Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico has become a definitive travel destination in recent years, and top-shelf hotel brand Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita a jewel in its crown. Perched at the tip of a private peninsula on Bahía de Banderas––surrounded by tropical gardens, pristine beaches and aquamarine waters––the resort’s world-class spa facilities and hideaway feel have long drawn A-listers and discerning travelers alike.
The luxury beachfront property recently added a new type of wellness retreat to its getaway roster with transformative three and four-day mind, body and soul ‘Soulcations’. Designed to share with soulmates, soul sisters/brothers or companions, each includes a tailored itinerary of chakra balancing rituals and native Huichol Indian blessings among other experiences.
MI CASA, SU CASA
Balancing understated luxury with an authentic taste of Mexico––the resort’s "mi casa, su casa" philosophy being a case in point––the Four Seasons Punta Mita is glamorous and high-end, but also refreshingly low-key. Laden with amenities, the 400-acre property is home to the serene Apuana Spa (Apuane means “healing waters” in Spanish), ten tennis courts, and two Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses (the natural “Tail of the Whale” island green is located here), plus four restaurants and bars. There are three swimming pools, including the adults-only Tamai pool, and two private white sand beaches. Spacious accommodations range from casita-style suites to private villas––some with plunge pools and private beach access.
PREMIUM & ULTIMATE SOULCATIONS
Soulcations begin upon arrival––guests meet with the resort chef who will create personalized menus tailored to individual desires and dietary needs during their stay. For Premium Soulcationers––whose package includes three-days of spiritual, spa/wellness, culinary and art activities––accomodations are in Luxury Oceanfront Suites.
Those on a four-day Ultimate Soulcation stay in a Presidential Suite or Villa and can take part in additional experiences like ‘sea foraging’ – a culinary adventure with chef sourcing kelp and mollusks from the Bay of Banderas, followed by a hands-on cooking class. During every Soulcation, Enrique Alejos (the resort’s Cultural Concierge and an honorary member of the Huichol community) leads an Intention Burning Ceremony that brings regional traditions to life.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
Yin Yang Yoga at The Rock: A guided yoga lesson––atop a platform-covered rock overlooking the ocean no less–– combines Chi Kung, Tai-Chi and other martial arts accompanied by the sounds of a Japanese flute.
Huichol Blessing: Native performers lead guests in honoring an important Huichol god, Tayau (or Father Sun) and celebration of earth’s abundance, sharing cultural traditions and respect for nature as the sun dips below the horizon.
Chakra Balancing Ritual: Senses are awakened, and energy centers aligned with this full-body treatment ritual that incorporates a customized scrub and chakra balancing using precious stones and carefully selected essentials oils.
ONE-OF-A-KIND SPA RITUALS
Reborn Mud Ritual: The signature treatment includes an aura purification, meditation session and body mask application followed by a Tibetan bowl sound healing session. To finish, bodies are rinsed clean in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Apuane Nights: Partners can enjoy getting pampered in private with this special candlelit experience at Apuane Spa (closed for their exclusive use only) that includes a couple’s massage, bubbles, bites and a romantic dinner for two.
Hakali Massage: Known for their antioxidant and healing properties, indigenous ingredients like sage, aloe and heated cactus (hakali) pads are used in this relaxing treatment that will melt away stress in an instant.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Puerto Vallarta's International Airport is well connected to major hubs in the US and in Canada with scheduled flights operating from Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Vancouver and Montreal. Located just t45-minutes by car from Puerto Vallarta, concierges can also arrange helicopter airport transfers (which take around 10 minutes) to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.
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