Flor Escapes

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Malinalco, the Valley of the Lunar Goddesses

2010-02-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

It’s not often that off-the-beaten track locales in Mexico receive coverage. We all hear the latest about resorts along the Mayan Riviera, or the newest over-the-top luxury hideout in Los Cabos but if you dig a little deeper, what you will find is a culture steeped in rich tradition that consist of colorful fusions of Pre Hispanic and European religions and cuisines.

I recently had the privilege of living in Malinalco for six months. This small village of 7,000 inhabitants is tucked between two mountain ranges in the southwestern portion of the State of Mexico. I just cannot curb my enthusiasm for this magical valley town and its majestic natural beauty. - it is no wonder this hot spot for healers, gurus and Mexico City’s jet set has been coined the valley of the lunar goddesses.

So, what is there to do in this tiny verdant sub tropical town?...Discover! Start with a walk up to Cerro de Los Idolos, a monolithic structure (there are only four in the world!) surrounded by pyramid ruins. If you’re lucky enough to run into Martin, the local shaman, spiritual guide and keeper of his native Aztec/Mexican history, you may change your mind about the use of the term pyramid. An enthralling historian and recent author, Martin takes those who are willing through a fascinating journey of Mexican history. The view from atop the ruins in breathtaking and the backdrop of lush mountains and eagles swirling overhead is mesmerizing. Next on your list visit the museum in town below that recounts why the monolithic structure was built, which is a story unto itself about spiritual warriors (not the Mel Gibson Apocalyptic type), the dedication to nature, humans and holiness.

After all of the scenery overload, and if you’re daring enough to try Mexican street food, walk back to the town center and try a Tlacoyo, or blue corn maize-based tortilla that is shaped like a canoe and cooked on demand. Tlacoyos in Malinalco are usually filled with fava beans and served with your choice of homemade green or red salsa with a sprinkling of fresh cheese on top. If you prefer a sit down meal Los Placeres is fantastic. Also just off the main square, their chef uses his creativity to heighten the flavors of regional Mexican ingredients in a contemporary fashion. The doblados of hibiscus flower and cheese are to die for. Fresh trout, brought in daily from neighboring lakes, is served with ingredients ranging from local herbs to coconut, depending on the changing menu. When in season the black zapote fruit margarita is magnificent, its texture is thick and delivers sweet yet sour velvet smoothness to the palate. After a lengthy lunch enjoy the walking around to view the town that includes an outdoor market filled with an extensive array of tropical fruits and vegetables that are locally grown and native to the region. A visit to the main cathedral is also a must to view the hand painted frescos of mostly flora and fauna that adorn the cloister, which are a rarity in Mexican catholic churches.

After a day of sightseeing venture across town (everything is in walking distance) to Ollinyotl, a holistic center serving the community and visitors that is a real jewel both aesthetically and spiritually. With its zen-like architecture and stunning views of Ascensión mountain, the center includes a yoga studio, mediation labyrinth, spa, temazcal, café and gift shop featuring artisanal and handcrafted items. There are numerous activities and promotions offered throughout the week that range from specialty massages such as Cranio-Sacral therapy to full moon drumming circles. For a mind-body detox, try the Temazcal sessions on Sunday. The 2 and ½ hour steam bath in an enclosed dark space may sound daunting but a guide takes participants through a journey of forgiveness and reconciliation in a group setting using herbs, song and chanting.

From Malinalco day trips to Xochicalco (an astonishing archeological complex of pre Hispanic ruins), Cuernavaca, and numerous natural sites, such as lakes and hot springs, can be easily arranged.

Where to stay:
Quinta Ascensión B&B
http://quintaascension.sitiosprodigy.com.mx/
Cerro del la Ascensión 8, El Llano
Malinalco, Mexico
Tel: +52.714.147.1567
Where to eat:
Los Placeres
Plaza principal 6 B
Barrio de Santa Mónica
Malinalco, México
Tel: +52.714.147.0855

Where to Repose:
Ollinyotl
www.ollinyotl.com
Calle Cerro de la Ascención esq. Calle Cerro del Ciriaco
Barrio de San Juan
Malinalco, México
Tel: +52.714.147.2015

Local Travel Expert:
Adamarie King
Connoisseur's Travel
A Conde' Nast Traveler Magazine Top Travel Specialist: 2001 - 2010
www.connoisseurstravel.com
ada@connoisseurstravel.com
Tel. +01.312-559-0549

An Unforgettable Mexican Independence

2009-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that my first week living in Mexico would have included this…a private dinner celebrating 199 years of Mexican independence (wait until next year!!!) in the wine cellar of an authentic Hacienda dating to the 1700s where Emilio Zapata's grandfather once worked? I thought to myself, “umm, can someone pinch me?” I’ve always thought of Mexico as being a magical place but this far exceeded my expectations of holiday dinner party.

