Escape the Noise at Riviera Maya
I am willing to wager that no matter where you stand on the issues of today’s all too contentious political climate, you’ve probably become pretty tired of it.
Personally, I’ve become very quick with the mute button when the spin starts, and my systolic numbers rise only to resist. Staying informed is like a full-time job with really crappy benefits. And lots of OT! The diligence is compulsory but exhausting.
It’s toxic.
For the good of all things, including our well-being, I think we can use a collective political detox escape. Stat!
My colleague, Bill, and I agreed before boarding the plane: no mentions of, no reading of, no watching the news. It was time to tune out to tune in. Time to resurrect our stressed-out spirits while immersed in a restorative escape at spa-centric UNICO 20°N 87°W in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
La Isla Bonita Mujeres
Our catamaran sailed along the variegated turquoise waters above the gallery of reefs in the sun-drenched Bahia de Mujeres. Bill suited up and strapped on his goggles, geared up for his first dive into snorkeling.
Some friends back home would later say, Bill?? Snorkeling …in Mexico? No. Well, yes.
Within a minute, after spotting the sunlit Mayan statue reefs at the surface below through the schools of bright neon fish, Bill popped his head up out of the water, exclaiming, “This is the best thing ever!”
Back on board and further along, our steward, Juan, served us icy tequila cocktails and lunch with fresh local ingredients. We anchored among a sea of sails just off of idyllic, remote Playa Norte on the tip of Isla Mujeres, a four-mile island that sits eight miles off the Yucatan Peninsula.
With no hesitation, Bill and a slew of new shipmates began joyfully jumping ship beyond the white sandy shore, into the sun-glistened turquoise waters.
We blissfully disembarked, excited to check out the island, soon finding ourselves cruising the span of it, exploring the views, and immersing ourselves in remote adventure by way of our rented golf cart. …Freedom!
We meandered through artisan craft shops on tiny roads beyond the island’s main strip that teemed with local fare and tourists. We boarded the catamaran just as the sun began to set, sailing into the breathtaking horizon, bidding farewell to the Island of Women with cocktails in hand.
Note: A ferry is also available to access the island, but our personal host at the resort, Mario, scheduled our luxury excursion, complete with a ride to the port.
Remedy at UNICO
Our oceanfront room in UNICO 20°N 87°W was readied with customized preferences such as soothing aromatherapy musk and pre-selected cocktails before we were welcomed by concierge, Mario.
It was a breeze to schedule therapeutic stress remedy activities like water yoga or aqua-spinning, or hydro-pilates. But spa time was what the doctor ordered for me. The ritualistic ice and steam rotation hydrotherapy treatments at the on-site Esencia Spa washed all kinds of tension away.
The app also came in handy to view the schedule of events, whether we preferred some chill-out time by the quieter swim-up pool or some cool-off time at the relaxing ‘Wine & Paint’ class. The resort is adults-only, which also earned it big points in my book (sorry, kids).
Custom Made Experience
The app made it very convenient to make the most out of our stay with a host of features and menus. It was like a personal concierge.
I was admittedly giddy about some features like ordering from six different pillow choices. That’s some cushy over-the-top pampering. This app was like a revolution that could conceivably make a hotel stay into a whole other level of a customized experience. Ah, the power of choice.
Another feature allowed for personal requests using GPS. We wasted no time taking to lounging beneath the palm trees at this wellness paradise located at 20°N 87°W – which, if you know your coordinates, is Akumal – about an hour and a half south of Cancun.
We sampled the ceviche which we later took a cooking class to learn how to prepare. The poolside menu embraced local food and drinks in healthy choices for all and plenty of diversity.
We did inadvertently wind up double fisting poolside margaritas we ordered from the app once, but it wasn’t hard to remedy such problems.
Going Rogue to Tulum
Taking time to tune in to your own coordinates of peace and solitude is important.
So close to Tulum on such a gorgeous day, Bill and I consulted Beatrice, our host from our paint class the previous day, about heading down there.
During our buffet feast inside the main beachfront restaurant, Bill and I discussed the idea of not joining the offered tour in lieu of saving time by simply taking a cab or UBER at our leisure. There were some evening activities that we wanted to attend. Beatrice guided us to a more adventurous idea.
We packed our day bags and soon found ourselves waiting by an unofficial station outside the resort to flag down a small Volkswagen mini-bus with a nondescript blue sticker on the front and a hanging yellow smiley on the rearview, as Beatrice described.
We surveyed the small group already on board and hopped in, taking the two seats in the back for just two pesos.
Twenty minutes due south, we hopped out in the center of Tulum to explore some authentic flavor and connect with new friends from the van, exchanging travel tales and discovering so many things about them and ourselves.
As they went off to the Cenote, we waved down a ride to Paradise Beach and Tulum’s Archeological Zone, where we meandered, getting some of those classic shots I wanted with a new wide-angle lens. With spontaneity comes unexpected rewards. And liberation!
Cultural Diversions
“What is the one thing you should never, ever forget to do when mixing your cocktail?” Our bartender, Luis, asked our small group in mixology class in the Palmera Lounge after we finished our sushi at Mura House at UNICO.
“Ice!” No.
“Shake it!” Nope.
“SMILE!” Luis corrected us all. Ah, so simple!
After enjoying our Amazon Cocktails at Palmera Lounge, we mixed a new seasonal twist on the Margarita. I don’t remember how to make the drink, but it was a good way to start siesta and make good memories.
Later, in the vibrant club atmosphere of Palmera Lounge, Bill and I joined a game of Loteria, also known as Mexican BINGO. The big game boards were animated with colorful and sometimes amusingly provocative depictions of Mexican culture, which the emcee and contestants had fun with.
I sank comfortably into the deep couch, watching as Bill hovered over his game when he suddenly exclaimed, “Loteria! Loteria!” He scurried up to the stage to accept his prize to applause. Such simple pleasures can bring big catharsis.
Levity with a Closer Look
Watching as affiliates of Mexico’s Institute of Astronomy methodically began to assemble their instruments in the center of the vast resort grounds, guests gathered for an evening of ‘Wine & Astronomy.’
“We welcomed the idea to bring the two things together. The harmonious blend of wine and wonderment of the universe,” one of the instructors at the institute explained as we all gathered to focus our lenses through the telescope
“One day, UNICO’s coordinates will change as the earth shifts, in fact,” she mused as we readied for our breathtaking celestial close-up.
The Mayan culture is well-known for its emphasis on stargazing, illustrating the established human need to ponder where we are, honor the indispensable things around us, and maybe realize what’s truly important.
We are not unlike those astronomy-enthusiasts, we travelers, citizens of the world, also seeking some harmony, a connection, and perspective …without screen time.
