(BPT) - Crystal clear turquoise seas, lush palm trees swaying in the breeze, powder soft white sand beaches ... this is the Mexican Caribbean. From boho chic Holbox to luxurious Costa Mujeres, laid back Bacalar and beyond, the region offers pristine beaches, world-class entertainment, and breathtaking archeological sites steeped in Mayan heritage. It is also the perfect place for travelers seeking to recharge, rejuvenate and restore their souls while absorbing the natural beauty and magic of this signature paradise.
If this sounds like pure bliss, here are five types of Mexican Caribbean wellness experiences to incorporate into your winter escape.
1. Spas and luxury wellness centers
Where to stay in paradise? While there is no wrong answer, the renowned MICHELIN Guide recently unveiled its first-ever MICHELIN Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Mexico. It is no surprise that 18 resorts and hotels in the Mexican Caribbean region were recognized with this distinctive honor, including several with exceptional wellness programs.
The Three Key Hotel Esencia in Tulum connects guests to nature through accommodations in individual beachfront bungalows and an organic spa with treatments incorporating local ingredients and practices inspired by ancient Mayan medicine. Palmaïa-The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen, a Two Key resort, is known for its plant-based culinary program, onsite cenotes, and all-inclusive wellness offerings rooted in local traditions such as meditation, breathwork, and sound healing. The One Key Nômade Holbox is a peaceful retreat surrounded by a nature preserve. Guests at Nômade are invited on a wellness journey through activities such as lucid dreaming, tarot readings, numerology and yoga.
2. Holistic healing and ancient rituals
The spiritualism of the Mayan culture permeates the Mexican Caribbean, and visitors can take part with holistic practices rooted in ancient rituals. Many opt for temazcal ceremonies led by a shaman in an insulated dome designed to promote spiritual healing, connection and physical cleansing. Mia Bacalar, Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, and Xcaret in Riviera Maya are just a few of the properties where guests can experience the Pre-Hispanic rituals of the temazcal. Cacao ceremonies are another popular experience, fostering connection and self-exploration in a group setting through the consumption of pure cacao bean paste. Tulum hotels including Holistika, Dos Ceibas, and Jungle Lodge Boutique Hotel regularly offer cacao ceremonies. Guests at Nizuc, home to the first ESPA-branded spa in the Mexican Caribbean, can become acquainted with the healing properties of cacao during the Mayan Cacao treatment that includes a body exfoliation, soothing facial cleanse and de-stressing scalp massage.
3. Eco-friendly and sustainable fitness
The Mexican Caribbean offers fitness experiences that connect travelers with nature. Visit Tulum Jungle Gym on the beach or in town for a one-of-a-kind workout using equipment made from wood, stone, bamboo and other natural materials. Also in Tulum, Amansala is home of the beach bootcamp. Regular in-house retreats are offered for men and women that take advantage of the outdoors in activities like beach runs, sculpt classes, circuit training and more.
4. Rejuvenation
Hands-on treatments available at the numerous spas throughout the Mexican Caribbean provide truly rejuvenating effects inspired by Mayan culture. At Viceroy Riviera Maya's Wayak Spa, the Akbal invigorating massage evoking ancestral blanket stretching techniques helps adjust posture and improve flexibility. The Yo'ki'b hot stone massage incorporates copal, a tree resin used as incense in ancient Mayan ceremonies to free bodily tension. At Habitas Bacalar, the traditional Mexican sobada uses cupping techniques and traditional Mexican cotton garments to achieve physical and spiritual alignment.
5. Nutrition and nourishment
Travelers seeking transformation inside and out can visit SHA Mexico in Costa Mujeres, one of only two locations of this renowned wellness center that helps guests regain health and restore balance. At SHA, fully customized programs are built for each guest based upon principles like healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventive medicine, and more. Personalized healthy nutrition programs, cooking classes and three levels of diets to choose from are available to guests. Visitors in other areas of the Mexican Caribbean can find plenty of healthy dining options including Vegan Style and Herbívoro in Cancun, Vegan Caribe in Bacalar and Raw Love in Tulum.
Whatever the journey, especially if it's the journey within, let the Mexican Caribbean be the guide.
