By Cristina Carpio, Editor-In-Chief
A Transformative Escape in Riviera Maya
Some vacations leave you rested, and then there are journeys that leave you transformed.
When I was invited to experience the annual Wellnessing Getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, I knew it would be special. I’ve visited this spectacular resort several times before, but this was my first opportunity to participate in its signature wellness program. It was even more meaningful for the chance to share this experience this with my daughter, Dannica, as she celebrated graduating from college and prepared for her next chapter.
As Canadians, Mexico is often our destination of choice for sunshine and relaxation. But this trip was about something much deeper than escaping the cold; it was about reconnecting with ourselves and each other.
Wellness with a Purpose
The Wellness Getaways, offered annually at Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, brings together world-renowned wellness experts, elite fitness coaches, and inspiring speakers for several days of immersive experiences focused on movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and personal growth. Best of all, the program is included with your stay.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere encouraged us to slow down. Surrounded by lush jungle, cenotes, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the resort naturally invites you to disconnect from everyday life. For someone like me who is constantly on the go, simply being in this peaceful setting made it easier to become present.
Sound Healing and Cultural Wellness Experiences
Our wellness journey began with an unforgettable sound healing session. As soothing vibrations from singing bowls, gongs, chimes blended with the beautiful ocean backdrop, everyone settled into a quiet state of relaxation. Whether you view sound healing as meditation, mindfulness, or simply an opportunity to unwind, the experience created the perfect mindset for the days ahead.
We also participated in a smoke-cleansing workshop, where we learned about the cultural traditions behind using aromatic plants and resins in wellness rituals. The workshop emphasized respectful and mindful practices while exploring how smoke-clearing ceremonies have been used in various traditions to symbolize letting go of stress and setting positive intentions. It was a thoughtful experience for us that encouraged reflection and helped us begin the retreat with a renewed perspective.
Movement, Mindset, and Daily Rituals
Each day featured an inspiring lineup of wellness experiences, allowing guests to create a personalized itinerary based on their interests and goals. Mornings began with an energizing running club, followed by a variety of fitness and mindfulness sessions, including sculpt classes, functional training, cycling, yoga, and mobility workouts.
One of my personal favourites was the bounce class. I had recently purchased a rebounder after learning about the potential benefits of rebounding for supporting lymphatic circulation, but taking a professionally guided class was a completely different experience. It was energetic, challenging, and so much fun. It was one of those workouts that leaves you smiling long after it’s over.
One of the best aspects of the Wellnessing program is its flexibility. Guests are free to participate in as many activities as they like, creating a schedule that suits their own pace and interests. There’s no pressure to do everything. Instead, the program encourages you to explore new experiences, step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of the rare opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most accomplished wellness experts, fitness coaches, and thought leaders, all brought together in one inspiring setting.
One of the things I loved most about Wellnessing is that you don’t have to wait for the annual retreat to enjoy a wellness-focused escape. Grand Velas offers many of these experiences year-round, allowing guests to curate their own personalized wellness getaway whenever they visit. Whether your ideal vacation includes sunrise yoga, fitness classes, meditation, spa treatments, or simply time to reconnect with yourself, you can design the experience that suits you best. Even better, many of the wellness activities are included as part of the resort’s luxury all-inclusive experience at no additional cost.
Other sessions included in our program: floating therapy, ice baths, skin longevity workshops, and mindfulness classes. Every instructor brought incredible energy and expertise, making it clear how thoughtfully curated the program truly is.
Dining in Nature
Of course, wellness at Grand Velas extends far beyond fitness.
The culinary experience alone is worth the visit. Unlike a typical all-inclusive resort, every restaurant delivers elevated dining that rivals some of the finest restaurants anywhere. Each evening became another memorable experience, whether enjoying beautifully crafted meals or connecting with fellow guests who had travelled from around the world with a shared passion for wellness.
