These countries are also known for their picturesque vacation options. As long as you’re already traveling, after all, why not plan a vacation around your medical needs? But Mexico has something Thailand lacks. It’s a lot closer to the U.S., meaning shorter, cheaper flights to popular medical tourism and vacation destinations like Los Cabos.

What to know about medical tourism in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is an emerging medical tourism powerhouse, with several high-quality hospitals and clinics, and more on the way. Ground was just broken in April for a new Christus Muguerza hospital in the Tourist Corridor, midway between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. This state-of-the-art 450,000 square foot facility will offer services from doctors and clinicians representing about 30 different medical specialties. When open, it’ll be one of several appealing Tourist Corridor options, joining established hospitals like Blue Net, Hospiten, and H+, with even more found in the cape cities themselves.

“There’s a huge opportunity for medical tourism in Cabo,” notes Raúl Rivas, Director General of Blue Net Hospitals. However, “if you ask 10 different people about medical tourism in Los Cabos, you’ll get 10 different answers.” Which is to say, there’s no road map for patients seeking the best and most affordable treatments, and no customer service agency to help them if they’re dissatisfied. 

Thus, it’s incumbent upon patients to ensure they’re doing the proper research beforehand. Rivas recommends that patients meet their doctors and visit hospital facilities to ensure they’re comfortable with the quality of service they’re going to receive, and confirm that their doctors are properly licensed. 

It’s also important to consider the issue of insurance and what you need to do to get reimbursed beyond your deductible. If your domestic healthcare insurer doesn’t cover the surgery you’re seeking outside the U.S., you may want to purchase some sort of supplemental insurance. You should also think about what you’re going to do if something goes wrong. Los Cabos offers very good healthcare, but there’s always a risk when it comes to major surgeries, no matter how skilled the operating team. 

Notable hospitals and facilities in Los Cabos

An annual report in 2022 by the Baja California Sur Ministry of Health listed no less than 34 healthcare facilities in Los Cabos, the most notable of which, for medical tourism purposes, include the aforementioned:

Blue Net Hospital

• Location: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 6.3, Cabo Bello, Tourist Corridor
• Facilities include: 24/7 emergency services, intensive care units for adults and children, advanced operating rooms, a comprehensive imaging center with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, clinical laboratory services, a dialysis center, and more
• Specialties include: bariatric surgery, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, oncology and chemotherapy, orthopedics and traumatology, plastic and cosmetic surgery
• Notable for: Official healthcare provider during the G20 Summit in 2012

H+ Hospital

• Location: Koral Center, Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 24.5, Tourist Corridor
• Facilities include: 16 single patient rooms, three fully-equipped operating rooms and specialized delivery rooms, intensive care unit, endoscopic procedural room with advanced equipment, comprehensive radiology and imaging department featuring the latest technology, including MRI, CT scanner, ultrasonography, digital radiology, mammography, and digital fluoroscopy, the only private blood bank in Los Cabos and Baja California Sur
• Specialties include: Over 100 affiliated specialists
• Notable for: Cutting-edge diagnostic imaging equipment 

Hospiten

• Location: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 0.5, El Tezal, Tourist Corridor; and Paseo de las Misiones 266, San José del Cabo
• Facilities include: two state-of-the-art operating rooms, emergency room, birthing room with advanced maternal-fetal monitoring, catheterization laboratory, clinical laboratory with advanced diagnostic capabilities, comprehensive imaging department with MRI, CT scanning, 3D-4D ultrasound, and X-ray capabilities
• Specialties include: cardiology and interventional cardiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, dermatology, ENT, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and pediatric cardiology, urology, and more
• Notable for: Maintains upwards of 20 hospitals across several countries, including the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, and Spain.

Naturally, not all local hospitals offer the same quality of care. For instance, I have omitted St. Luke’s Hospital in Cabo San Lucas from this list due to the number of complaints lodged for a wide array of issues, which ultimately caused the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico to issue a health alert.   

How much cheaper are surgeries in Mexico? 

The appeal of Los Cabos isn’t just its resorts, spas, beaches, and opportunities for outdoor adventure, although of course those contribute to its popularity as a vacation destination, and provide plenty to do for those awaiting treatments or recovering from surgeries. It’s also the prices. The average cost of a heart bypass surgery in the U.S. is about US $127,000. In Mexico, the average price of the same operation is $27,000. Joint replacements are even more popular, and here, too, the savings are significant. A hip replacement in the U.S. will run you $40,000, a knee replacement $35,000. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the same operations go for $12,500 and $10,500, respectively.

Plastic surgeries, another favorite for medical tourists in Los Cabos, also offer significant savings. For example, a facelift is typically less than half the price in Mexico than it would be in the U.S. (US $4,250 here versus $11,000 there), while rhinoplasties offer even steeper discounts ($2,800 compared to $12,000). Lasik eye surgeries also provide value, as they’re about $4,000 in the U.S. and only $1,900 in Mexico.

What to know about billing

Again, these are average prices. You’ll want to get a written estimate of the cost of any proposed procedures beforehand. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are a good resource, both for a list of preferred hospitals in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo and as an ally if you later have any disputes with your chosen healthcare provider. Understand, though, that you will likely be expected to pay for services upfront.

Chris Sands is the Cabo San Lucas local expert for the USA Today travel website 10 Best, writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook and a contributor to numerous websites and publications, including Tasting Table, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Porthole Cruise, Cabo Living and Mexico News Daily. His specialty is travel-related content and lifestyle features focused on food, wine and golf.

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I was surprised to be welcomed by a gorgeous Venezuelan woman in a bikini and a light beach wrap, addressing us both in English with a heavy accent. She was the hostess. When I answered in my Mexican Spanish, not only was she surprised, but she seemed to be taken aback, as if thinking: “Mexicans? Here?”

Her expression was everything.

Despite her clear uneasiness, she urged a team of three staff members to start the limpia ceremony. The hostess asked us to hold hands, as the rest of the team walked in circles around us. One of them held a great copalera between her hands, steaming with palo santo, and smoked us from head to toe as her teammate chanted something in what they later said was ancient Mayan. 

Why was a Buddha statue staring at us from above? Another staff member suggested we set an intention for our trip so that we could have Ixchel’s — the Maya goddess of fertility and the moon — blessing during our stay.

The hostess then instructed the team to guide us through the bungalows in the jungle to our rooms. Everyone was still surprised that we weren’t a foreign couple, as we were willing to take the 7 a.m. yoga class after a quartz meditation session while we admired the sunrise. By then, I assumed I was already high on copal smoke or whatever they were burning right in my face. Unfortunately, that was not the case: Before our eyes spread the phenomenon of spiritual tourism in Mexico, a profoundly misleading and gentrified understanding of local uses and customs.

