Air, space, fire, water and earth. I recently learned what make up the five elements of Aryurveda thanks to a holistic wellness retreat at Villa del Palmar Loreto. I’ve experienced an Aryurvedic massage before, but truthfully, I had no idea what that actually meant and didn’t have much understanding of the holistic wellness world or its terminology. My understanding of holistic wellness only scratched the surface during this four day retreat in Baja California Sur, but I’m itching to learn more.
After an easy, non-stop flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Loreto, Mexico, I was whisked away via a 30 minute shuttle ride (mas o menos) to the all-inclusive resort. Brushing up against the Gigante Mountain Range and the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa del Palmar Loreto (VDPL) is knows as baja’s resort of a million stars due to minimal light pollution. I can attest to this fact and strongly recommend that you download the Night Sky app if you don’t already have this loaded on your smart phone. You simply aim your phone to the stars and let the stargazing begin. I call it the astronomical tools for dummies, but enough about the stars, lets focus on ourselves.
Our afternoon began with a warm hand washing ritual, followed by a specialty cocktail – with or without alcohol. Then it was off to a dance meditation. We closed our eyes and thought about what spirit animal came to mind for us. Upon opening my eyes, I spotted a local road runner bird outside the door of our yurt. Was this a sign that I needed to come to a complete stop, slow down and get in touch with my body?
In addition to yoga and exercise classes, we hiked the local trails behind the resort, offering fabulous views of the Sea of Cortez. While I’m not a golfer, you’ll want to take time to visit the 17th hole of this Reese Jones golf course. Being from California, I’ve spent plenty of time by the greens of Pebble Beach with it’s Pacific Ocean views, but this 17th hole was specifically designed for the Sea of Cortez view and it is stunning.
Sabila Spa
What’s a holistic retreat without a trip to the spa? With over 75 treatments offered at Sabila Spa, I found it difficult to settle on one. The hydrotherapy benefits of the warm Jacuzzi, followed by the cold plunge pool got my blood pumping. But the aroma therapy massage was just what the shaman ordered – not literally – but it was a great way to wind down a travel day. The spa also offers juice therapy and meals at The Market Restaurant, Casa Mia or the more formal Danzante Fine Dining can be health-focused or sinfully rich – you decide. I will say that we had vegetarians, as well as gluten free ladies on our retreat and special meal requests were never an issue. In fact, most of the “alternative” dining options looked and tasted as good as our meals.
Speaking of meals, one of the highlights of the trip was a beach party in the evening after a day spent on a boat tour of the Sea of Cortez. There are so many things to see and do in Loreto, but I can see why Jacques Costeau called this place the world’s aquarium. We had Bottlenose dolphins escorting our boat to Danzante Island and watched flying mantas leap from the azure blue waters. Spending a day out in nature is wellness at its best!
Need to Know
Low season in Loreto is September and October. Rates at Villa del Palmar start at $105 per day, per person all inclusive. One bedroom suites, not inclusive, starts at $350-$470, while all-inclusive meal plan rates are available, as well. Check the website for current pricing and specials.
If You Go
Villa del Palmar Loreto
Loreto, Mexico
Resort review written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Villa del Palmar Loreto while researching additional articles. The post Holistic Wellness Retreat in Loreto, Mexico appeared first on https://www.nancydbrown.com.