At the end of 2023 I successfully endured a major surgical procedure. The procedure placed me on bed rest for some time and I had no choice but to focus on recovery.
This focus moved me to make 2024 a year of health and wellness as I am striving to be better than ever before. As I have been recovering, the itch to travel has not gone away. It has only increased due to my having cabin fever.
Recovery has remained the number one priority but I was also dying to get back outside to explore the world. In my search to find the perfect destination to merge the two, my interest peaked when I discovered San Miguel de Allende.
San Miguel de Allende (“San Miguel”), a UNESCO World Heritage gem nestled in central Mexico, is known for its vibrant art scene, colonial architecture, and rich cultural history. However, unbeknownst to many, San Miguel is also becoming a haven for luxurious wellness vacation experiences.
I decided to take a trip to San Miguel with the hopes of continuing my recovery while also feeding my travel bug. Let's journey through three exceptional hotels that I found that not only offer magnificent accommodations but also provide guests with unique wellness experiences.
Hotel Matilda: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of San Miguel
Relaxation Area at Spa Matilda in Hotel Matilda. (Photo Credit: Terika Haynes)
Hotel Matilda is a boutique contemporary hotel that is infused with art and sophistication. The hotel is renowned for its bespoke wellness offerings that provide guests with traditional Mexican healing practices that are fused with modern techniques. When it comes to its wellness offerings, Hotel Matilda boasts a holistic approach to wellness, catering to the mind, body, and soul.
At Hotel Matilda, I was able to embark on a transformative journey. I felt like every detail throughout my stay was curated to nurture my well-being. By the end of my stay, I was confident in knowing that Hotel Matilda is a Mexican masterpiece that offers more than just a stay; it offers a bespoke wellness experience.
Hotel Matilda’s Standout Wellness Offerings Include:
- Spa Matilda Treatments: The jewel in the crown of Hotel Matilda's wellness experience is its spa treatments. Inspired by ancient Mexican culture, local ingredients and ancient techniques are used by the therapists to give guests an out-of-this-world treatment. Don't miss the signature treatment that I experienced, The Lineal Treatment. This was an immersive experience that combined the multiple properties of mezcal with agave, rosemary and arnica. The first step was a thorough body scrub, which was then followed by a clay body mask. My treatment ended with a specialized massage that nurtured my body and soul.
- Spa Matilda Apothecary: The spa includes an apothecary where ingredients for the spa treatments are prepared. Spa Matilda is the only spa in San Miguel that provides this unique offering for its guests.
- Spa Matilda Hammam: The spa has one of the few Hamman (Turkish wet bath) treatments in Mexico. This Middle-Eastern-inspired spa treatment begins with exfoliation of the body using a blend of stimulating essential oils. This is followed by a hot steam shower on a luxurious couch on which you scrub yourself from head to toe.
Pro Tip: Couples and single treatment rooms are available. If you’re looking for a romantic and/or detox bath experience opt for the couple’s treatment room that includes a luxury bathtub.
Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende: Urban Sanctuary with a Focus on Vitality
The Mäkandähi Experience in the Premium Suite at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende. (Photo Credit: Terika Haynes)
Located in close proximity to San Miguel de Allende's vibrant city center, Live Aqua Resort San Miguel de Allende (“Live Aqua”) offers a luxurious urban sanctuary for those seeking a revival of their senses. Guests at Live Aqua can experience the perfect blend of modern refinement and historic charm at the sophisticated hotel. Their state-of-the-art comprehensive wellness offerings include an advanced fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, yoga pavilion and a world-class spa.
At Live Aqua it was easy for me to see that the property prioritizes ancient Mexican healing techniques to promote deep relaxation and balance. My experience at Live Aqua felt nothing short of spiritual. At the conclusion of my time there, I felt that the experience left me with a sense of serenity and an awakened spirit.
Live Aqua’s Standout Wellness Offerings Include:
- Spa Agave: A haven of serenity where expert therapists curate personalized treatments using natural ingredients. The experienced therapists are trained to provide guests with a nuanced approach to wellness, blending modern comforts with mindful practices. Don't miss the signature treatment that I experienced, The Mäkandähi Experience. This is an ancestral ritual treatment that is inspired by the cultural heritage of San Miguel de Allende, and of its ancestors, the Chichimecas- Otomíes. This unique spa experience led me to an absolute renewal and an unfathomable connection between body, mind and spirit. The treatment also blended with a variety of natural calming elements. The experience began with a magical welcome ceremony and foot washing. This was followed by a massage which included various techniques that brought me to a restful state of relaxation. Just when I thought that the treatment was done, the experience ended with an energetic bath of healing herbs. This was one of the most powerful treatments that I’d ever experienced. The Mäkandähi Experience is available for 1 or 2 people and is only done in Live Aqua’s Premium Spa Suite.
- Wellness Suites: Live Aqua offers a wellness suite room category for guests who truly want to indulge in a full wellness experience throughout their stay. Wellness suite benefits include close proximity to the spa and fitness center, upgraded wellness snacks, an air purifier, a terrace jacuzzi, and discounts on spa treatments.
- Fitness Center: There is a state-of-the-art fitness center that is open 24 hours. The fitness center includes peloton bikes as well and a fitness mirror for training sessions.
Pro Tip: There is only one premium spa suite. Make sure that you book this suite far in advance to guarantee availability.
Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende: Eco-Luxury Meets Holistic Wellbeing
Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende. (Photo Credit: Terika Haynes)
Located just outside of the center of San Miguel, Our Habitas is a true oasis of tranquility and sustainability. This eco-luxury resort embraces a holistic approach to wellness, offering a range of mindful experiences designed to nourish the body, mind, and soul. For those looking for a place to disconnect this property provides the perfect opportunity for serenity.
Our Habitas is unique in that this eco-conscious haven offers unique wellness experiences centered around reconnection with nature. Guests will find tranquility in their private, casita suites. With sustainability at its core, Our Habitas focuses on well-being, connection, and adventure. During my time at Our Habitas, I truly felt the voice of Mother Nature guiding me through my private meditative moments.
Our Habitas’ Standout Wellness Offerings Include:
- Healing Arts Workshops: Dive deep into wellness with workshops ranging from holistic health practices to transformative breathing sessions. These workshops are designed to enlighten and inspire, facilitating personal growth and well-being. Workshops include activities such as holistic healing practices, including sound therapy, crystal healing, and energy work. I participated in a ceramics workshop and I found that creating art with clay to be surprisingly calming!
- Outdoor Adventures in Nature: Embrace the spirit of adventure with Our Habitas' curated outdoor activities. Whether it's hiking the picturesque trails, horseback riding, practicing outdoor yoga, or capturing the stunning landscapes that surround the property, these experiences are designed to invigorate the body and elevate the soul.
- Farm-to-Table Feasts: The cuisine at Our Habitas offers wholesome, locally sourced cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients from the hotel's organic garden.
Pro Tip: If you are seeking a vacation with the highest level of solitude, book a casita that is the farthest away from the reception area.
Conclusion
San Miguel was just the wellness escape that I needed. My experience at each hotel offered unparalleled experiences that left me feeling revitalized and renewed.
While my recovery is still in process, spending time reconnecting with myself, ancestral spirits, and nature at each of these properties gave me the motivation that I needed to continue to put my best foot forward in getting back to my healthy state of complete wellness.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable journey of holistic rejuvenation, consider these top hotels where you can immerse yourself and experience the wellness magic like I did.
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