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Reviving Heritage through Wellness: A Journey with Ana Ramirez
IN THE HEART OF SOUTH AMERICA, ANA RAMIREZ AND HER HUSBAND, JUAN DREAMED OF CREATING A HOSPITALITY MODEL THAT WOULD TRANSCEND THE ORDINARY. THEY ENVISIONED A PLACE WHERE LUXURY WAS NOT JUST ABOUT INDULGENCE BUT ABOUT FOSTERING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS— WITH ONESELF, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE NATURAL WORLD.
This vision gave birth to Ancestral Handmade Hotels, a groundbreaking initiative that redefines the concept of eco-luxury through a harmonious blend of cultural heritage, sustainability, and holistic wellness.
“Our inspiration came from a shared passion for preserving heritage and indigenous traditions that have often been forgotten,” Ramirez explains. “We saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary—hospitality that not only offers unique experiences but also fosters a genuine connection to the ancestral legacy of each location. At the same time, we wanted to uplift local economies and prioritize biodiversity and community development.”
Through the Ancestral Foundation, the company’s vision extends far beyond the confines of its properties. By championing regenerative tourism, sustainable agriculture, and community-centered initiatives, Ancestral Handmade Hotels is setting a new benchmark for eco-tourism that balances the needs of the land, its people, and its visitors.
Ancestral Wisdom Meets Modern Wellness
Central to the identity of Ancestral Handmade Hotels is the concept of “ancestral,” which permeates every aspect of the guest experience. From the design of the spaces to the wellness practices offered, the brand seeks to honor ancient wisdom while presenting it in a way that resonates with today’s travelers.
“The concept of ancestral is at the core of everything we do,” says Ramirez. “It shapes the wellness experiences we offer by drawing inspiration from indigenous healing practices, rituals, and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. These practices honor the connection between body, mind, spirit, and nature—a harmony often overlooked in today’s fastpaced world.”
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in experiences that range from sacred rituals and sound bath drum meditations to herbal medicine workshops and somatic movement therapies. “Our goal is to revive and preserve these traditions while presenting them in ways that feel authentic and transformative,” she adds. “It’s not just about relaxation—it’s about creating a profound connection to the heritage of the places our guests visit.”
Defining Holistic Wellness
For Ramirez, wellness is an ever-evolving concept that cannot be confined to a single definition. At Ancestral Handmade Hotels, it is seen as a dynamic and multi-dimensional state that goes beyond individual well-being to encompass the health of communities and the environment.
“In the context of eco resorts, wellness is about achieving a balance that nurtures human well-being while enhancing the natural and cultural ecosystems of the destination,” she explains. “This multidimensional approach allows wellness to flourish in its truest and most authentic form.”
At Ancestral, this philosophy is embodied in spaces designed with sacred geometry, integrating ancestral healing techniques with modern innovations such as state-of-the-art spa technologies. “This fusion ensures that guests reconnect with timeless wisdom while enjoying the comforts of modern convenience,” Ramirez says. “It’s about creating a perfect harmony between the past and the present.”
Community As The Core
The connection with local communities is not just a priority for Ancestral Handmade Hotels—it is a fundamental part of the brand’s identity. From the outset, Ramirez and her team have sought to cocreate with local artisans, researchers, and indigenous communities, ensuring that their work uplifts and preserves the cultural heritage of each location.
“Our mission is deeply rooted in regenerative tourism,” she says. “This means partnering with local communities to foster social entrepreneurship initiatives, support traditional practices, and ensure that wellness extends beyond individual experiences to benefit the broader social and economic fabric of the destinations we serve.”
Examples of these collaborations abound. In Colombia, guests can experience clay mud baths, coffee massages, and essential oil workshops, all crafted in partnership with local wellness practitioners. Other offerings include cacao ceremonies, equine therapy, and archaeological hiking trails, each designed to connect guests with the land and its people in meaningful ways.
“These collaborations are not just services—they’re stories,” Ramirez emphasizes. “They enrich our guests’ experiences while ensuring that local traditions and economies thrive.”
The Future Of Wellness Tourism
The wellness tourism sector is booming, now valued at $830 billion and projected to grow annually by over 10%. Eco resorts, with their unique ability to integrate wellness with biodiversity preservation, are poised to lead this growth. Ramirez sees this as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
“Investing in healthy and biodiverse ecosystems is not just about well-being—it’s a proactive strategy for resilience against climate challenges,” she says. “As global temperatures rise, the appeal of outdoor living and winter mountain destinations is growing. Concepts like ‘Glow birding,’ the Gen Z evolution of snow birding, are emerging trends that reflect this shift.”
Looking ahead, Ramirez believes the future of wellness will hinge on the ability to balance tradition with technology. “Preserving culture while integrating efficient AI-driven operational systems and innovative wellness trends like floating and wild saunas will define the industry by 2025,” she predicts. “These experiences will be youthful, entertaining, and socially driven.”
Exciting New Ventures
Among the most exciting developments at Ancestral Handmade Hotels is a new project in Cusco, Peru. Located on breathtaking sacred land, the project will begin with a blessing ceremony led by the indigenous Qeros Incas, marking the start of what promises to be a transformative journey.
“This sacred land holds incredible potential,” Ramirez says. “It’s a privilege to work with conscious and inspiring partners to bring this vision to life.”
In addition to the Cusco project, Ancestral Handmade Hotels is exploring other extraordinary biodiverse sites, with details to be unveiled in the near future.
“We’re excited about the possibilities and how these ventures will shape the evolution of our brand and partnerships,” she adds.
A Community of Passionate Earth Lovers
As she looks forward to the next Eco Resort Network meeting in Greece, Ramirez is eager to reconnect with like-minded individuals who share her passion for sustainability and wellness.
“This community of passionate earth lovers is so inspiring,” she says. “I’m looking forward to sharing, learning, and collaborating with them in such a beautiful setting. And this time, no work—you’ll find me on the dance floor!”
Through her dedication to ancestral wisdom, community engagement, and holistic well-being, Ana Ramirez and Ancestral Handmade Hotels are setting a new standard for eco resorts. Their approach proves that true luxury lies not in extravagance but in connection—to the land, to heritage, and to one another.
Ana Ramirez will be speaking at next year’s event in Greece.
