Trying times like these make staying healthy even more important. Recognizing that we all need to feel better, the Mexican Caribbean — a sun-soaked vacation region in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo — recently launched a new “Mind, Body & More in the Mexican Caribbean” social media program, giving participants a chance to virtually visit the state’s top destinations, including Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Tulum and Bacalar. The program — viewable in Instagram Highlights — was created in partnership with wellness expert Andrea Leigh Rogers.
So what makes the Mexican Caribbean such a great place for health-minded travelers? I got the inside scoop from Dario Flota, CEO of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board.
You’ve teamed up with Andrea Leigh Rogers this month. How did this renewed focus on wellness come about?
Now more than ever, travelers are seeking an escape from the day-to-day, where they can truly recharge and focus on wellness and self-care. They want to enjoy nature and the outdoors in an experience that provides the utmost in hospitality and a commitment to their health and safety.
The Mexican Caribbean destinations we have chosen for the “Mind, Body & More in the Mexican Caribbean” [program] exemplify the wonderful types of top-notch wellness offerings available at hotels, resorts and wellness centers throughout the region.
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Wellness travel is a broad term, and there are different aspects that appeal to different kinds of people. Which types of wellness travel experiences are the most popular in your destination?
Owing to our Mayan history, wellness is at the very core of the culture in the Mexican Caribbean through traditions that remain strongly rooted in the destinations today. Some of the wellness experiences that visitors can do here are immersive wellness treatments, yoga and meditation classes, a day at a specialty spas, try farm-to-table restaurants and have Mayan treatments. We are also privileged to have different natural sceneries which are simply astonishing such as beaches, lagoons, underwater rivers, caverns, jungle and cenotes, which are unique to the Yucatán Peninsula.
How do you think the pandemic has affected people’s interest in health and wellness travel?
It has made all of us more conscious about the importance of nourishing our mind, body and soul in order to live a happy life and stay healthy. Today´s travelers are looking for completely immersive wellness, considering every aspect of the experience, not just relegated to a spa.
What’s your advice to travelers who are interested in traveling again and having a wellness experience in Mexico but are concerned about hygiene protocols? I’ve already experienced firsthand how safe the destination is and how well things are going, but can you tell us a bit about that?
We are aware that now more than ever travelers want to entrust that the destination of their choice is safe and stringent in its sanitary measures. This especially ties into wellness travel, a segment that desires holistic experiences and total peace of mind. This is the reason why the Mexican Caribbean launched the Clean & Safe Check Certification, a program available for all companies under the tourism industry. The certificate aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures and generate confidence among travelers, partners and the community. Travelers can look up this information at our website: mexicancaribbean.travel.
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What are some other examples of the truly unique wellness experiences that people can enjoy in the Mexican Caribbean?
The most outstanding wellness experiences are the ones that involve the Mayan culture, traditional Mayan ceremonies, traditional medicine using herbal plants, nature paths, just to mention a few. Some of our spas even have a botanical garden in which they grow 100% organic products that are then used in treatments.
How should travelers find the wellness experience that best fits their needs and interests?
They can visit our website and learn all about the different wellness experiences offered in all our many destinations. Our 13 destinations are very different from one another, not only for their vibes, but the experiences they have for everybody. I am sure all visitors will find the destination that best suits with their needs and interests.
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How should travelers educate themselves about differing hygiene and protocols?
Many Mexican states have implemented state-wide regulations for the public and private sector to follow which can differ in each region. Look for hotels with the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification, which aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19. All applicants must pass an inspection with a list of criteria and areas such as kids’ clubs and pools under close scrutiny. This certification was launched by the Quintana Roo Secretary of Tourism and state health officials, with the support of specialists in the sector.
Which pandemic-era protocols and practices do you think will become permanent in the post-pandemic world?
The face of travel has changed forever with this pandemic. We have all adapted greater hygiene and health practices that will continue to apply and have been creative in how to make travelers feel more comfortable. The wide use of QR codes for travelers to download all information they might need through their stay such as restaurant menus, spa treatments and excursion opportunities, is one that I believe will become a permanent fixture.