Were limpias and other kinds of ‘traditional’ cleansing performed by the ancients?

The easy answer is yes. “Limpias” have been a part of “virtually all healing rituals in traditional Mazatec medicine,” as documented by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). As its name suggests, limpias — or cleansings — are designed to cleanse spiritual and physical impurities from the human body.

Although there is no clear evidence as to when these practices began, historians suggest that several different pre-Colombian civilizations in what is now present-day Mexico shared these rituals. 

Intended to soothe pain, curses or even fright, a shaman or local doctor would cleanse the ill person “with fragrant plants, such as basil, and red flowers” if the ailment was easy to treat. If, however, they encountered a more serious matter, more complex rituals would be performed, featuring lotions and sacred fungi.

Limpias varied from culture to culture. However, these elements were shared by most pre-Colombian civilizations. Most Mazatec therapists, for example, used divination via corn kernels and eggs — usually referred to as “blanquillo” — to diagnose their patients. Moreover, most limpias were performed in holy places, such as the therapist’s private altar, cenotes and other sacred spaces.

Limpias, of course, were not the only kind of medical procedures performed by ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica. Evidence shows the Maya had enough technology for dental procedures, as shown by research published by the Iztacala Faculty of Higher Studies (FES Iztacala). The medicinal use of temazcal rituals among the Nahua cultures was a way of cleansing the body through sweat, as biologist Margarita Avilés wrote for the INAH Morelos Center, and is still practised across the country. Cacao ceremonies, by the way, did not feature among the cleansing procedures of any ancient civilization.

It is worth noting that these rituals and spiritual cleansings did not remain the same throughout time. On the contrary, with the expansion of the Mexica Empire — and the growing commercial networks built across the centuries — pre-Colombian civilizations influenced each other. With the arrival of the Spaniards on the American continent, medical practices in the Americas also changed drastically.

Why are these alleged ‘ancient rituals’ only performed in high-demand tourist centers? 

When Cortés wrote his Relation Letters in the 16th Century, addressing Emperor Charles V himself, he described México-Tenochtitlan as a highly advanced city. The builders of the great, ancient city likely did not perform cacao ceremonies half-naked in performative trances or dancing in circles.

That is more of a caricature of what actual ritualistic dancing was like before the Conquest. Not only that, it’s also probably not even close to the religious practices the Mexica performed in their holy city: Most documentary evidence was destroyed by the Spaniards upon their arrival, considering it all blasphemous and unworthy of “good” Christian customs. The surviving evidence dates only to the 16th century.

However, entire Mexican families today are sustained by such performances, targeted at foreigners trying to get a taste of what that pre-Hispanic era was like. Those who perform limpias in Mexico City’s Zócalo do so in a new kind of cultural fusion, taking whatever supposedly ancient practice they were taught and what works with folk from abroad.

Tulum was not built for the Tuluminati

Many of these so-called ancient rituals are a product of the New Age movement. Presented as a “new integral ecological and holistic awareness,” as described by anthropologist Elizabeth Díaz Brenis, “[the movement] takes up approaches from the main religious traditions,” including elements of the pre-Colombian belief system.

New Age believers truly think that cacao ceremonies connect their souls to something greater. When you ask them to what, exactly, they wander around the idea of a god/goddess, the universe or something that elevates their third eye.

Though this might not seem harmful at first, these scattered elements of ancient cultures, all mixed into a heterogeneous mass, are often out of context. And though it might bring “ceremonial grade cacao users” a great joy to sing to the Pacha Mama as they drink hot cocoa, the idea that this practice comes from a millennia-old tradition is, to say the least, misinformed.

Disguised as white magic or spiritual cleansing — through crystals, sacred smoke and more— practitioners of these New Age “ancient” activities are often charging their customers in dollars and using elements taken from other cultures. Not only that: Entire yoga retreats and “healing” rituals are performed by people who are not mental health professionals, and, at times, address deep trauma as if it were some sort of Kundalini energy awakening. 

That’s part of the reason there was a Buddha staring down at us during a supposedly Mayan blessing. And that is why, too, New Age rituals are potentially dangerous both for their consumers and to the general understanding of local traditional practices. Thai figurines, Hindu mantras and pseudoancient Mesoamerican practices are all brought together as if they were the same, each bastardized from its original culture. 

But spiritual tourism in Mexico has made many foreigners believe otherwise.

Andrea Fischer contributes to the features desk at Mexico News Daily. She has edited and written for National Geographic en Español and Muy Interesante México, and continues to be an advocate for anything that screams science. Or yoga. Or both.

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The United States National Cancer Institute defines Chinese medicine (also known as Eastern medicine) as: “A medical system that has been used for thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. It is based on the belief that qi (the body’s vital energy) flows along meridians (channels) in the body and keeps a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance. Oriental medicine aims to restore the body’s balance and harmony between the natural opposing forces of yin and yang, which can block qi and cause disease. Oriental medicine includes acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage.”

Today, Eastern medicine is considered an advanced and complete medical science that uses different therapeutic techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, phytotherapy, and qigong. It first arrived in Mexico in the late 19th century due to the influx of Chinese migrants seeking to go to the United States.

The most influential period for Eastern medicine in Mexico came in the 1960s when academic exchanges allowed Mexicans to pursue formal acupuncture studies in China. The first doctors to participate were Tomás Alcocer González and Octavio Ramírez Vargas. Upon their return from China, they proposed training centers to offer acupuncture courses for other doctors. This initiative was developed by the National Polytechnic Institute at the National School of Medicine and Homeopathy from 1986 to 1994.

Where to find practitioners of Eastern medicine in Mexico

Traditional Eastern medicine is now so popular that you can find practitioners in virtually every state and city in Mexico. We have compiled a selection based on the best-ranked places, as well as those with the most reviews on Google.

Mexico City

Acupuntura China CDMX

Jin Xuan, who offers services in Colonia Navarte, has more than 1,000 favorable reviews with a rating of 4.9.

Monterrey

Dr. Juan Zhang Zhang 

Dr. Juan Zhang Zhang practices acupuncture and moxibustion; his training began as a surgeon and midwife at the University of Monterrey. He holds a certificate of excellence on Doctoralia with more than 100 favorable opinions.

Guadalajara

Acupuntura Yintang

The Jalisco Eastern medicine specialists combine traditional acupuncture techniques with physical therapy and have nearly perfect ratings on Google.

