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by Alex Robinson


South/Central America—Wellness Destination Resorts


South/Central America

Brazil

Kurotel Longevity
Medical Center & Spa

A complete package of wellness, the Kurotel has many programs to suit all guests. Weight loss, health longevity, fitness and spa are some of the choices on the menu for all interested parties. Located in Brazil, it is a destination for wellness. kurotel.com.br


Unique Garden

Set about 33 miles from the sprawling city of Sao Paulo, this eco-haven started as a retreat for blind children and their families—and now offers healing and respite for all. The Wellness Programs are divided into Fit, Relax or Detox, and each is a comprehensive wellness journey. uniquegarden.com.br


Costa Rica

Harmony Hotel

The Harmony Hotel, in the surfer town of Nosara, Costa Rica, is all about eco-friendly wellness and cleansing. The wellness retreat is centered around nature, situated between the jungle and beaches. harmonynosara.com

Pura Vida Retreat & Spa

One part Healing Hotels of the World, Pura Vida is a mountaintop resort located along the provinces of Costa Rica. Enjoy the wellness experience with an inner explanation through yoga or explore with an eco-adventure on location. puravidaspa.com

The Retreat Costa Rica

The Retreat Costa Rica houses the 7,500-square- foot Vida Mia Healing Center and Spa. Along with a comprehensive wellness program, the property now has added a naturopath, acupuncturist and Ayurvedic expert to the staff, along with Crystal Healing Therapies, Detox and Energy Balancing Rituals, and more. theretreatcostarica.com


South/Central America—Resorts With Wellness Program

Belize

Chaa Creek

With its proximity to a 400-acre nature reserve in Belize, Chaa Creek ensures a wide range of activities that connect guests to nature: bird watching, medicine trail walks, butterfly farms, canoeing, an organic farm and more. And, the commitment to sustainable tourism is supported by an ongoing donation that goes directly into environmental and community projects under the Chaa Creek Cares initiative. chaacreek.com

Naia Resort & Spa

Cited by The New York Times as “one of the 52 places to go in 2017,” Naia, tucked away within a private 200-acre reserve on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula, is a place to focus on relaxation and personal growth. Healthy food, fresh juices, yoga and transformative spa treatments are all tied to the beautiful natural surroundings. naiaresortandspa.com


Costa Rica

Hacienda AltaGracia

Temporarily closed: Surrounded by untainted natural beauty and nestled among the rolling hills and lush mountaintops of Perez Zeledon in Costa Rica, experience river rafting, hikes through private rainforest and fitness retreats. Relax in the spa inspired by the healing traditions of the region. altagracia.aubergeresorts.com 

Hotel Buena Vista

Offering limited amenities for the foreseeable future: A relaxed mountainside retreat in Costa Rica, surrounded by coffee plantations, with accommodations that range from eco-chic tents to suites. With ziplining, lush gardens and a spa with yoga, Hotel Buena Vista is a place to relax in Costa Rica. hotelbuenavistacr.com

Nayara Springs

Secluded in the Arenal Volcano National Park, this Costa Rica resort is immersed in the lush vegetation of Costa Rica’s rainforest with a nearby creek, underground thermal springs and the world’s highest concentration of tropical plants and wildlife. Enjoy yoga sessions while surrounded by nature, take guided tours of the breathtaking surroundings, or relax with a nature-inspired spa treatment. nayarasprings.com

ORIGINS Lodge

Built in harmony with its surroundings, this mountainside estate is dedicated to providing holistic healing and well-being inspired by ancient wisdom. Opt for the multi-day wellness experience, which features a mix of yoga, mindfulness sessions, sound therapy, Ayurvedic treatments and healthy cuisine from a Michelin- starred chef, among other activities. originslodge.com

The Retreat Costa Rica

This wellness boutique resort is perched on
a high vibrational crystal mountain in Atenas, Costa Rica, and features the Vida Mia Healing Center, and a plant-based café, with a select listing of organic and biodynamic wines. The Retreat founder and owner, Diana Stobo, a celebrity chef and health and wellness life coach, has designed the menus and programming at this healing retreat. theretreatcostarica.com


Ecuador

Pikaia Lodge

Most people see the UNESCO-listed Galapagos on a cruise, stopping on Santa Cruz upon arrival. But, this largest of Ecuador’s UNESCO-listed islands, has much to offer. Pikaia Lodge, a sleek eco-hotel, sits on the rim of an extinct volcano on a lesser-traveled part of the island. It offers land-based programs, with sightings of giant tortoise and iguana—and sustainability, social responsibility and a way of experiencing wellness through ecotourism. The Sumaq Spa, a Zen sanctum, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the relaxation area to emphasize the terrain, offers authentic shamanic treatments. pikaialodge.com


Guatemala

Las Lagunas Hotel

Perched in the midst of the Guatemalan jungle, the Las Lagunas Spa features a range of wellness treatments that end with a cup of calming allspice tea made with leaves plucked from around the property. A serene pool includes a water treadmill, better for serious swimming than the gorgeous infinity pool, which opens to the lagoon that is the centerpiece of Las Lagunas. laslagunashotel.com


Nicaragua

Mukul Resort

Located in Nicaragua, this resort offers several wellness retreats led by yoga and wellness experts. Relax at the spa, which includes six experiences housed in six individual, private spa suites, each equally harnessing a different ancient healing tradition, using local Nicaraguan ingredients. mukulresort.com


Peru

Inkaterra

The first boutique hotel in Cusco, Peru, Inkaterra La Casona features a full wellness experience. Treatments include reflexology and de-stress massage, which include 100 percent natural and local botanicals. inkaterra.com


South/Central America—Thermal & Mineral Springs & Healing Waters

Costa Rica

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Nestled in the heart of Costa Rican rainforest in a mystical setting at the base of the Arenal Volcano, Tabacon provides luxurious accommodations, fresh service philosophy with Pura Vida style. A tropical and exotic destination combining adventure with relaxing and steaming hot springs. Explore Costa Rica ́s largest network of volcano heated, naturally flowing hot springs, and delight your senses with cuisine inspired by local fares. Experience a spa treatment rendered in outdoor bungalows next to the soothing sounds of gently rushing streams and local wildlife. tabacon.com