At the end of 2023, I successfully underwent major surgery. This surgery left me with no choice but to spend some time on bed rest and focus on my recovery.
With this focus in mind, we are determined to make 2024 the year of health and wellness and strive to be better than ever. Although things are starting to improve, the travel itch is still there. It only increases because I have cabin fever.
While my recovery remains my top priority, I was eager to get out and explore the world again. In my search for the perfect destination to combine the two, my interest peaked when I discovered San Miguel de Allende.
San Miguel de Allende (“San Miguel”) is a UNESCO World Heritage gem located in central Mexico, known for its vibrant art scene, colonial architecture, and rich cultural history. However, unbeknownst to many, San Miguel is also becoming a haven for luxury wellness vacation experiences.
I decided to take a trip to San Miguel in hopes of continuing my recovery while feeding the travel bug. Take a look at her three excellent hotels that I’ve found that not only offer great accommodations, but also offer unique wellness experiences for their guests.
Hotel Matilda: a quiet oasis in the heart of San Miguel
Spa Matilda relaxation area in Hotel Matilda. (Photo by Terika Haynes)
Hotel Matilda is a contemporary boutique hotel that combines art and sophistication. The hotel is known for its bespoke wellness services, offering guests traditional Mexican healing practices fused with modern technology. When it comes to wellness products, Hotel Matilda boasts a holistic wellness approach that caters to mind, body and soul.
At Hotel Matilda, I was able to embark on a journey of transformation. I felt like every detail of my stay was carefully selected to foster my well-being. By the end of our stay, we were convinced that Hotel Matilda is a Mexican masterpiece that offers more than just a stay. We offer tailored wellness experiences.
Hotel Matilda’s outstanding wellness services include:
- Spa Matilda Treatments: The highlight of Hotel Matilda’s wellness experience is its spa treatments. Inspired by ancient Mexican culture, therapists use local ingredients and ancient techniques to provide guests with out-of-this-world treatments. Don’t miss the signature treatment I experienced, the Linear Treatment. This was an immersive experience that combined the multiple properties of mezcal with agave, rosemary, and arnica. The first step is a thorough body scrub, followed by a clay body mask. My treatment ended with a special massage that nurtured my body and mind.
- Spa Matilda Apothecary: The spa has an apothecary where ingredients for spa treatments are prepared. Spa Matilda is the only spa in San Miguel that offers this unique service to its guests.
- Spa Matilda Hammam: This spa offers one of the few Hamman (Turkish wet bath) treatments in Mexico. This Middle Eastern-inspired spa treatment begins by exfoliating your body with a stimulating blend of essential oils. Then sit on a plush sofa and take a hot steam shower to wash yourself from head to toe.
Pro tip: Treatment rooms for couples and singles are available. If you’re looking for a romantic or detoxifying bath experience, choose a couple’s treatment room with a luxurious bathtub.
Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende: An urban sanctuary focused on vitality
The Makandahi Experience in a premium suite at Live Acqua San Miguel de Allende. (Photo by Terika Haynes)
Located just steps away from the vibrant city center of San Miguel de Allende, Live Aqua Resort San Miguel de Allende (“Live Aqua”) offers a luxurious urban sanctuary for those seeking sensory rejuvenation . Guests at Live Aqua experience the perfect blend of modern sophistication and historic charm in this sophisticated hotel. State-of-the-art comprehensive wellness services include an advanced fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, yoga pavilion, and world-class spa.
At Live Aqua, we quickly learned that this facility prioritizes ancient Mexican healing techniques that promote deep relaxation and balance. My experience at Live Aqua felt truly spiritual. When I finished my stay there, I felt like the experience left me with a sense of serenity and an awakened spirit.
Live Aqua’s outstanding wellness products include:
- Spa Agave: A tranquil paradise where expert therapists design personalized treatments using natural ingredients. Our experienced therapists are trained to offer guests a nuanced approach to wellness that blends modern comfort with mindful practices. Don’t miss my signature treatment, the Makandahi Experience. This is an ancestral ritual treatment inspired by the cultural heritage of San Miguel de Allende and his ancestors, Chichimecas Otomíes. This unique spa experience completely renewed me and created an invaluable connection between body, mind, and spirit. The treatment also blends a variety of natural calming elements. The experience began with a magical welcome ceremony and foot washing. This was followed by a massage using a variety of techniques to lull you into a peaceful state of relaxation. Just when I thought the treatment was over, the experience ended with an energizing healing herbal bath. This was one of the most powerful treatments I have ever experienced. The Makandahi Experience is available for 1 or 2 guests and is only available in Live Aqua’s premium spa suites.
- Wellness Suites: Live Aqua offers a Wellness Suite room category for guests who wish to indulge in a complete wellness experience during their stay. Wellness suite benefits include proximity to the spa and fitness center, upgraded wellness snacks, air purifiers, terrace Jacuzzis, and discounts on spa treatments.
- Fitness Center: We have a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center. The fitness center also features a Peloton bike and a fitness mirror for your training sessions.
Pro tip: There is only one premium spa suite. To guarantee availability, please be sure to reserve this suite in advance.
Our Habitat: Where eco-luxury meets holistic wellbeing
Our habitat San Miguel de Allende. (Photo by Terika Haynes)
Located just outside the center of San Miguel, Our Habitus is a true oasis of tranquility and sustainability. This eco-luxury resort takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering a variety of mindful experiences designed to nourish body, mind and soul. For those looking for a place to forget about everyday life, this property offers the perfect opportunity to find tranquility.
Our Habitus is unique in that this eco-friendly haven offers a unique wellness experience centered around connection with nature. Enjoy the tranquility of your private casita suite. Our Habitas has sustainability at its core and focuses on happiness, connection, and adventure. During my time at Our Habitas, I truly felt the voice of Mother Nature guiding me through private moments of meditation.
Our Habitas standout wellness products include:
- Healing Arts Workshop: From holistic health practices to transformative breathing sessions, take a deep dive into health with our workshops. These workshops are designed to enlighten and inspire, promoting personal growth and well-being. Workshops include activities such as holistic healing practices such as sound therapy, crystal healing, and energy work. I participated in a pottery workshop and found that creating works with clay was surprisingly calming!
- Outdoor adventures in nature: Indulge in the spirit of adventure with our selection of outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking picturesque trails, horseback riding, practicing outdoor yoga, or photographing the stunning scenery that surrounds the property, these experiences will invigorate your body and uplift your soul. It is designed to.
- Farm-to-table feasts: Our Habitas cuisine offers locally sourced, healthy dishes made with fresh ingredients from the hotel’s organic gardens.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for the highest level of solitude, book the casita furthest from the reception area.
conclusion
San Miguel was exactly the wellness escape I needed. Each hotel experience provided me with an unparalleled experience that left me feeling energized and renewed.
My recovery is still a work in progress, but spending time at each of these facilities to reconnect with myself, my ancestral spirits, and nature has given me the motivation I need to continue doing my best to return to full health. I was able to get it.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey of holistic rejuvenation, consider these top hotels where you can experience the magic of wellness like I did.
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