Cancún 

Soplo Divino Acupuntura

Traveling to the beach? Soplo Divino in Cancún is highly rated, with many very enthusiastic reviews about its therapists.

Oaxaca

Atención Terapéutica Integral Oaxaca

Here you can find a combination of holistic services based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, and chiropractic.

Eastern medicine in modern-day Mexico

The relationship between Mexico and Eastern medicine is exceptional. The National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico was one of the first official institutions in the world to teach the specialty of human acupuncture. The Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), one of Mexico’s highest-ranked universities according to the prestigious Times Higher Education list, offers a certification in Acupuncture and Phytotherapy. Students of alternative medicine can also study at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, which offers a master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine with a specialty in acupuncture and moxibustion.

However, the enthusiasm and promotion of traditional medicine are not limited to the academy. The Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), a government organization, collaborated with the Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing to create their first acupuncture and moxibustion seminar. Additionally, the Mexico City Ministry of Health (Sedesa) has provided more than 50 thousand free consultations of acupuncture and phytotherapy through the newly established Specialized Center for Integrative Medicine (CEMI) in 2021.

Furthermore, according to Julio César Almanza, coordinator of the acupuncture and phytotherapy certification program at the Metropolitan Autonomous University, many Mexicans have turned to traditional Eastern medicine in recent decades due to chronic health problems like diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Out of all of the impacts China has had on the rest of the world, the country’s traditional medicine is arguably one of its greatest contributions, not only for patients seeking treatment but also for advancing a more comprehensive understanding of medicine and disease.

Which traditional Chinese medicine clinic would you add to our list?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. The writer and Mexico News Daily assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content on this site. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding medical procedures, including plastic and/or cosmetic surgery, and medical aesthetic treatments, as well as consider their jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

The post All you need to know about Eastern medicine in Mexico appeared first on Mexico News Daily

For guidance on selecting a doctor and choosing a laser skin treatment that suits your needs, we’ve spoken to Mexican dermatologist Dr. Daniela Lara Del Valle, founder and CEO of Clínica de la Piel Dermantra in San Miguel de Allende. Her answers have been translated and edited for this article. 

Cosmetic treatments in the United States can be expensive: the average cost of a laser skin resurfacing procedure is US $1,489 according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. So it’s perhaps no surprise that a growing number of US residents are crossing the border into Mexico to seek more affordable laser treatments, saving anything from 35% to 80% on cosmetic treatment, according to Medical Tourism Mexico.

Paying less doesn’t mean you get a lower quality of service. Doctors in Mexico share the same high-quality standards as doctors in the U.S. or any international practice using cutting-edge healthcare technology. 

However, as is the case anywhere you receive such treatments, you must ensure your doctor adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and professionalism. 

What is laser skin resurfacing?  

Laser is a form of light energy, used in treating various skin conditions and for aesthetic procedures through the stimulated emission of radiation that vaporizes the outer layers of the skin to promote growth of new collagen fibers. 

The letters in the word laser stand for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

When do I need a laser skin resurfacing treatment? 

A laser procedure provides a better aesthetic result for people with skin imperfections. 

Laser treatments are effective at reducing premature signs of skin aging like wrinkles and age spots, scars, rosacea, enlarged pores and melasma. It can also treat spider veins, benign tumors such as freckles or moles and stretch marks, amongst other conditions. 

Are there several types of laser resurfacing, or is it the same for every skin type?

There are two forms of laser resurfacing: those with carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium lasers, which create a uniform injury on the skin in the affected area. The other form is fractionated CO2 laser treatment, which drills into the skin. 

CO2 laser resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing treats different benign and malignant skin conditions in addition to wrinkles, scars, moles, warts and other issues. A newer generation of CO2 laser resurfacing uses a single light source to act precisely on the affected areas of the skin. 

Erbium laser resurfacing

Erbium laser resurfacing removes superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck or chest. This laser causes less swelling, bruising and redness than CO2 lasers,  making recovery faster.

Fractional laser resurfacing

This technique drills narrow columns of holes deep into the skin’s layers while leaving the surrounding skin intact. With this treatment, less skin is injured. 

What should my doctor in Mexico evaluate before advising laser resurfacing?

Every patient needs a medical evaluation before being considered a candidate for laser resurfacing. 

An ideal candidate will have any of the following conditions: 

• Uneven skin pigmentation
• Scars from acne or chicken pox
• Skin scars or birthmarks
• Age spots or liver spots
• Sun-damaged skin
• Nonresponsive skin after a facelift
• Fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, forehead or mouth
• Enlarged pores on the nose.

People with the following conditions are advised against laser resurfacing:

• Active acne
• Very dark skin
• Deep wrinkles
• Excessive or sagging skin
• Keloid or hypertrophic scars
• Herpes
• Autoimmune diseases
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Post-laser sun exposure

Patients should always inform their doctor of any medications they are using, as some might pose risks during the laser treatment. 

What are the potential side effects of laser resurfacing in Mexico? 

As with any treatment, the side effects of laser resurfacing are the same in every country. The following are only a few of the possible side effects:

• Bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
• Acne due to the use of emollients
• Contact dermatitis
• Hyperpigmentation in phototypes IV to VI
• Hypopigmentation one month after the laser procedure 
• Fibrous scar and hyperpigmentation 12 months after the procedure 

Your Mexican healthcare provider must warn you of potential stains or pigmentation, blistering or burns.

How many laser sessions will I need? 

The sessions required for your treatment are those ordered by your dermatologist. In ablative cases — that is, in the treatment of tumors — one session is enough. 

For treatments such as rejuvenation, treatment of spots, tattoos, rosacea, stretch marks and scars — among other cosmetic treatments — your dermatologist will recommend between three to six sessions (depending on your skin type), with intervals ranging between four to six weeks. 

What do I need to know to choose a good dermatologist in Mexico?

Choosing a professional dermatologist is essential when undergoing laser resurfacing treatment in Mexico. Here’s some advice:

1. Find a specialized dermatological center. 
2. Verify that the staff is supervised by a certified dermatologist.
3. Make sure the equipment is approved by the European Union or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and by Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection Against Health Risks (Cofepris).

It is not advisable to undergo a laser resurfacing treatment in beauty centers that lack a certified dermatologist who can guarantee the treatment’s safety and effectiveness. 

Beware of illegal laser devices (generally made in China). These may put the patient at risk of getting skin burns even when handled by an experienced dermatologist. 

