Healing with nature at Playa Viva in Zihautenjo, Mexico!
Often we think of healing as having to do with people. At Playa Viva in Zihautenejo, Mexico, the healing began with the land. Playa Viva is an eco retreat that has been growing and evolving for fifteen years. The commitment of owner David Leventhal to the land by way of regenerative farming practices, permaculture and solar power has earned the hotel B Corp Certification, the highest environmental status a hotel can receive. Playa Viva involves the local community by offering them jobs, education, and opportunities to sell their work in the hotel boutique. The symbiotic relationship of the hotel with the community is palpable in the genuine friendliness of the staff who begin to feel like friends. As David said, how many other hotels do you know of where the guests tearily embrace the staff upon departure?
Although the set up of Playa Viva is ideal for a yoga retreat with two magnificent yoga shalas, communal dining and group friendly accommodations, I traveled there with Paul for a romantic birthday celebration and we found it a backdrop that added to the romance. A request to the dining staff that we preferred to enjoy our meals just the two of us led to our table for two set apart from the group at each meal. For my birthday dinner, they even stationed us in a stunning tree house like dining nook overlooking the beach and sunset- a dining experience I will never forget! They also will serve dinner on request on the beach in a most romantic style with tiki torches and lanterns that conjures up scenes from “The Bachelor,” in a good way.
Part of my healing this trip was about not setting any alarms, so I missed the complimentary 8am yoga they offer each morning. Instead, I opted to lead myself in my own practice later each day in these stunning yoga pavilions. It was such a profound way to tune into myself, listen to my body and immerse myself in the sound and smell of the wind, the waves, and bird calls.
Playa Viva always has two holistic hosts on property who offer yoga as well as healing specialties. I had the most fabulous massage with Paulina that surpassed body work and incorporated energetic healing- a truly transformative experience! The open air “spa” is a series of tented platforms with curtains for privacy that open on to the beach. No sound machine required!
The food at Playa Viva feels wholesome and healing while also being delicious. Some of it comes directly from their farm! There are different aqua frescas offered each day and somehow even the cocktails feel healthier as they are made by the talented and personable Enrique with fresh herbs and fruits- the Basil Margarita is a showstopper! The wine list offers almost exclusively organic wines as well. As the meals are served buffet style, I noticed that there was a relaxing even around having to choose and order something, but a more intuitive response to what before me my body needed or wanted. Meals are at set times which also freed us up from navigating reservations, little “stresses” we don’t even notice in our everyday lives.
Playa Viva’s privacy and miles of pristine beach where the only living thing you will encounter are flocks of pelicans and herons, make it a sublime spot for those wanting to unplug and tune into themselves and nature. We can’t wait to return! xox
