Simply getting away from it all is not enough: There are a growing number of clients requesting wellness and sustainability components to their vacations, not only to replenish themselves from the inside out, but to ensure they’re doing the same for the local communities they visit.
Dominica, The Nature Island
Connecting wellness with nature is a specialty in Dominica. However, “it is not just the island’s lush landscapes that are driving interest,” said Minister for Tourism Denise Charles at this year’s CHTA conference. “Dominica has also been highlighted for its sustainability efforts, unmatched experiences in nature, as well as hotel and resort offerings. Our destination offers an opportunity to be close to nature, and to travel to a place that cares about the environment.”
DOMINCA QUOTE
Dominica is home to the first-ever sea-kayaking trail in the Caribbean, an adventure made up of seven segments that includes adventures on land and sea. At Wotten Waven, natural hot sulfur springs and mud pools nestled in gardens await bodies tired from eco-trekking in the jungle, visiting with the resident pod of sperm whales, diving, enjoying the black-sand beaches or any one of the myriad experiences available.
Next year, the island will launch a new $54 million cable car system that will swoop 4.5 miles above the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park—making it the longest in the world—to the top of Boiling Lake in 20 minutes, a boon for travelers unable to hike. Dominica has also begun construction on a new, climate-resilient international airport.
Mexican Caribbean Bliss
The Mexican Caribbean is known for its sumptuous seaside spas, the soul-enriching experiences of its freshwater cenotes and white-sand beaches and its vast collection of hotels and resorts. Which begs the question: Just how sustainable is it all? Enter the Cancun, Puerto Morelos & Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, which recently announced the destination’s Sustainable Hospitality Plan.
CANCUN QUOTE
“Sustainable accommodations are undoubtedly a current trend,” says Jesus Almaguer, president of the association. “Ninety percent of tourists are [demanding] it, and for us hoteliers, it’s essential because it allows us to maintain our environment and natural resources, which are the main attraction of our tourist destination, in optimal conditions.”
Current hotel development in the Mexican Caribbean includes three new luxury all-inclusive resorts from All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy: Almare, A Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres, a 105-guestroom adults-only property a short ferry ride from Costa Mujeres, expected to open in 2024; W All-Inclusive Costa Mujeres, also adults-only, with 300 guestrooms and a 70,000-sq.-ft. central entertainment venue slated to open in 2026; and JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Mujeres, a 283-guestroom property with curated programming to enhance your client’s wellbeing, also expected for 2026.
XCARET SPA
Xcaret Hotels — Fun Times
If your clients are looking for a sustainability-focused vacation that will knock their socks off, you need look no further than Grupo Xcaret’s offer in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. “We’re a 100 percent Mexican-owned company based in Cancun that has been creating sustainable products for over 30 years,” says Rodrigo Motavelazco, director of sales, hotels, for Grupo Xcaret. During that time, the group has created seven distinct theme parks and three all-inclusive hotels—including the family-oriented Hotel Xcaret Mexico, home to the unique Muluk Spa, located in a private cove. It’s a good thing to know, because a stay at this hotel—or any of the three—comes with an interesting twist that will leave clients grateful for a good massage (or two).
“The most unique feature of our concept for the hotels is that they’re all ‘fun-inclusive,’” explains Motavelazco, “meaning that every single guest staying at any of our properties can enjoy what we have done for 30 years.” So, for one price, your clients enjoy their accommodations, gourmet cuisine and a thoroughly Mexican experience, and they can also visit any of the Xcaret theme parks, any day, as many times as they want during their stay.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico—the first hotel in America to achieve the EarthCheck certification—currently has 900 rooms and is slated to add in another 900 by the end of 2025.
HAVEN RIVIERA SWIM UP SUITE
Pure Haven
Wellness means different things to different people, and for those to whom it means extraordinary measures to ensure the freshest air quality and extra protection against tiny unseens, recommend a Riviera Maya stay at one of Haven Riviera Cancun's new Pure Wellness Suites.
These Junior Suite Partial Ocean View accommodations go through a 7-step process with cutting-edge tech to trap and eliminate viruses, bacteria and airborne particles using special air-handling units, patented solutions, special microfiber mattresses and more. If clients have been there done that, Jan LaPointe, director North America, assures us there’s always a reason to come back and unwind. “This summer we’re adding a beach club for Serenity Club guests and we’re adding more spa cabins because the spa is so popular.”
HAVEN RIVIERA QUOTE
Of note: “We’ve just revamped our HipAdvisor Program,” she adds. “Now it has all new information, very current images…all of our collateral is online for them, we’ve revamped the course. We’d like the people who have taken the course prior to '22 to come back and take it again.” According to LaPointe, it’s just 30 minutes of your time to get in the know with everything Haven.