I felt as though I was "living history" and had the privilege of partaking in an evening with a small group of true personas that ranged from the property's charming owner, to architects, designers, entrepreneurs and the like who all shared one thing in common; a passion for Mexico and a love for life. The dinner couldn't have been more spectacular, the wine flowed and as the evening progressed the trio performing traditional Mexican music was joined by merrymaking guests that broke out into crooner-like song.

The next day we awoke to an appropriately healthy breakfast of scrambled eggs with “Machaca” (dried beef seasoned with native spices and chilies originated from the ranchers and cowboys of northern Mexico).

With full stomachs and big smiles we all headed out on a five hour “cabalgata” or horseback ride through the enchantingly green countryside surrounding Amacuzac, Morelos. We rode through fields, small towns and the foot hills of a magnificent mountain rage. An hour stop was taken at a lake with glorious countryside views where we - cowboys and cowgirls - enjoyed tequila (we are in Mexico!), fruits, vegetables and pork rind with sauces and lime – yum!

With just over one month living in Mexico it’s hard to explain the generosity and warmth that has been extended to me. I want to take a moment to personally thank the team at Hacienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas for this amazing experience and I know that this was just a prelude for what’s to come next year, when the country will celebrating its 200th anniversary of Independence!

Stay tuned for our spring Mystic Triangle retreat March 22-28, 2010 that is based at this extraordinary property and East Meets West, a “mini” Flor Escape weekend retreat in Malinalco November 21-24, 2009.

To Vacation or not to Vacation in today’s Economic Times!

2009-08-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Are you overworked? Are you feeling tired of your day-to-day grind and you just can’t seem to snap out of it? When was the last time you took a vacation? Most American’s do not take advantage of that thing called ‘vacation time’. Why is it important for us to take vacation? The number one reason is our health. Most health journals have documented that vacations are good for your overall health and well-being.

The benefits of taking a break from your daily grind go far beyond just the obvious benefits. Vacations can increase our creativity and allow our minds, body, and soul to relax and be open for creative new possibilities. Some of the other benefits of taking a vacation:

Prevent burn out

Keep us healthy and allows us to “recharge our batteries.” Taking a break from the blackberry, emails, and work can actually improve our job performance once we return back to work. You return with a fresh outlook and you are able to dive back into work more efficiently.

Vacations Can Strengthen our Family Bonds: Spending time enjoying life with loved ones can keep our relationships strong help you enjoy the good times more which will allow you to handle the stress of the hard times easier. In fact, a study by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages.

Here are some additional Health Benefits!

1. Reducing Your Stress Levels – incorporating daily breathing techniques, meditation and visualization techniques to ward off stress are important - but it might do us a world of good if we got away at least once a year. I am not saying you have to go on a worldwide vacation tour. There are benefits to just leaving home and escaping everything that reminds you of the conundrum of life. By breaking the routine, meeting people, doing different activities, and letting our eyes feast on new surroundings; we put stress on the backburner – even for just a week or two. When we come back from vacation, we can face stress again, this time with renewed vigor. Stress is directly related to heart disease. So taking a vacation is just one outlet to reducing our stress levels.

2. Engaging in New Behavior – Engaging in new activities and behavior is like wearing a new outfit! When we go on vacation, we stimulate our five senses and do things that are not part of our tired and boring routine. If we choose a vacation where physical activity is encouraged and healthy living (like visiting a resort or going on a retreat) we use our bodies in ways that we typically don’t in our day-to-day life. If money is an issue, go and visit a friend in another city that you haven’t seen in a while and enjoy the new scenery of their hometown flavors.

