Where To Find The Best Massage In Merida
Whether you live in Merida or are just visiting, there should always be space in a busy schedule for a massage, right? If you’re looking for the best massage in Merida then this article will help you figure it all out. I’ve split the article into three sections: medical massages, spa massages and hotel/hacienda massages. I hope you find what you’re looking for here.
If you are visiting Merida then the first thing you’ll need to do is read my ‘all about Merida‘ article. It’s the best!
Medical Massage In Merida
Rústica Urbano
Zugey recommends Constance Ayers, who runs Rústica Urbano.
After Zugey recommended her, I happened to speak with Constance who told me that she used to work with pro-athletes in California before moving to Merida. At Rústica Urbano you can get a deep tissue, sports or relaxing massage and even Chinese cupping. Constance can also work with clients long-term on fixing injuries. Constance speaks perfect English, obviously. Rústica Urbano also offers airbnb accommodation. Note: Rústica Urbano is in the process of moving from Santa Lucia so it’s worth getting in touch to ensure they’re open.
Zugey says Constance’s touch is incredible and that she is very knowledgeable about the body.
Price: $800 pesos an hour.
Creative Commons Licence Open. Generic massage picture.
Casa Thai Foot Massage
Stella got in touch with me to recommend Casa Thai Foot Massage, which she, as a Chinese woman really appreciated for their understanding of the Chinese medical concept of wellness of the foot connecting to the wellness of the entire body. She tells me as well that a good foot massage here can help with sleeping and the healing of ailments. This should not be considered as a ‘spa’ option but as a ‘medical massage’, Stella tells me.
Normally a massage here costs $300 pesos for 50 minutes but Stella was lucky to find a special promotion on their facebook page.
Dolorfin
I was invited, by Kimmy, the owner of Dolorfin, to try their massage for myself. It was hosted, which means I didn’t pay for myself but, as ever, my views here are 100% my own and never influenced by others.
Dolorfin photos reused here with permission
Dolorfin provides chiropractic services, physiotherapy and massages. It is not a spa. Going into Dolorfin you can be under no illusion about this. The waiting room and massage room are functional BUT the staff are lovely and kind and the massage I had from Yessica was fabulous. I truly love a good, serious massage and this delivered everything I’d hoped for. Yessica is very knowledgeable about the body and I felt on top of the world once she was done with me. If you want a relaxing massage or a softer touch than what I’m describing, you need to specify when booking but if it’s pressure and really working out knots and aches you’re after, Yessica is the woman you need to see.
I asked Yessica if she speaks English and she said she has enough English to work with a client who doesn’t speak Spanish. She told me that some of the other staff speak more English that she does.
If you’re wise like me you’ll go straight from Dolorfin to Sorebeteria Y Dulceria Colon for some of the best ice-cream this city has to offer.
“Massages at Dolorfin would be my weekly treat if I had the money and time to spend on myself” Valerie told me.
30 minutes $300 pesos
1 hour $500 pesos
Address: Calle 33A #472 C x 52 y 54, Centro
Spa Massage In Merida
Urban Spa
Urban Spa was recommended to me by two people, Becky and Annette, both of whom live in Merida. Like so many other services in Merida, it’s actually possible to get Urban Spa to come to your home. Becky, who opted for a package of four home massages says that they come with everything even the spa music to make the experience as relaxing as possible.
Urban Spa offers all types of massage. When Becky, for example, had a specific issue they were able to work out the deep knots without causing her any pain. She tells me, additionally, that the relaxing massages are extremely relaxing and that the deep tissue massage is seriously deep with a lot of pressure (my personal favourite).
Photo taken by Urban Spa and used with permission
For Becky, Urban Spa provides her massage of choice because there is continuous professional development for the staff, they are all extremely knowledgeable about anatomy and how to treat different issues through massage.
Have you heard of One World Trek– it’s a summer language and cultural immersion program in Merida.
Annette also loves Urban Spa and raved particularly about Adan to whom, she says, she has been going for massages for more than five years. She tells me he is so talented that she actually fell asleep whilst he was massaging her. Annette tells me that he has the most wonderful vibe, and she loves his deep tissue massage. When I asked what makes his massages so special, without hesitation she told me it’s all down to his strength and consistency and his quietness of being.
Adan speaks perfect English.
