I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I’ve done every fad diet -South Beach, Keto, No Carb, Low Fat, South Beach- you name it, I’ve done it. As I entered Menopause, my weight became more of an issue (along with myriad other symptoms) and my desperation to get my body back piqued. My kids even joked about the next milestone (birthday, graduation or family wedding) by which I would be “svelte”. I had set goals and expectations and ultimately failed to meet them every time. When I heard about Ozempic and saw the amazing photos of drastic weight loss, I was sure this was the panacea I was seeking. Of course these diets, pills, patches and injections worked…temporarily…but as soon as I got off whatever the latest fad was and got back to life, the weight came back.
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.
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
SHA Mexico is conveniently located just 35 min from Cancun International Airport (CUN). I finally arrived at the property last week, selecting the 7 night Detox and Optimal Weight program. I had tried everything else and I felt it was now time to hone in on major lifestyle changes and go all in. I also knew I needed to get out of my environment with all the stressors of life (work, kids, aging parent, etc.) to be able to fully focus on myself and my health. I needed to commit to this like a science project- devote myself to getting healthy and block out everything else for 1 week. I knew about nutrition being an integral part of healthy living and had been reading about the Blue Zones research. Movement was also a key element in ensuring I retain muscle mass and am able to continue to do all that I love well into my senior years. Given my engineering background, I was really looking for someplace where they could start with diagnostics, review all the data and find solutions for all the symptoms and issues I’d been facing. Enter SHA Wellness.
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.
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
The SHA method is based on both Western scientific diagnostics and Eastern natural therapies. It's integrative approach to healthy living focuses on 9 main pillars: healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventative and healthy aging medicine, advanced aesthetics, cognitive stimulation and emotional health, wellbeing and inner balance, and physical performance. These pillars are put into practice through the recommended therapies and sessions as well as the programs available through SHA's Healthy Living Academy, which includes complimentary group activity classes such as yoga, pilates, breathwork, fitness, off property hikes, cooking classes, and more. Some classes are offered at an additional fee and you can add them on to your program. There's even a cinema which shows movies each night and an art gallery with pieces from local artists available for purchase .
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.
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 first day of the program starts with comprehensive diagnostics. I had a full body scan (not just the InBody), bloodwork, and neurological assessments. I was evaluated for cardiovascular risk, cognitive function, stress and nervous system health. I was also assigned a health team, consisting of my physician Dr. Sanchez and my nutritionist, Joana. Along with support from these two, I had a personal trainer and a full week of therapies and treatments that were designed to help me get back to my best self. My week consisted of cooking classes (detox meals, protein, super foods), personal training sessions in the massive gym again with views of the ocean, Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and cupping) and detox therapies (lymphatic drainage massage and hydrotherapy to name a few). I met with Dr. Sanchez initially to review my labs and put a plan in place. I shared with her my concern about menopause symptoms and she ordered a hormone panel so she could look at every aspect of my health. Joana also sat with me and discussed my challenges and concerns, after which she selected the appropriate menu for me to follow for the week, which was communicated to the restaurant. I only had to disclose my room number once to the restaurant staff. After that, my meals were automatically brought to me, working seamlessly with Joanna and the chef.
The Cuisine
Meals are mainly plant-forward (except for white fish and shrimp), anti-inflammatory, and perfectly portioned. There is no sugar or caffeine, which I’ll tell you resulted in severe withdrawal symptoms for the first 2 days. Given all of this, Chef Daniel manages to add flavor to every meal. I had my favorites (sea bass and shrimp “pad thai”) and ones I requested to be removed from my menu (porridge for one). Joana was wonderful in adapting my meal plan not only for my nutritional needs but also for my personal preferences.
The presentation of each meal is sheer artistry. It is visually inviting as much as it is palate pleasing.
The presentation of each meal is sheer artistry. It is visually inviting as much as it is palate pleasing.
High Tech
Outside of the genuine concern for the patients (I’ll call myself a patient vs. a client since this is a medical wellness clinic) that was shown by each team member, I was completely blown away by the technology. From the app that houses your schedule, nutrition plan, all lab results and documents to the full body scan to the advanced aesthetic technology (let’s be real, I wanted to learn good habits but a little help in the aesthetics department doesn’t hurt to boost morale!) to the latest in cell regeneration therapy, SHA has it and I tried it (or most of it). There were some hits (TCM, SHA Detox Cure) and some misses (Body Sculpting Wrap, Underwater Therapy) and I was one of the outliers who had an adverse reaction to the Hydrocolon Therapy (which Miguel the TCM specialist resolved quickly using acupuncture and light therapy), but overall the variety of treatments I tried were wonderful and focused on detox and lymphatic drainage, in line with my overall program objectives.
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.
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
So, let’s talk results. It’s great to get away for a week and focus on good habits, but did the week away and the financial investment garner results? For me, I ended the program 6 pounds lighter overall, 4 pounds lower in body fat mass and with just over 3% reduction in visceral fat. I also learned how to make healthy meals (yes, I bought the cookbook too), better understand my personal health challenges and how to address them. Now that I am left without a personal chef, trainer, physician and nutritionist, I’ll have to see if I can keep the momentum going and follow the plan set forth by the experts. Most importantly, the week away allowed me to focus on my health and get remotivated to prioritize myself when work, kids, and home are all clamoring for attention. It was just the reboot I needed to jumpstart my return to a healthy lifestyle.
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.
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
Your first stay at SHA must consist of either their 4 night or 7 night programs, with the option to add any a la carte treatments, after which you can design your follow up stays completely with a la carte services and treatments. You can select from Detox & Optimal Weight, Intensive Detox & Optimal Weight, Rebalance & Energize, Leader's Performance, and Well-Aging & Prevention.
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.
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
Based on my relationship with the management team at SHA, if you book your stay through me, I can provide a guaranteed room upgrade at time of reservation along with additional Virtuoso amenities listed below. If you have any questions or would like more information about SHA, please get in touch.
Virtuoso Amenities:
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