A Blissful Morning at Sanctuary Spa At Mahogany Bay

If you’ve been following my blog for the past year or two, you may have identified a theme. Much of our focus recently has been on our new business in the far north of Ambergris Caye. And you may have heard a bit of good-natured grumbling about the rutted, often golf-cart-crunching roads that we drive to get up there.

So, when I got an email inviting me to a spa experience at Sanctuary Spa in the Mahogany Bay area of the island, I was ALL IN. Giddy. I could not wait.

Located about 2 miles south of San Pedro town in the fastest growing area on the island – Mahogany Bay, Sanctuary Spa is an independently owned business that has been open for just over a year.

An aside: As someone who lives and works on the north side of Ambergris Caye, I don’t visit this part of the island often. But when I do get down to this gated area…I am always stunned – blown away – by the incredible growth and change. Mahogany Bay, 10-11 years ago, was just a huge, open space…sand and fill and nothing else. Then came a large resort – one of the biggest on the island- and dozens of large, beautiful private homes lining the canals, as well as businesses from eateries to luxe shopping. There is even a new outpost for one of my favorite businesses on the island – The Farmhouse. Their third (and largest location.

There is no way to convey the size of the community unless you fly over it – you’ll fly over it as you go in for a landing in San Pedro.

But I was there for a massage…sigh…and a facial…and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Let me show you the spa.

The view of some of the surrounding residences just before I entered the spa.

I was greeted at the front desk with a cool water and an icy, scented cloth – one of my favorite things on a hot Belize day.

I took a quick look around – at the beautiful lounge area with a banquet of healthy snacks and drinks.

I don’t get a massage often…I can probably count the number on both hands. And they feel great – really great. But I LOVE when it’s a whole experience. Soft lighting, clean, aspirational surroundings, the otherworldly music…I feel like I’m whisked away from my humdrum life for a just a few hours to somewhere…heavenly. This place is ALL OF THAT.

Barbara (originally from Wilmington, NC) and Jamie (from St Louis, MO) have created such a gorgeous sanctuary. They greeted me at the door, showed me around, and then introduced me to the Belizean staff/practitioners.

They want to share their spot not only with tourists and visitors to the island but the residents – the community. If you live here in San Pedro – the prices are in BZD (as opposed to USD)

How great is that?

I was ushered into the locker area and then one of the changing rooms. Where the lovely attendant showed me my robe and slippers and where to store my stuff.

And then back into the treatment area which is just gorgeous.

Flickering candles and dim lighting…canvas and rope. I felt like Meryl Streep in Out of Africa…with air conditioning 😉

I peeked into one of the treatment rooms…

And went in with my attendant where we sat for a few minutes smelling delicious essential oil blends – I could pick from three different…vibes. Energy…relaxation…I could get SO used to this.

90 minutes later…I was jelly. And it was time for my relaxing facial. Nothing feels better than a face and head massage – nothing.

If you are looking to unwind…unclench is my word for it…for a few hours or an afternoon, I HIGHLY recommend this spot. It’s an entire experience – and I LOVE that part of it. I lingered for 30 minutes after sipping cool water and feeling like I could really get used to this. The lovely lovely staff, the surroundings, my plush robe…the massage! It’s just so good.

Softened and scented, I emerged into the harsh sunshine kinda forgetting where I was but DEFINITELY plotting my return to Sanctuary Spa.

For lots more information, they have a really beautiful website. Let me know what you think.