The use of honey is very popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo, being recognized for more than 3000 years by this ancient civilization that raised this particular species of stingless bee native to the region known as Melipona, which continues in force until our times and to which various nourishing and regenerating properties for the skin are attributed.
For those who want to know more about the traditional method of cultivation and other properties of Melipona honey, Hacienda Santa Rosa, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers a unique experience with Xunan Cab, which in the Mayan language means “lady of honey” and does reference to the cultivation of Melipon bees, which now become the protagonists of a new experience for guests at this hotel in Yucatan. The Xunan Cab experience consists of an interesting tour of honey production, in which visitors are introduced to their world through a talk by an herbalist who harvests honey in special containers of this property. Since Melipon bees do not have stingers, this experience is completely safe and offers the opportunity to conserve this type of bee, bringing tourists closer to learning about the local fauna and the benefits that can be obtained from it, such as the facial with honey offered in the hotel’s spa, which also includes various exfoliation and toning processes with ground coffee beans, cleansing with chamomile water and a moisturizing and purifying mask of honey with aloe vera, which exerts a feeling of freshness and nutrition for facial skin.
Photos courtesy of Marriot International.