What do I need to keep in mind after undergoing the procedure in Mexico? 

Consider the post-procedure recovery time and the necessary care to avoid complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. The writer and Mexico News Daily assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content on this site. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding medical procedures, including plastic and/or cosmetic surgery, and medical aesthetic treatments, as well as consider their jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations.

Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.

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Mexico is one of the countries with the highest growth in the wellness industry, with a market representing a size of over US $46 billion – and for good reason. 

The country’s spa scene truly shines, offering an array of tempting options and enviable talent. Among Mexico’s best-kept secrets is its multitude of affordable, high-quality at-home spa and beauty services. From massages to manicures, facials, makeup artistry, and styling services, the list of possibilities is endless. With just a few taps on a smartphone, you can summon professionals to your doorstep, transforming your home (or hotel room) into a personal oasis of relaxation and indulgence.  Coveted luxuries once only available to kings and queens are now available for download at prices that often rival those of brick-and-mortar locations. 

Unwind with a massage delivered straight to your door

My first experience with the delight of at-home spa services took place in a cozy studio I was renting in Roma Norte. A friend had sworn by a booking app she used for scheduling massages and facials. After a grueling work week that left me tense and mentally depleted, I wanted nothing more than to unwind and experience what she had called “heaven at home.”

Lounging on my couch, I downloaded the app, selected a deep-tissue massage from an array of delectable options, chose a time for that evening, requested a female masseuse and plugged in my payment details. Four hours later, heaven knocked on my door in the form of a petite, uniform-clad lady.

“Hola,” she said, peering in as I opened the door. “Masaje relajante?” Efficiently rolling in a folded massage table, she promptly set up a station with fresh sheets, aromatherapy and a speaker spouting twinkling wind chimes and rainforest sounds. I dimmed the lights, dropped my towel and hopped onto the massage bed. With a gentle waft of aromatherapy, heaven began. For an hour, Paty kneaded and shaped me like a batch of focaccia dough, and I loved every minute of it. 

Since then, I’ve unabashedly become an at-home service addict of sorts, booking and sampling a variety of experiences, both alone and with friends.

Get help with beauty emergencies in moments

During one such instance, horrified at the state of my toenails before a beachy trip to Puerto Escondido with a girlfriend, I hurriedly booked us at-home mani-pedis. Two gracious nail technicians serviced us amidst piles of suitcases and clothes strewn about in a last-minute packing frenzy. Our freshly exfoliated feet soaking in basins of warm lavender water, we relaxed and gossiped as an episode of Netflix’s “Love is Blind” buzzed away in the background.

A few weeks later, preparing to attend a Vogue Magazine gala celebrating Día de los Muertos in November, I booked hair and makeup services to elevate my glam game. After a strategic consultation rivaling those of battle generals, my makeup artist got to work. As I sipped chilled albariño in my living room, obediently pursing my lips and shutting my eyes when instructed, she worked her magic to produce stunning results. Later that night, I felt very much the belle of the ball at the celebrity-studded event in trendy Juárez.

Whether in need of a “sparty” with the gals, professional glam for a special event, emergency beautifying or a set of relaxing experiences to surprise the wife — gentlemen, take note! — these easy-to-book, reliable services don’t disappoint. 

Below, we’ll uncover the two must-have main players in the at-home wellness and beauty booking space, along with a few other honorable mentions. Most of these apps are in Spanish, but it’s nothing that Google Translate won’t tackle. We’ve also negotiated some discounts for MND readers… because you all deserve to be treated like royalty. 

Glitzi

At the top of our list is Glitzi, a service that has become something of a titan in the realm of on-demand spa and beauty treatments. With the most extensive repertoire of offerings, Glitzi’s catalog is undeniably the most comprehensive in the at-home pampering sphere, offering an expansive array of services to four major cities in Mexico: Mexico City, Queretaro, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

Glitzi’s reasonably-priced options run the gamut from massages of all varieties including Lomi Lomi & prenatal, basic facials, manicures and pedicures, barbershop services for men, haircuts for the entire family, color and keratin treatments, styling and updos, makeup applications, as well as eyelash and eyebrow grooming. Bundled packages combining different treatments at a discounted rate are also available.

Among Glitzi’s standout offerings is maderotherapy, a massage technique rooted in ancient Colombian holistic healing practices that utilizes anatomically designed wooden tools. The practice is purported to provide a litany of benefits, including cellulite reduction, pain management, increased flexibility, deep relaxation and weight loss. Other unique Glitzi services include lymphatic drainage, chocolate massage and foot reflexology. While Glitzi’s massage therapists and glam technicians each have their distinct style, each experience ends up somehow being exactly what you needed. 

Massages range from 700 pesos for a 60-minute basic decontracting massage, to 1340 peso, 90-minute ayurvedic massages, while makeup services hover at around 1350 pesos for predetermined looks. 

Exclusively for MND readers, use code MNDWELLNESS to receive a discount of MXN 150 off your first booking. 

Scape

If Glitzi is the fun, versatile sibling who dabbles in a myriad of pursuits and nails them brilliantly, then Scape is the posh and sophisticated older sister who has spent years abroad in Europe. Founded in 2018 by Swedish wellness entrepreneur Helle Jeppsson, Scape specializes in a tightly curated selection of quality-assured luxurious spa services, keeping its focus primarily on facials and massages. With operations spanning 25 cities across Mexico – from CDMX and Cancún to San Miguel de Allende and Puebla — Scape boasts the nation’s broadest coverage for at-home pampering. 

Because each of its massage therapists undergoes proprietary training from Scape and works with a vetted set of products, clients can expect a high level of consistency and quality of treatments. The company’s therapists also engage in ongoing training and educational programs, continuously honing their craft with new techniques and modalities.

Scape’s minimalist massage menu centers on four core varieties – sports, prenatal, deep tissue, and relaxing, with treatments ranging from 990 pesos for a standard 60-minute escape to 1690 for a luxurious 2-hour at-home retreat. Massages employ products from Scape’s own Nordic-inspired Mys line, which features some of the most deliciously-scented aromatherapy oils I’ve ever encountered, along with sumptuous body oils.

For facial enthusiasts, the company offers a bespoke selection of five facial treatments tailored to address a variety of skin needs. With specialized options like the Teen Facial catering to adolescent skin concerns and a Vitamin C facial for brightness, Scape leverages spa-grade products from Spanish brand Natura Bissé, alongside facial technology tools from Swedish brand Foreo.

Use code MNDWELLNESS15 for a 15% discount on your first booking or gift certificate to Scape. 

