Canadian World Traveller Spring 2020 Issue

ountry Inns...Luxary Safari Camps...Ecolodges...Ice...Cave...Treetop... Hotels
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peace and clarity. Though skeptical about
the cosmic power of gems, there was no
doubt of the peacefulness that descended
upon us at this spa. We reluctantly left, but
knew we’d be back. Did I mention wellness-inclusive
covered a massage a day
and full access to the spa waters?
“Hasta manana, YHI SPA,” I whispered
under my breath.
Our wellness suites had a menu of ‘stay
well’ features that included: air purification,
aromatherapy, circadian task lighting,
guided meditation, stay well shower
infuser, dawn simulation and a Deepak
Chopra welcome. Meal options ranged
from healthy pressed green juices delivered
to your room to indulgent multicourse
meals at the property’s many
restaurants. And, of course, all sorts of
libations as wellness-inclusive also meant
all-inclusive.
“It’s all about choice,” Bothfeld commented.
Wellness-inclusive Luxury at Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort
This January, resolutions still fresh in
my mind, I was delighted to check
out the brand-new ‘wellness-inclusive’
initiative at the adults-only Melia
Punta Cana Beach in the Dominican
Republic.
“This program is like our baby,” said Oliver
Bothfeld, hotel manager. “We really wanted
to do something different.”
The first difference was that we checked in
not at the front desk, but at the spa. Not
by Jennifer Merrick
just any spa, either, but the lush and serene
YHI SPA filled with tropical plants and water
features with turtles lazily basking on rocks.
Our tight, winter-weary muscles unknotted
a little, as we sipped Tropical Moringa
Herbal Tea and filled in our information.
Once done, we were given our wellness
bracelets, which, unlike the plastic, hospital-like
bands that I associated with allinclusive
resorts, was a black-stringed piece
of jewellery with a larimar stone. Found
only in the Dominican Republic, this blue
gemstone’s energy supposedly resonated
We chose to skip the 7AM Run for Fun on
the Energy for Life itinerary and instead
biked around the resort. The grounds were
beautifully landscaped with tropical flower
gardens and wildlife, like the flamingos
whose reflection shimmered pinks and
corals in the water. Several times during
our stay, we strolled along Bavaro Beach.
Recognized by UNESCO, this stretch of
sand was as gorgeous as they come with
postcard perfect wind-swept palms, white
sands and turquoise water.
We might not have kept all our resolutions,
but we started the new decade in the right
direction. Now every time I wear my larimar
stone bracelet, I’m transported back
to the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort and
start to breathe a little deeper.
www.melia.com
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