ZEMI BEACH HOUSE
Luxuriating in Anguilla
As a partner of the Virtuoso Exclusive Portfolio of Luxury Travel Partners, Anguilla has no shortage of world-class accommodations that take full advantage of the island’s innate tranquility and natural beauty to enhance their wellness offer. One example is the 76-guestroom and suite Zemi Beach House—also a Virtuoso Partner and part of Hilton LXR Hotels & Resorts Collection—where clients will find their Zen in a wonderfully unexpected place.
“Zemi Beach House is home to an [authentic] 305-year-old Thai House Spa, combining the best of Thai and Caribbean hospitality,” says Antoine Alsayah, director of sales & marketing. The Thai House Spa—which was actually shipped direct from Thailand—features the region’s only hammam, a Moroccan-inspired bathhouse renowned for its cleansing and purifying properties. “The hammam experience at Zemi Beach House allows guests, island locals and visitors to indulge in a luxurious ritual that includes a steam bath, exfoliation and a soothing massage. A few benefits beyond relaxation include improving blood circulation and rejuvenating the skin.” Clients can follow that up with a visit to the organic juice bar, a dip in the Vitality Pool or a taste of the sea- and farm-to-table cuisine.
ZEMI BEACH QUOTE
On a sustainability note, Anguilla recently joined the United Kingdom’s Ocean Conservation Program, the Blue Belt Initiative, to address its marine challenges with the aim of becoming the most sustainable island in the region with a true Blue Economy.
The High Life in Turks and Caicos
When the hotel’s name is H2O Life. Style. Resort. you know your clients are in for something completely different. Located on a gorgeous stretch of beach in Turks and Caicos, this 25-suite boutique hotel bills itself as the Caribbean’s “first and only luxury kiteboard resort,” and was created as “a wellness getaway that invites guests to maintain and enjoy their active lifestyles in a consciously designed setting.” In addition to every watersport under the sun, H2O offers rooftop yoga and in-suite massages. Clients can rent electric scooters or Teslas to tool around the island.
“Our love for nature is expressed through our extensive sustainability program that aims to protect the local environment and inspire others to follow in our footsteps,” says co-owner Rob Ayer. “Solar energy powers our grid, high-efficiency AC systems, energy-efficient lighting systems and water preservation practices are just a few of the ways we do our part to minimize our carbon footprint.… Our resort is the first on the south shore of Providenciales to take the necessary steps to making Turks and Caicos Islands ‘Greener by Nature’ by enrolling in several initiatives designed to ensure tourism and the environment stay green.”
ZOETRY TREEHOUSE
Zen by Zoetry
“Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia is nestled on a marina in the most beautiful bay with lush vegetation and perfumed gardens. Its opulent feeling bestows calm, serenity and heath and wellness in its holistic being,” says Irene Prado, area commercial director Jamaica, St. Lucia and St. Martin for the HyattInclusive Collection. The luxury all-inclusive, adults-oriented, 124-suite property is the newest of the brand, and “features a curated wellness lifestyle to heal the heart and rejuvenate the soul. Our concepts include enrichment experiences, asana-infused emblems and palatable adventures.”
One of the resort’s bespoke spa experiences for two, the Marigot Body Ritual, includes a chauffeured visit to the local sulphur springs with a certified tour guide for mud bath skin exfoliation and a chocolate-making experience along with two massage sessions.
In Jamaica, Prado shares that at the 49-suite Zoëtry Montego Bay Resort & Spa, wellness begins on arrival. Clients are greeted with cold towels and green juice, and “the serene ambiance allows our clients to reenergize while basking in a luxury all-inclusive experience.” Yoga sessions are vital to the wellness experience—think morning and evening sessions—as are cooking classes.
MONTEPLIER YOGA
Tiny Treasure
The gem-like island of Nevis (sister to St. Kitts) is home to Montpelier Plantation & Beach, managed by Muffin Hoffman, who for the past 20+ years has suffused this exquisite retreat with the very essence of wellness: her desire to make the world a better place for all those in it. The property, which dates back to 1687, has only 18 rooms, which your clients will find simply decorated with the most luxurious of materials and amenities. Recommend the Tamarind Villa to those seeking an added layer of privacy—a stand-alone that boasts two covered porches, a plunge pool and a sun deck. Wellness at Montpelier is as effortless as the decor and part of its lifestyle: hiking in the forest, mountain biking, swimming in the private cove just minutes away, and dining on fresh organic products.... As part of its efforts, the plantation is hosting a yoga retreat this fall from Oct. 28-Nov. 4, led by yoga expert and mindfulness coach Patti Coan.