Honorable Mentions

Some of the other fabulous players in the on-demand wellness and beauty space include Glam2Go, which focuses on makeup and beauty services in 8 major cities, and Zen to Go, which hones in on massages in 10 cities.

These incredible at-home experiences prove that some of the best massages in Mexico City … can often be found right in the comfort of your own home! Have you tried any of these apps? Let us know in the comments below!

Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver labrador puppy Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at https://medium.com/@monicabelot.

The post Beauty and wellness apps to help you look and feel great anywhere, any time appeared first on Mexico News Daily

“That led to a terrible frustration and I considered leaving medicine for some time. Instead of doing that, I found another path that led me first to something called anti-aging and regenerative medicine, and then to functional medicine, and more recently to lifestyle medicine,” Dr. Krouham told Mexico News Daily.

Now he is back in love with medicine and has become a leader in promoting functional medicine in Mexico. Some of his interviews and podcasts have more than 1.5 million views, and his approach to health resonates in the hearts and minds of many.

For Krouham, functional medicine is not alternative medicine; it is simply a different way of looking at our health. “It is a focus on everything that happens in the organism; functional medicine and lifestyle medicine seek to heal from the bottom, from the roots. It is basically about understanding physiology and biochemistry, how the organism works, what determines changes in the body and how it functions,” he explained.

Functional medicine as a way of thinking

“Originally, the main health problems we had were acute diseases, especially infections and trauma. Today, we face chronic degenerative diseases that obey completely different mechanisms; the conventional health model has not really proven effective in addressing these complications,” said Dr. Krouham.

Essentially, functional medicine focuses on the individual rather than the disease itself; pursuing personalized care. This focus expands the timeline of the person’s life, taking into account all the relevant events that have occurred. It involves thoroughly examining the individual’s medical history to address the issues and focuses holistically on the patient’s organism rather than just the disease itself.

“If you notice, society in general has lost confidence in medicine, and people no longer feel close to the doctor. Therefore, another value of functional medicine is to reconnect the doctor with the patient; to strengthen that crucial doctor-patient relationship.”

The main values of functional medicine focus on personalized attention, taking responsibility for your own health through your lifestyle and habits, and a view of integral health that treats problems by focusing on the complexity of each person’s personal circumstances.

“We need to recognize that even if we have the same disease as someone else, it does not mean that the disease will behave in the same way. It is important to personalize our care and to train healthcare professionals who understand this,” Krouham continued.

Another aspect of functional medicine is that it also includes the emotional aspects of the individual to address diseases. “Any change in the neuro-emotional aspects has an impact on the physical processes. I can’t separate the individual at the neck and say, ‘From here up I deal with the emotional and from here down I deal with the biological,'” he explained.

Benefits of functional medicine

Dr. Krouham used the example of the famous Cleveland Clinic: “This clinic dared to ally with the Institute of Functional Medicine, and in their organization, they have an area specifically designed for IFM, for Functional Medicine care. Their service was so successful that they had a two-year waiting list.”

The most important part of functional medicine is that the person becomes part of the recovery. This approach brings humanity and connection back to a practice that many people find increasingly depersonalized.

Functional medicine is based on five aspects that science has proven to be essential for a healthy life:

• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Quality of sleep 
• Stress management 
• Quality of relationships

“It is important to eat fresh, real, seasonal foods, including a plant-based diet. That doesn’t mean vegan, but 80% plant-based and 20% animal protein. As for exercise, it’s important to include all four types: aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance,” he explains.

On the quality of sleep, Krouham said, “It is relevant to take care of the environment in which you sleep: disconnect cell phones, tablets and computers at least an hour before; try to get good-quality restful sleep.”

When it comes to managing stress, Krouham said that it is obvious that while stress is an unavoidable part of life, we do have control over how we choose to manage it.

For functional medicine, relationships are important and having healthy relationships with those around you is essential to good health. “It is incredibly important,” Dr. Krouham continued. “Family and social relationships enrich us, but they can also intoxicate us. Let’s dare to ask, is this a healthy relationship or not? If it’s not, what is it taking away from me, do I need to break up with it?”

The final part is to reduce substance abuse; do you smoke or do you drink excessively? This matter is absolutely in your hands.

Functional Medicine is gaining popularity across Mexico and the rest of the world

Functional medicine is not a new way of thinking. This approach to medicine was born in the United States around 30 years ago. Today, the Institute for Functional Medicine has gained significant popularity.

“Experts believe that 80% of today’s health problems are due to chronic degenerative diseases. And precisely 80% of chronic degenerative diseases are lifestyle-related,” Krouham explains.

Functional medicine came to the forefront in 2004, in Irvine, California, with the creation of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. However, there are still only a handful of doctors in Mexico who are certified by the IFM.

For Krouham, the new generations of patients and doctors are looking for a different perspective that allows the patient to feel more involved in their health, and also enables doctors and the health community to address problems more profoundly and integrally. The thousands of followers of Dr. Krouhman and the interest that his interventions have generated in the media are proof of this.

What do you think about this new way of thinking in medicine?

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

The post How a Mexican doctor of Functional Medicine is changing lives appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I wish there were an optimistic answer — or a clear day in sight. Unfortunately, a more realistic response is: “Maybe the air quality will improve for one day in a few weeks from now.” 

Mexico City’s air is some of the worst you can breathe on this planet.

Swiss air quality awareness group IQAir rates it the 14th most polluted city in the world, the worst rating of any metropolis in Latin America. From January to August 2023, the city only registered 55 days of fresh air, meaning air quality was poor 77% of the time.

Why is the air quality so poor in Mexico City?

Air quality is measured on a scale of 0 to 500, with 0 being perfect. On a typical day in Mexico City, the air quality index (AQI) hovers around 100, largely due to pollutants from vehicle emissions. 

Over five million cars circulate the city daily, releasing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into the air we breathe on the streets and in our homes. In many cities, those emissions disperse and dissipate after peak travel times. Mexico City, however, is in a valley, so contaminants rise and settle like glitter in a snow globe, every day.

This year, several additional factors have worsened air quality in Mexico City. Heightened activity of the nearby Popocatepetl volcano, forest fires in central Mexico and reduced rainfall have made the air especially heavy in 2024. Also impacting air quality in Mexico City are residential and commercial emissions including the burning of gas for stoves and heaters, household products, personal care products, paints and pesticides.

Despite the persistence of poor air quality in Mexico City, the air is actually much better today than it was 30 years ago.