One of our favourite dining experiences was breakfast at Chaka, nestled within the lush jungle setting of the Grand Velas Zen property. As we enjoyed our meal, we watched colourful birds soar through the trees while iguanas wandered freely nearby. There was something incredibly peaceful about dining surrounded by nature. It really felt restorative and perfectly aligned with the wellness theme of the trip. It wasn’t just breakfast; it was an experience that allowed us to slow down, take in our surroundings, and appreciate the beauty of the Riviera Maya. It quickly became one of our favourite memories of the trip, and I highly recommend making time for this unique breakfast experience during your stay.
The dining experience at Velas Resorts is unlike anything else in Mexico’s all-inclusive landscape. In fact, Grand Velas is among the very few luxury all-inclusive resorts in the country to feature restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, allowing guests to enjoy elevated, world-class cuisine as part of their stay.
What makes it even more special is the variety. Rather than a single dining hall or buffet-style concept, guests can explore multiple à la carte restaurants, each with its own distinct identity, menu, and atmosphere.
During our stay, we dined at Frida, the resort’s signature restaurant, celebrating refined Mexican cuisine. From presentation to flavour, every dish felt thoughtfully crafted, offering a modern interpretation of traditional Mexican gastronomy in an elegant setting.
We also enjoyed dinner at Lucca, the Italian-inspired restaurant, where the focus shifts to handmade pastas, rich flavours, and classic comfort dishes elevated with a luxury touch. Both experiences felt completely different from one another, yet equally memorable.
What stood out most was the consistency in quality across every dining venue. Whether it’s fine dining, casual bites, or beachfront meals, the culinary program at Velas goes far beyond what you typically expect from an all-inclusive resort.
The Ultimate Spa Experience
No visit to Grand Velas would be complete without experiencing the award-winning SE Spa, the largest spa in Mexico. We indulged in its signature Water Ceremony before our treatments, moving through a carefully designed hydrotherapy circuit that instantly melted away any remaining tension. It remains one of the most exceptional spa experiences I’ve ever had. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, the spa is open to outside guests and is well worth booking during a visit to Riviera Maya.
A Celebration of the Elements
Each evening celebrated one of the four natural elements, creating a unique atmosphere through décor, entertainment, and dining. The grand finale embraced the element of fire, with an unforgettable beachfront dinner complete with live entertainment and an incredible fire performance beneath the stars. It was the perfect way to celebrate new friendships, reflect on everything we had experienced, and appreciate the journey.
The Grand Finale
If there’s one thing Velas Resorts knows how to do, it’s create an unforgettable finale. On the final evening, guests were invited to dress to the theme for a beachfront celebration set against the ocean.
The setting was spectacular. A beautifully designed dinner right on the sand, accompanied by live entertainment, an incredible fire performance, and a fireworks display that lit up the night sky to wrap up the evening. It was clear that every detail had been thoughtfully curated to end the experience on a high note.
During dinner, a recap video of the entire program was played, capturing highlights from the week. Watching it together as a group added a meaningful layer to the evening, allowing participants to reflect on the journey we had shared.
It was the perfect moment to celebrate personal achievements, acknowledge new friendships, and cheer each other on as the program came to a close. Velas truly went above and beyond to make the finale feel both celebratory and deeply memorable.
The Perfect Mother and Daughter Getaway
Travelling with Dannica made the retreat even more meaningful. Between the workouts, wellness sessions, incredible meals, and quiet conversations, we created memories that neither of us will ever forget. It was the perfect way to celebrate her graduation while investing in something far more valuable than a vacation, our health, our connection, and our time together.
I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Velas Resorts throughout Mexico, and each visit somehow surpasses the last. Beyond the stunning accommodations, world-class cuisine, and impeccable service, what continues to stand out is the genuine hospitality. Every member of the team is committed to making your stay exceptional.
If you’re looking for more than just a beach getaway, the Wellnessing Getaway offers something truly different. I promise, you’ll return home feeling refreshed, inspired, and perhaps just a little transformed.
Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with the people you love is to first disconnect from everything else. Until next time.
For more information on the wellness programs available at Velas Resorts throughout Mexico, click HERE.