Address: Calle 44, #453B x51 y 49 Centro
$400 pesos for 60 minutes in your house or a pack of four for $1300
Tuesdays and Thursdays there is an offer of a double massage for $500 pesos
The Mayan Spa (Progreso)
Alice told me about her experience with The Mayan Spa, in Progreso. On cruise ship days they apparently set up over the Malecon until 2 pm. Paula, Stephanie and Estrella all speak English and are very talented women. Alice told me we mustn’t assume they aren’t highly qualified just because you see them offering their massages on the street. Stephanie is currently attending school for Physical Therapy. She is particularly recommended for a deep tissue massage. Estrella worked in the Playa del Carmen hotels but returned home to Progreso as she didn’t enjoy being there.
Photo used with permission from Mayan Spa
Alice has had massages from all three women and said that they are all great and really want to provide you with exactly the massage you need. You can also get manicures, pedicures and facials at the spa.
A full hour costs $600 pesos. You can actually also find Stephanie in a hairdressers’ in Chelem on a Saturday too where you can have the same massage for $350 pesos.
Calle 80 No. 103 X 21 Malecón, Progreso.
Did you know that there is a whole movement towards more ethical and thoughtful shopping and eating in Merida?
Boho Spa
Maggie recommends Boho Spa, in Merida. Here she enjoyed a deep tissue massage and a great facial. Maggie told me that Boho Spa is a real ‘spa’ – you can really spend the day here. It smells amazing and is very relaxing, she says it’s the perfect place to relax and indulge in some ‘me time’.
Photos provided by Boho Spa and used here with permission
After such a relaxing and healthy day, why not continue with a trip to a vegan restaurant in Mérida?
Luana Centro Holistico
Vanessa, also a blogger, specifically recommends a Swedish massage with Alejandra if you want to go to Luana Centro Holistico. House calls are possible. And Vanessa says that the masseuses are very in tune with their clients’ needs. Alejandra really takes the time to figure out what you need and Vanessa, as someone with chronic pain finds Alejandra to be very sensitive to this, figuring out how to provide the best-personalised service taking an individual’s pain into account.
The staff speak both English and Spanish here.
Hacienda and Hotel Massage Options
Hacienda Misne
Photos provided by, and used with permission of, Hacienda Misne
Hotel Rosas & Xocolate
It’s been a little while since I had a massage in the iconic Rosas & Xocolate Hotel but I remember thinking it was absolutely fabulous. It has become a bit of a tradition for my husband and me that when we can’t be arsed to think of a thoughtful birthday present we give each other swanky massages for our birthdays and this is where we return, a bit like homing pigeons who want a back rub.
Here you can get a low – medium pressure massage, a hot stone massage or a deep tissue massage. There are a number of other spa treatments available here too and afterwards, you can head into the hotel’s delicious restaurant for a restorative meal. I highly recommend the eggs in local pumpkin sauce – it’s one of my favourite breakfasts in the whole city.
Photo used with permission
Best breakfasts in Merida – everything you need to know about where to have breakfast in Merida before your massage. Gotta keep your strength up on such a tough day!
7 Comments
Christine · 09/06/2019 at 6:40 pm
I concur with the recommendation for Rustica Urbano. I’ve been going to Constance twice a month for three years. She always knows which parts of my body needs attention, and what type of massage is needed. Extremely knowledgable and professional.
Cassie · 09/06/2019 at 6:43 pm
Great to hear. Always good to have a recommendation seconded.
Laurel · 09/06/2019 at 9:29 pm
My usual massage therapist is away for a couple months, so this is very timely! I’ll check out a couple of these recommendations.
A quick question: What % of the cost of the massage do you usually tip here?
Cassie · 09/06/2019 at 9:34 pm
That’s a good question. I normally give between 10 – 20% depending on how much I liked the massage, the therapist and how much it cost.
Hope you find someone on this list.
Jesse Atkinson · 26/06/2019 at 9:47 am
This is great content Cassie! So many of the great therapists in Mexico are hard to find and need blogs or social media to get discovered. This allows them to get discovered by travelers. When you are in the Baja, come to my spa (www.ensenada-massage.com), especially for our couples room. When I come to Merida, I will use this list for sure. For the previous comment, travelers usually tip same as their home culture. Mexico is a non tipping culture generally, or like 5%.
Tammy Ortiz · 07/08/2019 at 7:49 pm
I love your article!! I just moved here and am luxury travel agency and loving the hacienda possibilities here..we needto met !and desperately need to find a massage place and other experiences like beaches ..your articles have been super! I read the one on El Chupo beach! Thank you ❣
Camilla Gelson-Thomas · 12/02/2020 at 4:50 pm
Hi, do you have any contact details for urban spa?? Thanks, Camilla