3. Engage in Solitude – it may sound contradictory but solitude can restore our faith in humanity. The day-to-day grind of client emails, phone calls, meeting, appointments, and non-stop interaction with others can run us down. The constant interaction with people could burn you out because you don’t have much time to think inwards. Taking a vacation in a remote island where you can enjoy your own company can make you reflect about how fortunate you are to be in the company of friends and strangers day in and day out… but you need to get away from them to appreciate that! Retreat settings can also help you reflect and spend time on introspection.

4. Take Advantage of Vacation Time – let all of your hard work pay off by taking your well deserved ‘vacation time.’ Splurge and pamper yourself. Knowing that you have the financial resources to take time off is a good feeling; thousands of people would give anything to have that feeling.

Where can you go and what can you do?

1. Customize a Wellness Retreat with Flor Escapes. Flor Escapes fuses travel with wellness and culture to develop exclusive holistic retreats. Trips include uplifting activities such as enlightening workshops, natural spa treatments, yoga and/or Qi Gong sessions, cultural activities and more. All destinations, hotels, guides, spa treatments and healers have been specially selected to ensure that each trip be a true escape and journey to relaxation, self-discovery and fun! Properties represented by Flor Escapes are handpicked spa-based hotels that create enchanting and revitalizing experiences while taking a proactive stance in protecting the environment and supporting their local communities.

2. Attend a Pre-Designed Wellness Retreat to fit your needs. Rejuvenate, engage and go within, uncover some majestic historical venues like Mexico’s Mystical Triangle, and explore other cultures.

3. Go on a weekend retreat and renewal at the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts! You can choose from activities and design your weekend experience or simply enjoy solitude. A typical day might look like this: Wake, stretch, and stroll down the hall to a morning Kripalu Yoga class; take an experiential workshop or get outdoors on a guided hiking, kayaking, or biking excursion; spend some quiet time alone, enjoy a meditation walk, or join a tai chi class on the lawn.

4. Go to a new city or country each year and explore a new culture! A client of mine recently returned from a trip in Peru. He hiked the various mountains, visited an ancient village where they still spoke the ancient language, and had a Shaman travel for two days with the group conducting several spiritual ceremonies. If this all sounds too ‘frew frew’ for you go on an African Safari! Explore the powerful wildlife and unique landscapes in Africa.

5. If funds are low go visit a friend in a nearby city. Soak in the local flavors and feast your five senses on a change of landscape. This will help push those stress levels down a few notches.

Safe Travels!

Tanya L. Colucci, M.S., NASM-CPT, CES, PES
http://tanyacolucci.wordpress.com
Co-Founder Infinity Wellness
www.infinitywellness.org
202-812-4242
Master Instructor NASM
www.nasm.org
Director of Private Training MINT

Morelos, Mexico: An Idyllic Wellness & Cultural Destination

2009-07-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

After an extensive tour of the intensely green and mountainous state of Morelos I can say with confidence that you can leave your beach towel at home and head to the central highlands for an authentic and SAFE trip to the heart of Mexico. Tucked in the center of the country, just one hour south of the capitol, lies a region with an overabundance of flora and fauna alongside breathtaking historic haciendas, ancient pyramids, natural thermal springs, and picturesque colonial towns. Morelos also offers extensive and sophisticated culinary options as well, that fuse the many indigenous ingredients found locally, such as flowers, fruit, chiles and coco with a European flair. Luckily for the inhabitants of the state coined “the eternal Spring of Mexico”, the sun shines almost every day and temperatures range from 65 to 77 degrees.

Here are some highlights of the journey:

Hacienda San Gabriela de las Palmas: Dreamlike Historic Hacienda

A stunning historic hacienda constructed in 1529 that has been artfully refurbished into a deluxe hotel by a film set designer, this hotel has an astonishing history that instantly takes guests back to a bygone era. Accommodations are all different (and large!) and several suites have private dipping pools, Jacuzzis or outdoor terraces. Grounds include lush gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, horse stables, paddle court, a soothing spa and a temazcal (sweat-bath). All this considered, one of the best things to do is to relax and taken in scenery at one of the many outdoor terraces. The spa, located in a separate garden area, cleverly makes use of indoor/outdoor spaces allowing guests to instantly feel at peace in nature. They offer a variety of treatments, all using organic natural remedies made in-house, specially designed for the integration of harmony between mind, body and spirit.