Air pollution in Mexico City reached its peak in the 1980s and 1990s when all five major air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and airborne particles) were at record highs. Since then, federal and city-level initiatives to monitor and limit emissions have reduced atmospheric concentrations of lead, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Ozone and suspended particle (PM) concentrations in Mexico City, however, are still above federal and international air quality standards.

What does a pulmonologist have to say?

Sneezing and coughing more than usual this spring? Pulmonologist Dr. Paula Olvera of Mexico’s National Institute for Respiratory Illnesses (INER) says an increased presence of two major pollutants will cause an immediate allergic reaction.

The big two for lung health are Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), present in vehicle emissions, and PM10, which includes dust from construction sites, landfills and agriculture, wildfires and industrial emissions. Airborne particles are measured by their diameter, and anything smaller than 10 micrometers is inhalable by the lungs, causing lung tissue to become inflamed. 

“It is very common that people come here to live in Mexico City and they develop rhinitis, which causes a lot of sneezing, discomfort and nasal congestion… it is not very serious, but it is persistent,” remarks Dr. Olvera. “Then, they go to Cuernavaca and it’s as if they were never sick,” she continues. 

Though rhinitis is manageable with allergy medication, eye drops and (many) tissues, over time, daily inflammation of the lungs and respiratory system can lead to other illnesses, including lung cancer. 

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2019, Mexico reported more than 48,000 premature deaths attributable to exposure to polluted air. Beatriz Cárdenas, director of global air quality at the World Resources Institute, describes air pollution as the main environmental risk worldwide.

A study published in late 2023 found that exposure to PM2.5 in Mexico City was also associated with illnesses beyond the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, impacting digestion and even mental health. Though air pollution does cause immediate damage to your lungs, more serious consequences are typically seen after long-term exposure.

“To develop a more serious condition, such as cancer, you would need [approximately] 20 years of exposure,” says Dr. Olvera. “What happens is, poor air quality produces chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation over time will cause the cells to mutate and make metaplasia,” she explains. 

I love living in Mexico City. What can I do to protect my lungs?

It’s important to note that some populations are at greater risk for complications due to air pollution, including people with existing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, older adults with chronic heart or lung disease and children. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider living in an area with less traffic and more green spaces.

In addition, Dr. Olvera says there are several ways to protect your lung health while living in Mexico City.

1) Pay attention to the air quality

“The air quality [in Mexico City] is rated good, moderate, bad or extremely bad,” says Dr. Olvera. “Depending on the day’s rating, avoid doing exercise outdoors, or go to a gym where you will have less exposure.”

2) Monitor your oxygenation with an oximeter

That pandemic purchase is great for monitoring lung health long term. 

Dr. Olvera says an oximeter is a great tool for keeping an eye on how the air quality is affecting you personally. The important thing is to first know what your baseline oxygenation is. 

“For example, if you are oxygenating 98 all of the time, it’s normal for your oxygenation to vary two points, to 100 or 96,” explains Dr. Olvera. “But if one day you are at 90, this is a direct indication of a bronchial condition.” 

If a cough lasts more than six weeks or you suddenly have trouble breathing, see a doctor.

3) Fill your home with air-purifying plants

Plants thrive in Mexico City despite the air, and can help us breathe better.

Easy-to-maintain pothos are a great choice for purifying your indoor environment, as well as peace lilies, palms, ferns and the beautiful Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum).

4) Wear a face mask when the air quality is worse

An N95 face mask doesn’t just keep COVID-19 away — it can also block harmful air pollutants. 

Face masks are typically given a rating of either N90, N95, N99 or N100, depending on the percentage of particulate matter they can filter. An N95 mask, for example, blocks against 95% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrograms, which includes the vast majority of PM2.5 and PM10. 

5) Finally, invest in an air purifier

Many people have turned to air purifiers since the COVID-19 pandemic, both as a way to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses and to improve overall lung health.

How can I monitor Mexico City’s air quality on a daily basis?

To get an accurate reading of the air quality in your colonia, visit aire.cdmx.gob.mx, which also offers more information on pollutants by neighborhood. 

The AQI also offers an air pollution monitor.

Also, keep alert for when Mexico City decrees a contingencia ambiental (environmental contingency). This is an emergency program to alert the public during severe air quality episodes and restricts certain vehicles from circulating to reduce the levels of ozone, PM2.5 and PM10 in the air.

When Mexico City is under environmental contingency, it’s best to stay indoors and limit physical activity.

By Caitlin Cooper, Mexico News Daily writer

The post Live in Mexico City? Here’s what you need to know about air quality appeared first on Mexico News Daily

But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. From high-intensity programs like CrossFit to grueling Spartan races, Mexico has fitness options for people who want to take their workout to the next level. There are CrossFit gyms in every major city and beachside destination — from Puerto Vallarta, to Mexico City, to Monterrey or Tulum, and a number of high-profile fitness events for enthusiastic (or masochistic) amateurs to compete in.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a very intense workout program that uses functional movement and weight training in high-cardio sessions. It is, in many ways, the ultimate HIIT session, with set numbers of repetitions, time limits and distances set for participants. Generally, the activities in a session are similar to those you might find in Olympic disciplines, and can include gymnastic and flexibility challenges, traditional weight training and also sprinting and resistance challenges.

Usually, sessions are led by a qualified coach, and have structured warm-ups and cooldowns, as well as more strength and flexibility-oriented stages. Notably, however, these workouts are best for people with a more competitive streak, as they are designed to track progress, and face gym goers off against each other. 

As a result, CrossFit can also be a great way to meet new people if you’ve just arrived in Mexico. The social element of the workout is so strong, in fact, that many gyms — such as Cancun’s Fibonacci — advertise the great community element of their CrossFit programs.

How do I get started with CrossFit in Mexico?

Paco Zarate is a competitive CrossFitter, taking part in competitions in Mexico and the United States. At 49 years old, and having recently become a grandfather, you might think that his best gym years are behind him — but Paco is one of the top-ranked competitors in his CrossFit age group —which boasts 8,000 competitors — a testament to how fast the sport is growing within Mexico.

“There’s a great [CrossFit] culture in Mexico,” Paco says. “ It is not for everybody because it’s a hard discipline, but it’s accessible.“

“You register, pay your membership to CrossFit and start,” he explains. “It’s for me and for every age. There are people who are 80 years old in CrossFit.” 

When asked how people can get into CrossFit, Zarate explains that it is important to find the right starting point, instead of diving in at the deep end. It’s important to ensure that if you’re going to embark on a fitness journey, you always do so with a properly accredited trainer to help reduce the risk of injury. 

