Over-the-Water Massage in San Pedro, Belize

Ocean Essence is a day spa in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, where massages take place on a covered, open-air deck built on a pier over the Caribbean Sea. It is rated 4.8 out of 5 on TripAdvisor across more than 500 reviews and ranks #2 of 42 spas and wellness centers in San Pedro.

No. Ocean Essence is open to everyone visiting Ambergris Caye, including guests of other hotels, vacation rentals and day visitors.

The spa is open most public holidays, including during the Easter and Christmas seasons, which are our busiest weeks. Book ahead for holiday dates.

Ocean Essence has been welcoming guests for more than 12 years and was one of the first over-water spas on Ambergris Caye. It originally operated from the waterfront at Xanadu Resort before moving to its current pier at Caribbean Villas.

The fastest way is to call or WhatsApp +501 671-1038. You can also email oceanessencedayspa@gmail.com or send a request through the booking form on our website. Your appointment is confirmed once you get a reply from us.

You are booked once we reply personally. If you have not heard back within 2 hours, please WhatsApp us at +501 671-1038 so we can lock in your time.

Yes, when a therapist is free. Same-day bookings are common, but couples and sunset times fill quickly, so message us in the morning if you can.

One or two days ahead is usually enough. In high season (mid-December through April) and holiday weeks, book 3 to 5 days ahead, especially for couples, groups and sunset sessions.

Book three or more treatments or packages and you get a discount on all of them.

Our prices are quoted in US dollars. Belize dollars are welcome at the fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1.

Individual bookings do not need a deposit. Groups of three or more, and bookings with four or more services, may require a deposit to hold the times.

Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, and no-shows, may be charged the full cost of the service. Weather cancellations made by the spa are never charged.

Gratuity is not included. Tipping is at your discretion; 10% to 15% is customary in Belize, and tips go directly to your therapist.

Yes. Our packages bundle favorite treatments for less than booking them one by one, and there are discounts when you book three or more. Ask for the current discount when you book.

Yes, gift certificates are available for any treatment or dollar amount, and make a popular gift for honeymooners and anniversary trips. Contact us to purchase.

Yes. We regularly host couples, families and small groups, and can schedule back-to-back or side-by-side treatments.

Yes. Out-call service is available, so our therapists can come to your hotel, condo or villa on Ambergris Caye.

We offer Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, sea shell and Signature Four-Hands massage; couples massage, including an after-dark Moonlight package; Back, Feet and Head Bliss; reflexology; a tropical body scrub and wraps; facials; manicures and pedicures; and ear candling. We also bundle treatments into 2 to 3 hour spa packages.

The over-water couples massage. Two tables sit side by side on the pier, with curtains moving in the sea breeze, and it is the treatment guests mention most in their reviews.

• Swedish: gentle, flowing strokes for pure relaxation and jet lag.
• Deep tissue: firm, focused pressure for knots and sore muscles after diving, fishing or long flights.
• Hot stone: heated stones melt tension, ideal if you run cold after a day on the water.
• Signature Four-Hands: two therapists working in sync for a deeply immersive massage.
• Back, Feet and Head Bliss: a 60-minute session focused where most people carry stress, and a good value at $60.
• Reflexology: targeted pressure on points in the hands or feet, great after a day of walking or wearing fins.

Not sure? Tell your therapist how you feel and they will tailor the pressure and focus.

Two therapists massage you at the same time, moving in sync, so your whole body relaxes at once. It is 60 minutes for $125.

A sea shell massage uses warmed, polished shells as massage tools, gliding over muscles with steady warmth similar to hot stones. It is offered in our Tranquility Flow package.

Reflexology applies focused pressure to specific points on the hands or feet. Choose hands or feet for $45, or both for $60.

Yes, and we encourage it. Our therapists check in on pressure, and you can ask for lighter or deeper work at any point.

Yes. Our Moonlight Couples Massage Package takes place over the water after dark, with two sessions each night: 7:00 to 8:15 PM and 8:15 to 9:30 PM. It includes a bottle of wine, grapes and local dark chocolate, for $250 per couple. With only two slots a night, book early.

You can add a sugar body scrub, hot stones, scalp massage or ear candling to most massages.

Ear candling is a traditional relaxation treatment in which a hollow, cone-shaped candle is placed gently at the ear while you lie still. Guests enjoy it as a calming add-on; it is not a medical treatment.

Our facial ($65) is tailored to skin that has spent time in sun, salt and wind, with cleansing, exfoliation, a mask and hydration. It is also part of the Full Body Restoration and Head to Toe packages.

Our Tropical Body Scrub ($85) polishes away dry, sun-exposed skin and leaves it soft for the rest of your trip. Body wraps are also available; ask about options when you book.

Yes: a manicure is $30, a pedicure $35, or both for $60. Guests often mention their pedicure still looked fresh weeks later.

Yes. Mention the therapist's name when you book and we will do our best to schedule you together.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment so you can settle in, fill out a short health form and enjoy the view before you start.

Come in whatever you are comfortable in; beachwear is perfectly fine. You undress to your own comfort level and stay covered with a sheet or sarong throughout, except for the area being massaged.

Yes. The deck is covered and has curtains, and you are draped at all times. Guests describe it as private and peaceful while still feeling the sea breeze.

Cruise ships tender at Belize City, and Ambergris Caye is about 90 minutes away by water taxi each way, so a spa visit takes most of a port day. Book a time that leaves enough margin before your last water taxi back, and message us your ship schedule so we can hold your slot.