Tulum: The Healing Destination You Need
TULUM, Mexico – The quest for travel experiences that transcend traditional tourism is on the rise. In a world facing crises, the pursuit of disconnection and rejuvenation has become the guiding principle of a rapidly growing trend, positioning Mexico as an emerging destination for mind and soul healing in peaceful surroundings.
Quintana Roo, the Mexican state serving as the gateway to the captivating Riviera Maya, boasts not only a rich historical and cultural heritage but also breathtaking natural attractions that enchant all who explore its beauty. In recent years, despite the challenges posed by regional issues like drug trafficking, this destination has carved a niche as an oasis offering everything needed for a high-quality retreat.
According to a study conducted by Exploring Health Tourism, an entity affiliated with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the European Travel Commission (ETC), wellness tourism, also known as wellness travel, is experiencing continuous growth. Its purpose is to embark on journeys that contribute to physical, mental, or spiritual well-being.
In this context, Mexico has actively encouraged the creation of such wellness spaces in its vast regions, particularly in Tulum. Here, they have developed alternatives to cater to the rising wave of individuals seeking tranquility through travel.
“Undoubtedly, Tulum is a window to the world. Many people now regard it as a healing destination,” says Belu Labanca, an Argentine Wellness and Life Coach who has resided in what she describes as a paradise for over a year.
There are places where nature’s riches are abundant, and the shores of the Caribbean Sea are undoubtedly one of them. It is no coincidence that Tulum is currently one of Mexico’s most prominent tourist destinations. In its surroundings, hidden treasures can be found within jungles, seas, lagoons, islets, springs, rivers, small hills, and cenotes.
“It’s a destination that virtually sells itself through pictures. The ancient Maya chose this land for their temples because it’s clearly a region with significant energetic significance. We are situated above the world’s most important water system, making the energy of this place both powerful and volatile,” Labanca affirms with enviable serenity. Some of her explanations gain coherence as she continues, explaining how “the moon influences the tides, causing the water to ebb and flow cyclically, bringing both movement and intensity.”
In recent years, the embrace of wellness tourism doesn’t mean choosing one option over experiencing world-class attractions; it allows travelers to do both in the same journey. Tulum is the quintessential place that combines these elements, where a trip becomes more than just a visit; it transforms into a journey that invites connection with sacred sites, oneself, and the environment, all within an ideal setting for quality relaxation.
A study by the travel platform Booking on travel predictions for this year reveals that the opportunity to travel is more important than ever (pre-pandemic). A remarkable 78% of surveyed Argentinians affirmed that travel contributes to their mental health and emotional well-being, making vacations an ideal form of self-care. And when choosing a destination, wellness considerations come into play.
While it is true that marketing efforts abound, not everything is rosy. In Tulum, there is a plethora of offers for various alternative therapies, ranging from ceremonies such as temazcal or ayahuasca to highly sought-after sound healing sessions and a multitude of yoga practices, meditations, and spiritual retreats.
However, this surplus of therapies can be a double-edged sword. “Not all therapies are suitable for everyone, so it’s essential to distinguish between them. But even more critical is the need to research who and where these therapies are conducted, understanding in whose hands these healers are and with whom they will be sharing spaces,” Labanca responsibly notes.
In the context of increasing stress, new approaches rooted in high-impact therapies are emerging to achieve comprehensive well-being in the short term. Experts and facilitators of these holistic activities are constantly seeking disruptive proposals to elevate the vibrational frequencies and connect with oneself. The options are vast, and the public is increasingly seeking agendas of healthy activities in close communion with nature, designed specifically to enhance and balance various aspects of life.
