Once considered mostly a luxury, massage is now believed to help improve physical and mental well-being. Studies suggest it may improve circulation and flexibility, strengthen immune response, decrease anxiety and depression, lower stress levels, and increase energy.
When I retired to Mexico, I wanted to get regular massages and could do so more frequently than in the US because it’s more affordable here.
In-home massage is a convenient way to enjoy all the benefits of this service. Massage therapists bring everything needed: a portable table, along with oils, towels, sheets, and music. To enhance the atmosphere, add your own items, such as scented candles, incense, low lighting, and perhaps choose your own music for your session.
Here are a couple of skilled massage therapists I can recommend:
Adán Cetina, a Mérida native, has been doing massage for 13 years, with six years running his own business, AC Massage Services. In addition to him, he has seven employees who also provide massages. He does at-home massage and also has a studio in Mérida, not far from Paseo Montejo. Adán provides a wide range of massages: deep tissue, Swedish, relaxing, reflexology, Thai, Shiatsu, sport, Lomi Lomi, and Maya massage. Services are available seven days a week. He can provide group massages simultaneously for up to six people.
Before starting AC Massage Services, Cetina offered massages in hotels, Airbnbs, and chiropractic offices around the city. He got into massage from his mother, who offered spa services, including massage. He also realized it was a better way to make a living than some professions. He originally studied physical therapy but did not get licensed and moved into massage instead. He studied in Mérida at a school in Guadalajara, where he traveled on a scholarship to continue his training. He worked there, in Mexico City, and Quintana Roo before he settled for good back in Mérida.
Cetina says his advantage as a massage therapist is that he is a sensitive person and listens to what customers want or need, so he can focus on providing what each person requires. He speaks English and Portuguese in addition to Spanish.
When not doing massages, Cetina also sings with two heavy metal bands, Maggots, and El Diablo.
Massages are 600 pesos per hour plus the cost of his Uber ride. Book four or five days in advance on Facebook or via WhatsApp at 999-356-8465.
Diana Elizabeth Gomez Castellano, who originally is from Venezuela, has been doing massage in Mérida for almost five years with her business, Woods Body & Soul Massage.
She originally worked for a spa where she trained for more than a year while doing massage at hotels and Airbnbs. In February 2023, she relocated to Progreso and opened a studio in Hotel La Bobania and does at-home service in Chelem and Chicxulub, and occasionally Mérida.
Gomez says she makes every experience “wonderful and unique” and goes with what each person needs. Beyond this, she also likes to build a strong rapport with clients.
She started offering a variety of massages such as Swedish, relaxing, and the deep tissue variety but has also incorporated acupressure that she customizes for each client, along with breathwork, aromatherapy, and relaxing music, of course.
According to Gomez, both Yucatán and massage chose her. She tells me she loves her work, connecting with people and helping them.
As a self-described nerd, she researches aromatherapy, massage, and other related topics, and continues to hone her skills by taking online classes.
Gomez says what sets her apart is that she is friendly, uses high-quality oils, and tailors her services to her clients. She speaks Spanish and English.
Massages range from 500 pesos to 5,000 pesos for packages. Book at least five days in advance on Facebook, Instagram, or via Whatsapp at 999-969-9877.
