In an effort to get healthy in mind, body and spirit, I’ve been studying wellness for many years. I’ve been to Ayurvedic resorts in India, done temazcals with shamans in Mexico, climbed to the top of mountains in Sri Lanka, and explored many wellness resorts right here in the U.S as well. I’m keenly interested in how to live our healthiest (not only longest) lives. I’m also fascinated by modern medicine and the potential it holds for healing through genetic diagnosis and stem cell therapy. I keep abreast of the latest in wellness and also make sure I’m up to speed on what is happening in the wellness tourism industry.
I’d heard about SHA Spain for many years, and it had been on my list to visit, so you can imagine my eagerness when I learned that SHA Mexico would be opening in January 2024, much closer to my home in California. I had read about SHA’s integrative approach to health and I wanted to see it in practice.
The resort- Beautiful Backdrop to Getting healthy
First, let’s just talk about how stunning the resort itself is. Set against the backdrop of mangroves on one side and the azure ocean on the other, SHA is the epitome of tranquility. The modern design and clean lines coupled with the floor to ceiling windows with ocean views at every turn had me immediately at ease. Water itself is a healing source for me and seeing elements of water throughout the design were incredibly soothing. SHA is definitely what a 5 star resort looks and feels like. Not only do the architecture and rooms rival the top resorts worldwide, but the service levels are also consistently impeccable. Be it the wait staff at SHAmadi restaurant, the Agenda Planners, the therapists or the clinicians, every single employee went above and beyond to ensure I was well cared for. You cannot pass by a team member without hearing “Buenos Dias” or “It’s my pleasure madam”, always with a hand on their heart.
Having said this, SHA is not necessarily somewhere you come to sit by the pool sipping Margaritas or to lounge at the beach (although you can certainly do this, sans Margaritas). It’s a place you come to get healthy with focused intent.
Integrative Approach
I have yet to see such comprehensive offerings under one roof. SHA is comprised of 5 floors of total wellness- nutrition, movement, brain health, emotional health, mindfulness, stress management, body treatments, aesthetic dermatology and more. What's more, the communication between each of these departments is seamless when it comes to your overall health. Whether I was seen by the TCM specialist or physician, each provider had notes about my plan and my progress.
Comprehensive Diagnostics
The Cuisine
The presentation of each meal is sheer artistry. It is visually inviting as much as it is palate pleasing.
High Tech
I met with Dr. Sanchez and Joana upon arrival, midweek and at the end of my program. They were able to sit and discuss results with me and put a plan together for me to follow when I return to the “real world”. Joana and Chef Daniel were also gracious enough to provide their contact information to me in case I had questions when I returned home.
The Results
To help with the transition home, SHA even provided a picnic box lunch for me to take to the airport, knowing that it would be difficult to find healthy meal options at a destination known for its margaritas, chips and salsa. Sadly, I had to toss the water box and the yogurt at security but everything else was enjoyed once I arrived at the lounge. As I mentioned, the attention to details and the sheer concern for your health are evident throughout your stay and even through departure.
Additionally, a final plan from Dr. Sanchez and from Joana were prepared and all my lab results were provided so I could come back home and continue on my path to health with my local providers. There are also opportunities for additional support from the team at SHA through video consultations, should you choose to do so.
Advanced Therapies
SHA is one of only 2 centers in the Americas that have a Advanced Cell Regeneration Therapy unit (the other one is in Cancun at an oncology clinic). This technological advancement eliminates free radicals in the body which are a major cause of aging of our internal organs. After 3-5 sessions, your body will see the elimination of most free radicals and you can return to your normal activity as if you rebooted your systems, . You can also target specific organs to repair or focus on pain management through therapy. I was able to do one 40 min session during my stay so I didn't truly see the full benefit of the treatment.
SHA is also on the leading edge of stem cell therapy. After prescreening for safety, your doctor can recommend stem cell treatments to treat diabetes, heart disease and degenerative diseases, heal fractures and injuries post-surgery and even minimize C-Section scarring. SHA is also just starting to use stem cell therapy to treat cancer in conjunction with the standard protocol advised by your doctors. Results have been very promising.
Additional Perks Through Me
Virtuoso Amenities:
- Room upgrade at time of booking (excluding the Presidential, Royal Suite and Residences)
- Chef Welcome Amenity
- $100 USD equivalent wellness credit, once per booking, applicable towards additional Wellness or Spa Treatments (not valid for clinic/medical therapies, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Complimentary parking
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, plus full access to press reader
- For bookings in the exclusive Presidential, & Royal Suite & Residences, guests would additionally receive:
- 8 hours personalized assistance daily
- Complimentary private access to the SHA Cinema for private session
- 8 hours personalized assistance daily