So, what is a Wellness Destination? According to the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), it is “a specific division of the global tourism industry defined by the common goal of marketing natural assets and activities primarily focused on serving the wellness-minded traveler and those who want to be.” Accordingly, this body that oversees the association identified 9 key elements that should be met before it is considered a “Wellness Destination”:
- Natural resources like mountains, lakes and oceans, hot springs, forests, and waterfalls. These resources should all be easily accessible by visitors
- Safe and secure location
- Clean infrastructure for both locals and visitors
- Sustainability policies in place. After all, “Wellness” is about planet wellness equal to personal wellness
- Practitioners and experts in the wellness field. Examples include yoga instructors, holistic healers, and spiritual advisers.
- Restaurants with healthy food prepared by cooks committed to local farmers and healthy eating
- A quality-of-life for locals who benefit from tourism
- Fitness activities and tours
- An environment free of digital noise, hustle and bustle
3 of the top 50 “wellness destinations” in the world are in Mexico.
Wellness Destinations in Mexico – Top 3
Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa
The Spa: Holistic Yaxkin Spa, in the state of Yucatan, offers traditional Mayan treatments inspired by its Yucatán jungle surroundings.
Treatments: Try sasil-tun, hot-stone therapy; kakaw, cacao-coconut massage; or zumpul-che, a purifying sweat bath once performed by the Aztecs. Treatments utilize local herbs, honey, and cacao.
Local Sights: Explore the sixth-century ruins of Chichen Itza and the grounds’ lush tropical forest (home to over 150 bird species) between treatments.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Tel. 877 631 4005; +52 999 920 8407
Azulik Resort
The Spa: Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in the ancient walled city of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, this traditional Maya spa offers holistic treatments with spectacular beachfront views.
Treatments: Local shamans work their magic with clay massage, temazcal sweat lodge ceremonies, coconut-infused Maya baths, body wraps, and crystal therapy, a traditional Maya energy booster.
Local Sights: Explore the Caribbean coast by kayak or snorkel in nearby caverns and among reefs.
Tulum, Mexico
Tel. 888 898 9922
Rancho La Puerta
The Spa: Casitas, haciendas, and villas, each individually decorated with Mexican folk art, scatter the grounds of this 3,000-acre (1,214-hectare) wellness retreat in the foothills of Mount Kuchumaa.
Treatments: Try wraps, scrubs, hydrotherapy, and massage (Thai, deep tissue, hot stone, or sport). Spring Rain Shower (dry brush scrub, seaweed body mask, rinse) is bliss.
Local Sights: Post-treatment, make for San Diego, just an hour’s drive away, or venture down to Ensenada’s Valle de Guadalupe.
Tecate, Baja California
Tel. 800 443 7565
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