Spirit is used in Cuban massages
IAN STALKER
Ritual is part of a Cuban tradition.
Options at the spa at the Paradisus Rio de Oro — found in the province of Holguin — include the Revitalized Rum Massage, which has masseuses use Ritual — one of a number of brands from prominent rum distiller Havana Club — in 50-minute sessions.
The massage features two ounces of rum and mineral oil.
Spa employee Eliset Desdin Pulido says including rum isn’t a gimmick but rather amounts to a sound decision, with rum being helpful in alleviating pain and having anti-inflammatory qualities.
Cubans have long used rum for medicinal purposes, she adds. The ritual is part of a Cuban tradition.
“It’s better to drink but it’s still good in a massage,” she states.
Desdin Pulido’s spa colleague Tamara Marrero Cruz praises rum’s versatility. “In Cuba, we use rum for everything.”
Meanwhile, Marrero Cruz says visitors shouldn’t expect to be able to do the bottoms-up routine while in the spa.
“We do not provide alcohol (to drink),” she says of the spa. “But elsewhere (in the resort’s many bars) we do.”
Among tour operators offering the Melia Paradisus Rio de Oro is Hola Sun.
Seen here are: Hugo Rocha (l) of Hola Sun and Paul Nielsen of Paragon Travel jokingly prepare to pour some rum with spa employee Eliset Desdin Pulido.
