Review: SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico: First Guest

Why book?

A visit to SHA Mexico is an amazing reminder to take care of yourself, paired with a comprehensive set of lessons on how to do it well—all inside a daring new building perched on the edge of the Caribbean.

Set the scene

SHA is located on a prime stretch of beachfront in Costa Mujeres, away from the party scene of Cancún. This is one of the best areas in the Riviera Maya for water sports—you’ll see folks kitesurfing from your balcony—and there are ample opportunities for guests to get out on the inviting water between treatments. Early guests included families with adult children, couples, and singles from the Americas and Europe, many of whom had cosmopolitan, global lifestyles and considerable experience at health resorts. The prevailing style at dinner and around the pool is elevated beach- and leisurewear—lots of matched separates in playful prints, easygoing linens, and pale colors.

The backstory

This is a family affair. Alfredo Bataller Parietti, a Spanish real estate developer, was inspired to open the original location, in Alicante, Spain, with two of his sons following a miracle remission after a cancer diagnosis, which he credited to a doctor who put him on a macrobiotic diet. They hoped to teach guests about the value of nutrition and a variety of other wellness practices—both traditional therapies and cutting-edge techniques developed by Western medicine—with the goal of extending and enhancing their lives. The success of the first SHA inspired a plan to open a location on each continent. Originally, the family intended to launch the second one in Palm Beach, Florida, but when a real estate deal fell through, Bataller Parietti and his eldest son went on an impromptu father-son trip to Mexico, which ultimately led them to the land on which SHA Mexico now sits.

The rooms

I had a generous suite fronted by a lovely private balcony (as is the case with all 101 suites at the property) with glorious views of the Bahia de Mujeres and Isla Mujeres. There is a hot tub out there, a particularly nice touch, which I would sit in listening to the waves and the sound of the wind in the palm trees after dinner. The primary bathroom was the size of a New York City studio apartment, and there was a second one next to a small but comfortable study. The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art. It's minimalist without being empty, and during the daytime, with the blinds pulled back and the sliding glass doors open, the fresh air and abundant light serve as the primary amenities.

Food and drink

Healthy nutrition is one of the cornerstones of the SHA integrative method. Happily, this does not mean giving up flavor and fun. Following the recommendations of the Harvard Medical School, as well as centuries of Eastern thought, dishes at Shamadi, the main restaurant, emphasize vegetables of various colors, whole grains, proteins (including fresh local seafood), and alkaline foods. Each day began with a miso soup loaded with vegetables, prized for its probiotic and antioxidant properties, and I suddenly realized how much I have enjoyed eating miso soup for breakfast in Asia. At a fun healthy cooking class with corporate executive chef Lixi Lineas, I learned the basics of making it myself. A variety of revitalizing, detoxifying, and balancing teas come with your meals. SHA isn’t totally abstemious—if you want a glass of wine, you can have one, but obviously boozing isn’t what you’re here for. A second restaurant, Earthy, hadn’t opened yet when stayed, but promises to use open-fire cooking to showcase the flavors of the sea.

The spa

With six stories and a hundred treatment rooms, many with stunning views of the sea and mangroves, the health clinic—a separate structure within the larger architecture of the resort—is obviously the star attraction for visitors. On the top floor there’s a fully equipped gym and a terrace for yoga or sound baths; in the basement there is a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna, steam room, Roman bath, and ice plunge around a lovely pool; and in between are numerous areas with a dedicated purpose, from anti-aging to weight management. Cutting-edge tech abounds, including machines from the VR training company Icaros that give you a crazy core workout, devices for intravenous ozone therapy, a bed for advanced cell regeneration therapy to repair damaged tissue, and a hell of a lot more. The vibe is calm, cool, dim, and science-y without being overly medicalized. In a nod to the location, there is a traditional temescal elsewhere on the property.

The neighborhood/area

Make a point of getting out on the water and visiting Isla Mujeres while visiting SHA. If you’re booking a longer stay, consider taking a break from your treatment regimen and taking a day trip to other points on the Mayan Riviera.

The service

At the health clinic, in the restaurants, and throughout the property, the service is deferential and fastidious without being overwhelmingly formal. When greeting you, many staffers place a hand to their heart, as in many Muslim cultures.

Eco effort

The property utilized a variety of natural construction materials and renewable energy sources to minimize its impact. Compost goes to an organic garden where herbs and vegetables are grown for the restaurant menus. SHA is also collaborating with a number of local NGOs on marine life conservation and research projects and is engaged in various community outreach efforts.

Accessibility

Apart from the beach itself, all areas of the property are wheelchair-accessible. Three of the deluxe suites meet ADA standards, with toilet and shower rails.

Anything left to mention?

One of SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico’s selling points is that it is quite easy to get to–it’s a short drive from Cancún International Airport, which has excellent airlift and isn’t a terribly long flight from locations throughout the Americas and Western Europe. But while Costa Mujeres is certainly more tranquil than Cancún’s Hotel Zone, it is still quite developed—you’re not in the middle of nowhere. So expect to occasionally be aware of other visitors in the area besides your fellow SHA guests, at the neighboring hotels or out on the water.