Serenity at Saltwater Spa
Rebalance the mind, body and soul at Casa Dorada's refreshing oasis, the Saltwater Spa. Designed with Zen-like minimalism and luxurious materials, this spa sanctuary incorporates the restorative powers of sea salt in its spa treatment menu. Ten individual treatment cabins are available, in line with the resort's philosophy of offering guests exclusivity, privacy and intimacy. The spa also boasts a refreshing plunge pool, Vichy showers, thalassotherapy, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, and unusually large locker rooms.

Saltwater Spa offers a vast array of services sure to revitalize both the body and spirit, such as the Myoxy caviar facial, the bamboo or tequila massage, the chocolate embracement body treatment, and the aromatic Moor mud wrap. The spa's tantalizing treatments include a variety of other fabulous facials, body treatments, and fully fifteen types of massage therapies. Standard and customized spa packages provide an excellent way to enjoy the spa's multitude of services. Massages and other select treatments may also be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite, or in a breezy cabana at the beach or the pool while you listen to the waves greet and retreat from the shore.

A professional salon also located within the spa offers a diverse menu of additional beauty treatments for men, women and children, including manicures and pedicures, polish changes and nail repair, paraffin treatments, and acrylic nail treatments as well as professional makeup, hair cuts and styling, wedding hair styles, coloring, beard and mustache trimming, facial and body waxing, and children's manicures and pedicures.

While at the Saltwater Spa, be sure to pick up some luxurious products from its shop, which sells the complete line of Pevonia Botanica spa care -- an elite brand that blends the finest natural marine and botanical ingredients with technologically advanced formulas that help to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance.

Adjacent to the spa is a fully stocked fitness center equipped with Precor cardiovascular equipment with embedded TVs and iPod docking stations, state-of-the-art Hoist weight training machines, free weights, water cooler, high impact floor and a stunning ocean view.

World-Class Dining
Within the resort grounds revered restaurants that offer extraordinary local flavors, recipes, and fresh ingredients served in some of the most spectacular settings imaginable. Have a magical and mystical dining experience at 12 Tribes Restaurant -- named for the twelve biblical tribes -- with an eclectic menu that blends thematic ethnic flavors from all over the world. The chef uses grains, seeds, herbs and other specialized ingredients to recreate regional specialties from such far-flung locales as Russia, Spain, Ethiopia and Armenia.

Enter 12 Tribes restaurant's magical seaside realm and you'll be captivated by an alluring blend of artful décor, delectable aromas and inventive flavors from around the world. As one of only two restaurants in Mexico to be featured in Black Ink, the global restaurant guide for Centurion's members, the restaurant is renowned for its locally caught lobster and other ocean-to-table seafood selections, as well as various cuts of steak and a myriad of international dishes. Within the elevated oceanfront terrace restaurant that's shaded by a majestic vaulted palapa, the ambiance is a contemporary casual, yet sophisticated, "tribal chic." In addition to its many artful appointments serving as points of visual interest, 12 Tribes restaurant has been designed so that every table points toward the sea, providing a seemingly endless view of the coastal waters, Land's End, the horizon and the skyline beyond.

Culinary standouts at 12 Tribes abound, with notable starters including an array of fresh ceviches -- octopus, shrimp, scallops, or tuna -- prepared with lime, tomato, red onions, avocado, black olives, cilantro, and peppers. Appetizers also include a selection of carpaccios -- tuna, salmon or sea scallops -- sliced thin and plated in a soya and serranito pepper sauce.

A range of refreshing, international salads are also offered, from an Italian caprese with fresh mozzarella, skinned tomatoes, fresh basil and a choice of balsamic or pesto vinaigrette; and the Thai salad with lettuce served on a bed of rice noodles with a choice of julienned chicken, beef or lobster that is tossed in a balsamic soya and crushed red pepper vinaigrette. Soups at 12 Tribes are most impressive, with fully eight recipes offered from various countries, including Italy, India, France, Syria, Poland, Mexico and France.

Dinner is a bounty for both the seafood or meat eater, with as many as seven different cuts of steak offered as an alternative to the many fish and shellfish selections available, including tuna, salmon, red snapper, U10 shrimp, lobster, and lion claw scallops. Side orders such as baked or mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables and other options are available to round out each meal. Alternatively, 12 Tribes offers a broad range of ethnic entrees, such as the dish I ordered and thoroughly enjoyed - salmon marinated in vodka and fresh herbs and then grilled, garnished with fried capers and served over a grilled vegetables timbale accompanied with white rice and a soft mint coulis. My alternate choice would have been the Ethiopian veal stew and spicy chicken, served over injera with the eggplant, garlic and tahini purée known as baba ganoush.

Another oceanfront restaurant at Casa Dorada is Maydãn, a bright and relaxing eatery located adjacent to the private Medano Beach Club, which serves an expansive international breakfast buffet with a made-to-order egg station, breads, Mexican specialties, fresh fruit and juices and more. Lunch is also available at Maydãn, with live music often on tap to liven up a seaside meal.

At Casa Dorado, 24-hour private in-room dining is yet another option. Guests may opt for standard room service, or may create an out of the ordinary gourmet in-room dining experience combined with fine wine and champagne, hand rolled cigars, massages, flower arrangements, and scented candles. The in-room dining menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarian dishes, a selection of childhood favorites, and gourmet pasta, risotto, seafood, and pizza dishes.