Las Mañanitas: Iconic Mexican Hotel with Stunning Spa

Las Mañanitas in Cuernavaca is an iconic hotel in Mexico and its old warm charm, friendly staff, exquisite restaurant and large accommodations with either a private patio or terrace are only part of the reasons why. The hotel’s newly opened Orlane spa, the first in Mexico, is hands down sensational! It offers an impressive range of treatments to include a selection of exotic regional ‘water and earth’ therapies to help one relax, detox and balance. It’s large glass walls overlooking an outdoor pool and gardens, glowing yellow onyx walls, and large spaces that integrate natural wood and stone with contemporary spa cabins and facilities make a true zen-like experience.

Xochicalco: Heart of Mesoamerican Astrology

One of the greatest archeological sites in Morelos, located 38 kilometers from Cuernavaca, Xochicalco (the place of the house flowers in Nahuatl dialect) was the meeting place for high priests from all Mesoamerican cultures to study astrology, make calendar adjustments, and perform religious ceremonies. With fascinating structures, relieves and sculptures still in place, visitors can only feel a sense of bewilderment to the evidence of such advanced cultures that were prominent in these lands circa 600 AD. Although only 15 percent of this site has been excavated, the pyramid of Quet-zal-cóatl, astrological observatory, temazcal, ball court and main plaza can be visited. The museum is situated nearby; housing an excellent collection of artifacts and a complete model of the site. Its building was designed to save energy by using techniques based on native architecture. The result is an award winning example of “green” Mexican architecture.

Traditional & Herbal Medicine Museum: A Journey Through Mexicos’s Botanical History

Formerly the vacation home of Emperor Maximiliano de Hasburgo, this villa and extensive gardens turned museum is a true treasure trove of medicinal, edible and spice plants, cacti, orchids and ornamental plants that showcase the many uses of flora in Mexican culture. A tour with one of the museums’ botanists is a must! Ranging from seeds to bark, to leaves, to flowers and more, the use of plants both in the past and present in Mexico are absolutely fascinating. Workshops on how to make ointments, soaps and dyes using all natural ingredients are available upon request.

Posada del Tepozteco: Tepotzlan’s Green Hotel

With an almost eerie mystical feel, Tepoztlán has been inhabited since 1300 B.C. and the juxtaposition between the colonial center in the valley and enigmatic pyramid to Ometochtli situation high in the mountains that surround the town, make an for an enchanting experience. Posada del Tepozteco, which has a spectacular view of the town’s main cathedral, is a hotel with a heart. The owner, an architect from Mexico City, has incorporated green architecture and energy saving infrastructure throughout the property. From the organic vegetables grown onsite to the solar heated pool, guests with who are environmentally conscious will feel at home here. A very special attribute is the temazcal ritual offered at this hotel. The Shaman, a world renown herbalist and healer, guides participants through an genuine cleansing experience, unlike any available in the area.

Sitio Sagrado: An Over the Top Spa Experience

A little piece of heaven located outside colonial town of Tepoztlán, with views of the majestic mountain range, Sitio Sagrado or “Scared Space”, was created to offer a retreat to nature in a harmonious environment. All 23 accommodations at the hotel have magnificent views of the gardens and the National Park of Tepoztlán. Rooms have a fresh feel that is part Mediterranean and part contemporary Mexican with a nod to local indigenous culture. The hotel’s extraordinary 2,000 square meter Hydra Spa gives homage to our planet and all natural elements that make life possible. The spa has a ‘women only’ area to include soaking pool, lounge and treatment cabins that is perfect for groups. The facility’s general area has over eight treatment cabins that include large indoor or outdoor private spaces for couple massages and treatments. Unique to Sitio Sagrado’s spa is an aquatic “senses” experience where guests travel from one subterranean space to the next and experience audio visuals, music, underwater massage, aromatherapy, and lastly a full body exfoliation. Temzacal treatments/rituals are also available to include vow renewal ceremonies were couples are dressed in all white and experience a reconnection to love guided by a local shaman.

Stay tuned for an upcoming Flor Escape called “The Mystic Triangle” to Morelos this fall!