Wellness and Beyond

Salud

Sojourn

In search of a wellness escape, Haven Lindsey heads to Mexico to detox, retox and repeat

ying face down on the massage L table, listening to the soft sounds of pleasant music in the Zen-like treatment room, I grappled ever-so-slightly with a decision to make. As the massage therapist worked out the kinks in my back that real-world reality had worked in, I needed to decide whether or not to close my eyes and succumb to the physical and auditory pleasantries or keep them open to watch the brightly coloured koi swimming effortlessly below me. From the massage table, my small window to the world was positioned over the plexi-glass fl oor affording me an experience like nothing I had ever had. I opted to watch the fi sh—who seemed to fl oat in space below me the longer I lay there. Once I rolled over, I closed my eyes and let the darkness of the aromatic eye pillow escort me to that space of in-and-out delight. And so it goes at W Punta de Mita where they take their mantra, “Detox. Retox. Repeat.” seriously and the memories made there don’t fade. If the sun, sand and cerulean blue waters are not enough for you to detox, the 4,000 square feet AWAY Spa, which could easily be a destination unto itself, offers ample opportunity. Purposefully built into the landscape and nestled around lush green trees, the space was designed to resemble a cave, albeit a light and airy version.

A vibrant statement chandelier crafted from glass fl owers in the colours of a Mexican sunset, signature spa scent and curated spa playlist heighten the serene scene. Plush modern armchairs and coffee tables tempt you to recline and sip the signature chlorophyll water and fresh beverages from the adjacent juice bar as you prepare for your custom treatment, performed with organic, natural and effective spa products from Babor and Eminence.

AWAY offers a full-service array of facials, massages and body and skin treatments and each room affords the guest the enviable opportunity of choosing to gaze down at the fi sh, up at the large palm leaves, or inward to refl ect, unwind and, as the name indicates, get AWAY. Outside, guests can rest, relax and refl ect on the secluded and spacious wooden relaxation deck built around a freshwater pool, complete with waterfall and a nearby labyrinth for walking meditation.

Located at the northern tip of the Riviera Nayarit, W Punta de Mita pays homage to the local culture and indigenous art throughout the quaint property. From a sunset-inspired colour palette to showing local Huichol artistry, the design elements of the hotel embrace the region’s vivid spirit. The guest rooms vary in size, style and location. Some seem to rise straight out of the jungle, some are ocean front – a number with private pools – and others are lakefront, positioned on the fresh-water reservoir. The rooms have a simple, laid-back beach décor including brightly coloured paintings on the walls of surfers and touches like headboards on the beds made of old surfboard—apropos consid-

ering the area, which is just being discovered by the rest of us, has been no secret to surfers from around the globe for decades.

It is the nod to local Huichol culture, however, that is nothing less than impressive. Few travellers outside this remote yet easy-to-reach area have the opportunity to be exposed to the brightly, hand-beaded designs of the indigenous people that have both religious and cultural signifi cance.

Based on traditional native textile designs, the tiled runway or Camino Huichol—is a central nervous system to the hotel, leading guests on a journey across the hotel and branching off to restaurants, bars and pool along the way. Crafted from 751,184 tiles, the “runway” depicts characters from Huichol legends, like a coyote, scorpion and the blue deer, a revered God in the culture. Take your own vision quest through the space, from the entry, through the Living Room, across the Wet Deck, and then up and over the beach to the majestic ocean.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Caulifl ower cream, gorgonzola cheese, mezcal pears with activated charcoal; MESA1 Table; Huichol Welcome Statue; Oceanfront Haven Suite Plunge Pool. O nce guests have taken the ‘Detox’ step, it is time to ‘Retox’. The most diffi cult part about this phase is deciding where and how. The property has numerous dining and drinking options although nothing can compare to Mesa 1—one of the world’s most exclusive restaurants. Mesa 1 has one table, one seating and one table of guests per night. It goes without saying that reservations are required for this select seven-course dining extravaganza guaranteed to be an experience you will never forget. Spice Market is an easy way to “Retox” with fresh specialties from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia and a personal favourite of mine and anyone who loves the combination of fresh and spicey global foods. Of the numerous restaurants on site, the hands-down, most popular kid in class is Chevycheria (everyone calls him ‘Chevy’). The al fresco restaurant, with its thatched roof and 1950s-era Chevrolet truck, is the place to enjoy ceviche like you’ve never had before. Punta de Mita is known for its ceviche and in addition to a daily special based on the catch of the day, the Chevy menu includes ceviche with shrimp and scallops, tuna and avocado, coconut and blended signature dishes that, much like the AWAY Spa, can easily be a destination onto itself. After a successful ‘Retox’ there is only one thing left to do. Repeat. The W Punta de Mita is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages with shopping, dining and even a polo club that make for great day trips. But, if you never venture off the property and choose to instead, stick to the “Detox. Retox. Repeat.” theme, your trip will have been well worth it.

VACATIONING TO FIND A WHOLE NEW YOU

We can’t say enough about AWAY Spa, Punta de Mita, Mexico Located in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, the spa is inspired by nature and designed as the ultimate peaceful retreat. Highlight: The Huichol Inspired Experience—a wellness ritual inspired by Mexico’s Huichol natives and ancestral Wixarika culture, where a combination of natural ingredients such as capsicum, lime and poppy seeds recharges, relieves stress and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. marriott.com/pvrwh

3 MORE WELLNESS TRIPS WORTH TAKING

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, México

On the Yucatán Peninsula, the award-winning Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an unforgettable wellness-meets-luxury oasis from the moment you arrive. Nutritional consultants, personal trainers and wellness experts are eager to help make your stay healthy, restorative and memorable. Highlight: At SE Spa, organic treatments luxuriously infuse your skin with clean, nourishing ingredients that will leave you glowing. Finish with the Hydrotherapy Journey, a combination of Zen-inducing experiences, including an aromatherapy steam, polar plunge and multisensory pool. rivieramaya.grandvelas.com

BodyHoliday, Castries, Saint Lucia

Positioned on a remote Caribbean beach, BodyHoliday eliminates the distractions of a restless lifestyle and invigorates the body and spirit. With a variety of exciting activities and rejuvenating services, as well as an attentive staff, guests can be as active as they like or enjoy the quiet serenity of the beautiful Saint Lucia landscape. Highlight: The wonderful wellness centre focuses on restorative beauty and stress management and provides guests with holistic and inclusive treatments. This largescale facility includes a dance studio and Ayurvedic Temple. thebodyholiday.com

Amankora, Thimphu, Bhutan

Amankora is a magical place in the kingdom of happiness. One of five impressive lodges the resort offers, Amankora Paro is just outside the main village and hidden among the pine trees and fluttering prayer flags, with the mountains of Bhutan in full view. Highlight: Whether you are hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery or meditating with the monks, a nice follow-up after an incredible experience is a treatment at the spa that looks out onto the pine forest. Try the Grounding Body Polish or Wrap Ritual. aman.com/resorts/amankora —Marlon Moreno