Wanderlust: A Sensory Spa Journey in Puerto Vallarta

There’s an abundance of healing and nurturing spas in Puerto Vallarta

Grand Velas Spa – Flower Petals

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

Puerto Vallarta had always eluded me…until now.

Just saying the name brought to mind the vibrant Bougainvilleas that I longed to see and the expansive beaches. I would often visualize the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and the blue Pacific and couldn’t wait to finally arrive and experience my own adventure.

There’s an abundance of healing and nurturing spas in Puerto Vallarta and during my first visit to this stunning area I certainly made time to experience a few on the list.

Secrets Spa by Pevonia

No Secrets Here

Let’s begin with the first one, adults-only Secrets Spa by Pevonia, located on the beach and within walking distance to the Malecón boardwalk. This 14,000 square foot spa has much to offer to encourage relaxation with over 30 treatments to choose from. My journey included their hydrotherapy circuit and at first I was more eager to experience a massage, however I was truly surprised at the outcome of this unique experience. The circuit included acupressure showers, cascading waterfalls with varying water temperatures and hydrotherapies to rejuvenate and relax. It was a sensory experience and certainly one to include when visiting Secrets Vallarta Bay.

The journey continued on to Riviera Nayarit and I couldn’t help but wonder what would unfold over the next several days. If your travels take you to Puerto Vallarta, and I truly hope they do, you’ll want to consider a few days in the Riviera Nayarit area and perhaps explore Bucerias, a charming fishing village and consider exploring the Marieta Islands National Park and Sayulita.

Worldly Experience

Riviera Nayarit offers many spa opportunities, however on this stay there were two to visit starting with Melange World Spa at Marival Residences. Unique and expansive, this spa offers world-focused treatments and after a thorough tour I found myself drawn to the India Shirodhara Experience and the Italy Vendimia Wine Experience. Vendimia translates to ‘grape/wine harvest’ and the décor in the room was certainly reminiscent of the process. This experience includes a wine therapy infused bath (in an original wooden barrel) followed by a full body massage. The treatment rooms conveyed the cultural traditions for each spa service, even the music and aromas. The selection of experiences from around the world also include the Japan Shiatsu, Turkey Hamam, Russia Banya (sauna), Bali Aromatherapy, Thailand Body Work, and the America Menage Spa Experience. The World Spa Experiences go for 85-minutes and they’re priced at $220 each. In addition to these experiences, the spa also offers a full menu of other spa services.

Marival Melange Spa

The Path to Transformation

After an exhilarating walk over to the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit from my base resort I was exceedingly ready for my service, however there were other blissful surprises to experience first. The Spa at Grand Velas would be the last of the spas for this journey and one I longed to visit so my expectations were fairly high. After sipping the customary chia drink upon arrival and strolling past the inviting vessels of pink flower petals, I was escorted to the hydrotherapy area to immerse myself in their signature water journey. Water is life and ever flowing hence the rejuvenating benefits of hydrotherapy. The journey includes the Jacuzzi, Sauna, Eucalyptus Inhalation, and Steam with Chromotherapy (balances the chakras), Hot and Cold Lagoon, Pressure Shower, Hydro-Reflexology (personal favorite).

Pampering continued in the Spa’s Relaxation Area and this quickly became one of the most nurturing experiences of my notable spa visits. The team at The Spa fulfilled every need so it was no surprise to hear that about 85% of the resort guests experience a spa visit.

Grand Velas Spa Service

Grand Velas Hydrotherapy

Secrets Spa at Pevonia

After the memorable water journey I was met by Arminda, my therapist, for the Grand Cora Massage. This was one of the Mexican inspired services and one choreographed with a sound ritual and long deep strokes and healing hands. The rhythmic sounds of the instruments (rain stick, maracas, cymbals, and wind chime), the scent of ginger and the trance-like feeling of complete relaxation transformed me for the duration of the service. This sensuous experience more than exceeded my expectations.

The Spa at Grand Velas offers a sanctuary filled with 20 treatment rooms and over 30 holistic treatments ranging from massages, facials, hydrotherapy and Spa Rituals.