“The first thing you need to do is find the right trainer. You need to start from Basics to Advanced,” he says. This is important, because given the intensity of the training, it is possible to find yourself pushing harder than your body is ready for. “You could walk into an advanced class, and if you don’t know how to do it, you might try to lift [too heavily] or do handstand walks, and you’re going to get hurt,” Paco warns.

Although CrossFit has a bit of a reputation for causing injury, many of these injuries are caused by people pushing too hard and too fast — so, taking your time and working with a professional who understands your training needs is paramount.

Put your skills to the test with a Spartan race

If you want to put your CrossFit skills into action, then a Spartan Race might be the best way to do it. Mexico has a host of options for anyone who wants to test themselves on the ultimate obstacle course: climbing, running, crawling and sweating on routes ranging from 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) to a brutal 160 (yes, one hundred and sixty kilometers — 99.4 miles). 

The most popular races, the Spartan Sprints, are between three and five miles in length, and feature between 25 and 30 obstacles on the course. Other disciplines, such as the Spartan Super, a 10-km version, and the Spartan Beast (21 km) are also popular choices for athletes here in Mexico.  

Spartan Race #trainedbyraine pic.twitter.com/1FicpHmjJE

— The Candy Lady (@mycandyraine) March 16, 2024

If you are already familiar with Spartan races in the United States, the Mexican versions are slightly easier for beginners. “I went to the United States to run and the parameters were different. The people were bigger, the weights were heavier and the obstacles were taller,” Paco says. “I suffered with my wall climbing because [the walls] were taller than I was used to. It’s complicated sometimes when you go to another country to run a Spartan race, but it’s very fun and it’s very challenging.”

With upcoming events in Campeche, México state, San Luis Potosí and Acapulco, it’s also a great excuse to explore more of Mexico.

CrossFit in Mexico is for everyone

If you are feeling insecure about your personal fitness before beginning an intense sports workout — challenge that mindset!. “Pregnant women do CrossFit,” Paco says. “There are people with physical disabilities who train. There are even specific categories in CrossFit games for these people. Everyone can participate… your age, gender or size don’t matter.” 

“We are often afraid of not finishing, or looking ridiculous in front of other people… but the thing is, you just have to start.”

If you’re thinking of signing up for a Spartan race (you should!), then more information is available on their website.

Of course, if you’re looking for something more holistic and a bit less hectic, why not check out our guide to Tulum’s best bikini bootcamps?

By Mexico News Daily writer Chris Havler-Barrett

The post Get into Mexico’s growing extreme fitness scene appeared first on Mexico News Daily

For the last eight years, Mitigare Cuidados Paliativos A.C. has provided palliative care to patients facing terminal diagnoses in the comfort of their own homes and offered support to their families. As Les Matthews, president of Mitigare’s board, explained, “Mitigare will still provide services in people’s homes, but now, when a patient’s caretaker needs a break, or when someone lives too far out in the campo (countryside) to receive regular care, they can come to our facility for dignified, specialized end-of-life care.”

“We will continue to demonstrate that hospice is more humane and cost-effective than dying in a hospital. Most doctors at hospitals, whose goal is to cure, do not have the right mindset to treat someone who has accepted the fact that they are dying.” In Matthews’s view, they tend to keep ordering invasive tests and expensive, ineffective procedures. The facility will enhance Mitigare’s capacity to train doctors, nurses, and social workers in end-of-life care, a medical specialty that is practically nonexistent in Mexico.

Matthews has extensive experience with hospice care in the U.S. He was a partner in a company that operated five hospices and is also a founding board member of the Foundation for Hospice Care, an organization based in Kansas City. The foundation has provided US $100,000 to the Mitigare patient care fund as well as US $225,000 toward construction expenses, a grant which was conditioned upon the city of San Miguel de Allende donating the land for the facility.

The municipal government donated 1,480 square meters — nearly 16,000 square feet — of land. “We’re proud that this is a public-private partnership,” said Mitigare co-founder and board member Lee Carter. “The city’s generous donation of land is a wonderful endorsement of the project. We received the use of the land for 100 years, with taxes and permit fees included… this is the first property the city has donated for any purpose in 10 or 15 years.”

The location at Prolongación Cuesta de San José 92 near the turn-off for the Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden is ideal, as it is both near Centro (on a road easily accessible by ambulance) and is located within a five-minute drive of both the General Hospital and MAC Hospital.

Mitigare Cuidados Paliativos A.C. was founded in 2016, growing out of an earlier version of the organization, Hospice San Miguel, which was founded in 2009. The founders include Dr. Luis Vazquez, Martha Hamill Meléndez, Vicki Stein, Dra. María de Lourdes Tejeida Bautista, a Mexican palliative care physician and Lee Carter, an American with a passionate belief in the value of hospice care. Carter’s brother, who had pancreatic cancer, died with dignity in hospice, as did both of his parents. After moving to Mexico, Carter witnessed a friend die a difficult death without pain relief and became determined to provide hospice care in Mexico.

Of Dr. Tejeida, the organization’s medical director, Carter said, “She is amazing,” adding that she is board-certified in oncology and palliative care — one of the few physicians in all of Mexico to have both of those certifications, plus a master’s degree in public health.

Mitigare’s medical team consists of four doctors, a nurse and two thanatologists, social workers with extra training in the area of grief and death. Thanatos is the Greek word for death, and therefore thanatology is the study of death. 

The team of thanatologists, led by Mtra. Martha Hamill Meléndez, help family members come together to create a familial environment in which the patient can have a peaceful, dignified death. They are also trained to help family members cope with anticipatory grief. After the patient dies, the team of thanatologists continues to provide counseling to family members for an additional six months or more. “This organization provides care equivalent in quality to that of any hospice in the U.S.,” affirms Matthews.

Carter reported that 90% of patients currently using Mitigare’s hospice services are Mexicans. “We charge according to a family’s ability to pay. Approximately 80% of our families receive financial assistance from our patient care fund, for which we are constantly fundraising. Currently, the average monthly payment is 2,000 pesos, although the average cost of services is 20,000 pesos. That’s a 90% discount. We’re happy to raise the money because we believe it is so important that anyone who needs hospice care can access it.”

A primary reason that hospice care is not widespread in Mexico is that, unlike in the United States, Canada and Europe, there are currently no government reimbursements for it. In the U.S., hospice became a Medicare benefit in the mid-1980s when the government saw that it was cost-effective. There are now 5,500 hospice programs in the U.S. — one for every 65,000 people — while for Mexico’s 130 million people, there is only one. The Mitigare team is confident that as more families begin to use hospice care and they experience how helpful it is to both the patient and family, it will become more commonplace in Mexico.

