for both single and couples services.
Choose from a wide range of different massage types including Swedish, hot stone, tired legs, and pre-natal which are only a few of the varieties they offer.
The massage therapists are very knowledgeable about the body and know exactly how to hit the right points to relieve muscular tension. This is one of my favorite locations for a sports therapy massage as the pressure is just perfect and never painful.
60-minute massages start at $60 USD. Be sure to check their website as they often have offers on spa day packages.
Also, if you are a resident of Playa del Carmen be sure to ask for a local’s discount.
Spas in Playa del Carmen are incredibly relaxing.
5. Bric Spa
Are you looking for a more adventurous massage experience such as a Mayan or Bamboo massage?
Then you will want to book your next massage in Playa del Carmen at Bric Spa.
At Bric spa, nature meets beauty and relaxation. The treatments provided in the spa use only the most natural of ingredients which are safe to consume and 100% non-toxic.
Ingredients of the products used at Bric are created with organic herbs and plants, therefore creating a beautiful aroma while being used on your skin.
Bric Spa’s menu offers many choices. From massage to back scratches to ear candling, this location fits all your health and wellness needs.
The Mayan Lime Healing Massage is a unique experience and something worth trying while visiting the Riviera Maya.
Limes are used to massage the skin instead of the hands as the Mayan believed that this technique was beneficial to release negative energies and to renew the spirit.
Pricing at Bric Spa is very reasonable with basic 60-minute massages starting at $50 USD.
In addition to massages, spas in Playa del Carmen also offer services like facials, too.
6. Veronica’s Massage Gold
For another incredibly soothing massage, make your next appointment at Veronica’s Massage Gold. This is one of the best spas in Playa del Carmen with budget-friendly prices.
The therapists here really know how to work the muscles, relieve tension, and get you feeling relaxed.
I have visited here a few times and have never been disappointed by any of the messages I have received. The skill level of the therapists is very high using techniques to release tension from just the right spots.
The location is simple, chic, and clean. Located just off 5th avenue.
1-hour massages start at 700 pesos. That’s just under $40 USD for a quality massage, you can’t go wrong! Veronica’s Massage Gold also offers other services such as facials, manicures, and pedicures.
This is really a great little place to take care of all your spa needs.