Cactus Cooler: Mexican Beauty Secret
The cactus massage is pain-free, we swear! Plus, find out why it's better than most other body treatments.
When it comes to spa treatments, there's no better time to indulge yourself than during a beach vacation. You've got nothing but free time to relax, so why not splurge a little? Especially if you're somewhere far from home — it may be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to try that exotic local specialty! So when I was in Punta Mita, Mexico, a couple of weeks ago (before New York Fashion Week madness), I just had to try the Four Seasons' signature Hakali cactus massage.
Yes, that's right, a cactus massage.
I know what you're thinking, a cactus body treatment sounds more like an archaic form of acupuncture than a massage and far from relaxing, but the needles are removed before the paddles (the "leaf" part of the nopal cactus — the same part that you would eat in a yummy Mexican nopal or cactus salad) are heated in warm water. Once the paddles are soft and pliable, they're split in half and rubbed — gooey side down — onto thirsty, sun-parched skin.
A close cousin to soothing aloe vera, nopal cactus is hydrating, detoxifying, and helps heal sunburns. And unlike being massaged with oil, the nopal "juice" quickly absorbs into skin, leaving no greasy or sticky residue. It was the first time I left a massage table without feeling like I needed a shower.
And while this is probably not going to be a treatment that I'll try recreating at home (how do they get those pesky needles out?), the next time I see nopal salad on a menu, I'm ordering it! Rich in fiber, cactus absorbs water when you eat it, so you feel full faster and longer. Sounds like konnyaku jelly, one of my favorite Japanese diet secrets.
Details:
Four Seasons Punta Mita Hakali Massage
50 minutes, $177
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
How Elizabeth Debicki Paid Tribute to Princess Diana in Her Emmys Acceptance Speech
The Outstanding Supporting Actress winner snagged a win for her role on 'The Crown.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Hates Playing Card Games With the "Fiercely Competitive" Middleton Family
"William would flinch at our ruthless determination to win at all costs."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Anna Sawai Doubles Down on Red-Hot Emmys Dresses
The 'Shogun' star's second dress of the night was also a winner.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Urban Decay's Relaunched Naked Palette Is Just as Iconic as the Original
All the nostalgia, plus a silky new formula.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Hailey Bieber Has a New Rhode Baby on the Way, Too
The brand's first color cosmetics launch is pretty and pink.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Can Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum Do Three Beauty Tasks at Once?
It's the ultimate multitasker.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Serena Williams's Wyn Beauty Isn't Your Typical Celebrity Brand
'Marie Claire' editors stand by these long-lasting products.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Can Charlotte Tilbury's New Lip Gloss "Double the Size" of Your Lips?
Four editors put the tingly new gloss to the test.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Emma Stone’s Oscars Glam Takes a Major 2024 Makeup Trend to the Next Level
Her manicure and lipstick are perfectly matchy-matchy.
By Samantha Holender Published