“It will also be of interest to the many expats living in San Miguel de Allende,” said Matthews, “that we have obtained Medicare approval. Qualified Medicare recipients can use their benefits to receive in-patient hospice care at our new facility.”

In addition to providing high-quality hospice care, Mitigare’s mission includes training doctors, nurses and other caregivers so that hospice becomes part of the fabric of Mexico’s end-of-life care. In 2019, the organization held a major conference, training 490 medical professionals from Mexico, the U.S., the Canary Islands and Costa Rica. “The typical medical school programs in Mexico and the U.S. really don’t train medical personnel in end-of-life care,” said Matthews. “So we will. We’ll be the epicenter for that critical training in Mexico.”

Board member Laura Rodríguez recommends that readers in the San Miguel de Allende area attend one of Mitigare’s upcoming seminars on preparing legally and emotionally to reach a dignified, “good” death. Rodríguez also invites readers to view a powerful film on the topic, titled Mai Morire (Nunca Morir), which will be shown on Thursday, April 4, at 5 p.m. at the Santa Ana Theatre in San Miguel’s Biblioteca Publica. 

After the screening, the film’s producer, Paola Herrera, and representatives of Mitigare will discuss hospice care. More information about these events as well as ways to make a tax-deductible contribution in support of the organization’s mission are available at mitigare.org.

Based in San Miguel de Allende, Ann Marie Jackson is a writer and NGO leader who previously worked for the U.S. Department of State. Her award-winning novel “The Broken Hummingbird,” which is set in San Miguel de Allende, came out in October 2023. Ann Marie can be reached through her website, annmariejacksonauthor.com.

The post Mexico’s first hospice now under construction in San Miguel de Allende appeared first on Mexico News Daily

It should be no surprise that a location as iconic as Tulum has a litany of options for the prospective fitness enthusiast to choose from — whether you’re looking to prepare your body or your mind. 

If you are looking to get ready to rock the beaches this summer, why not consider a visit to one of Tulum’s top fitness retreats?

Amansala Yoga & Wellness Retreat

Describing itself as “eco-chic,” the Amansala Yoga & Wellness Retreat, set right on Tulum’s sweeping beach, is perhaps best known for its celebrity clientele. Its Bikini Bootcamp (a favorite of Drew Barrymore, no less), is a particular highlight — but more on that later. 

If you think you’re already in great beach shape and would like something for the mind — fear not, Amansala has you covered here too. The hotel also claims to host Tulum’s most popular yoga retreat — the Restore & Renew program — held three times a month. A six day course promises that participants will experience “idyllic moments that give you space and time to journey back to yourself.”

No wellness center would truly be complete without great food, and Amansala is no exception. The full-service resort offers healthy, seasonal dishes, meaning that you can eat well knowing that your diet is getting you in shape and being kind to the local environment. 

Azulik

Azulik has two locations — so whatever you want to do, this awe-inspiring resort has you covered. While many of the wellness retreats on this list offer a distinctly Mayan flavor (as you might expect in Tulum), Azulik offers an international standard that is unmatched by any of the other resorts. 

The Tulum site is a series of treehouses, with walkways connecting the resort. From above, guests can enjoy the commanding views of the coast and the jungle, feeling at one with nature as they reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. At dinner, enjoy cuisine d’auteur sitting in a cozy nest. 

As well as a stunning tree top setting, Azulik is a modern art pioneer, meaning that guests can combine fitness, yoga and spiritual healing workshops with an immersive art and food experience. 

The Azulik spa also offers a mix of modern spa treatments and traditional Maya healing rituals. 

Bikini Bootcamp

We looked at Amansala earlier, but the Bikini Bootcamp, which takes place at the stunning hotel, is the highlight of Tulum’s wellness retreat scene. As for what goes on, well, the clue is in the name. 

The standard six day retreat offers visitors the chance to enjoy beach walks along Tulum’s stunning coastline, tours of the town and surrounding area, as well as healthy eating and a range of fitness classes. At the end of your six days, Bikini Bootcamp promises to “send you home as the best version of yourself.”

Guests can choose from HIIT, cardio, sculpt and tone, box fit, yoga, pilates, salsa and dance classes. As well as getting your body in shape, the team at Bikini Bootcamp want to make sure your mind is toned too, so journaling and meditation also form an important part of every retreat.

The on-site spa also offers a range of treatments, including a traditional and ever-popular temazcal, the intriguing Mayan egg ritual and all the standard massages and physical therapy options you might expect.

Kaxan Santuary 

Located a mere 15 minutes from the town, Kaxan Sanctuary has something for those seeking colonial luxury and those in search of a more intimate connection with nature in the heart of the jungle. 

Kaxan offers healing for the soul in particular. The sanctuary has a private cenote, giving visitors the chance to relax and unwind far from the madding crowds that throng Tulum’s popular main beaches.

The on-site organic kitchen offers home-grown delights — including local melipona honey sourced directly from the local community. The access to nature also means that fruit and vegetable juices are made using local produce. As Yucatán is one of Mexico’s major cuisine capitals, the menu has a very local tilt, offering classics such as tamales, locally-caught fish and tacos, all cooked in a wood-fired oven. Kaxan can, of course, also cater to vegan and vegetarian requirements, and offers custom menu design for the most discerning eaters.

La Veleta

Tulum Strength Club is the most serious workout on this list. Where other fitness retreats are mixing their workouts with wellness or focusing on a gourmet experience, Tulum Strength Club pulls no punches.

Their monthly retreats — which have very limited spaces — combine strength training and high-end dining, all within a luxurious private villa. With a private pool, personal trainers, chef and gymnasium, Tulum Strength Club ensures that you have everything you need to succeed. 

The package also offers cooking classes, meaning you can learn to recreate the healthy (but tasty) food once you return home. The immersion camp is on the pricier side —  six days with the trainers will cost you a cool US $5000 —  but if you’re serious about looking serious, this is the place for you.

With the opening of the new Tulum airport, these amazing wellness destinations are now closer than ever — and if you’re breaking the bank to get there, Cancún International Airport is just two hours away, connecting the region with a host of low-cost carriers. If your goal is to feel and look your best this summer, a fitness retreat in Tulum could be just what you’re looking for.

By Mexico News Daily writer Chris Havler-Barrett

The post Inside Tulum’s fitness camps promising summer ready bodies appeared first on Mexico News Daily