The term "burnout" is one we heard a whole lot in 2022 as we pushed through the pandemic and tried to get back to some form of normal.
I'm no stranger to burnout myself, and for me the antidote was simple: a visit to the St. Regis Punta Mita.
The St. Regis Punta Mita has become a very special place to me over the years, and now with a major refurbishment underway, it continues to keep itself relevant as the landscape of luxury continues to evolve along Mexico's Pacific coast. One solution to burnout is to implement more wellness, and that's exactly what the St. Regis Punta Mita puts its focus on.
A stretch of beach at the St. Regis Punta Mita. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
For me it started with a 90-minute Burnout Relief Massage at the resort's iconic Remede Spa. The massage was described as a way to help treat the signs of burnout, like stress, extreme fatigue, anxiety, tension and insomnia -- symptoms that have become all too familiar to many of us these days.
Every treatment begins with an "intention setting" ceremony, where guests are asked to select a stone inscribed with a specific intention. Mine was "balance," which was perfect for me because lack of balance the past few years was what was contributing to the burnout. Any travel advisor working through these past few years can relate, I'm sure.
The Burnout Relief Massage used vetiver and lavender scents, which help to slow things down and bring your mind to a deeply relaxed state. Closing my eyes and breathing in, I was ready to let go. Next, the masseuse used white jade stones to massage my face, neck and shoulders. The stones are said to help promote calmness and relieve pain, which releases tension and sends negative emotions into the ether.
A full-body massage followed, which left me feeling melted and completely relaxed. A soak in the outdoor whirlpool was the perfect way to cap off the experience.
The Remede Spa features daily specials. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Daily specials at Remede Spa
The Remede Spa at the St. Regis Punta Mita also features daily spa specials, offering some treatments at discounted rates. A friend I was traveling with selected the daily deal, which was the 90-Minute Vibra Healing Tibetan Massage. This full-body experience uses sound therapy, where vibrations created by Tibetan bowls course through the body, resonating with brain waves to bring stress down and help to treat insomnia and anxiety. This treatment also includes a full-body massage.
Treatments like this are part of the signature experiences at the St. Regis. Guests can also choose from Indigenous Experiences, which are designed around the culture and traditions of Mexico. The Pitaya Sensory Journey, for example, is a two-hour experience that uses the cactus-like pitaya plant to polish the body, followed with a massage using red marine algae and ending with a pressure-point foot massage.
No matter the treatment, it is recommend that your clients use the hydrotherapy services beforehand to level up the relaxation.
The adults-only pool at the resort. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Oasis of calm
Wellness at the St. Regis Punta Mita extends beyond the spa. The adults-only pool area is an oasis of calm in an already tranquil setting. Its tiered pools are in a perfect location overlooking the ocean. Hammocks sway lazily in the breeze, and a menu of fresh seafood, sushi, oysters and ceviche is available for healthful, fresh snacks.
Perhaps one of the top reasons to make it to the St. Regis Punta Mita this year is the extensive renovations that have been underway. These began in June and touched the guestrooms, suites and public spaces. This first phase wrapped in December and included some of the rooms and suites, a new Altamira Lobby and the Marietas pool area.
The refreshed Altamira Lobby features a new sunset lounge, where guests can order a drink and snack on Mexican tapas while watching sunsets each evening. The Marietas Pool & Restaurant now features a two-story terrace with infinity-edge pools on the upper level and the ground floor. The new Marietas Restaurant & Bar features a bar overlooking the beach and the ocean. The design is inspired by hacienda kitchens.
A second phase of the renovations is in progress and will include the refurbishments of the remaining guestrooms and suites.
A rendering of the Marietas Pool & Restaurant at the resort. Photo Credit: Courtesy of St. Regis Punta Mita