2 weeks Ago By Elise Taylor
Why go here? At SHA in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, there are just as many treatment rooms as guest rooms. Some are for traditional spa offerings like massages, facials, and sound baths. But most of them are for more cutting-edge undertakings: think ozone IVs, transcranial electrical stimulations, virtual reality workouts, cryotherapy, infrared therapy, and more.
There’s also a significant number of medical-grade offerings: You can get diagnostic tests done here, as well as dental cleanings, food sensitivity tests, and hormone screenings. Those who go to SHA are usually looking for a complete health and wellness overhaul rather than a simple trip for rest and relaxation. What’s the vibe? SHA is chic yet clinical – many patients here are experiencing state-of-the-art medical equipment or visiting doctor’s offices.
Yet that doesn’t mean it’s cold: interior designers at Sordo Madaleno infused the futuristic architecture by Alejandro Escudero with a warm minimalist palette. Think grey upholstery, white chairs, and pale wood bookcases lined with Assouline books. The restaurant, meanwhile, is adorned with soothing greenery.
There’s also a number of resort-like amenities, such as an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, and a gift shop. The history? Father and son Alfredo and Alejandro Parietti founded SHA in 2008 after both saw early-onset health issues go into remission with an intense focus on a macrobiotic diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. After consulting with doctors, they came up with the SHA Method, a disciplined programme that focuses on nine different factors and is aimed at maximising the effects of the time you spend there: healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventive and healthy ageing medicine, advanced aesthetics (that would be your Botox or cool-sculpting, etcetera), cognitive stimulation, emotional health, wellbeing and inner balance, physical performance, and something they call a “healthy living academy”, which is designed to help guests take some of their learnings with them.
Their first clinic opened in Alicante, Spain , and has earned accolades and awards. Their second location, in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, opened in early 2024. What should you try? At SHA, guests must sign up for one of four specific programmes: Detox & Optimal Weight, Rebalance & Energise, Optimal Performance, Well-Ageing & Prevention.
Each has a unique set of treatments. They range from four to 14 days long. I did the Rebalance & Energise programme, which was meant to destress and relax me while simultaneously boosting my energy levels.
(Sounds contradictory, I know.) When I first arrived, a nurse did a general medical examination that included taking my weight and blood pressure. Then, I was given a series of cognitive tests to assess my memory and spatial awareness.
Soon after, I met with an on-site doctor who went over my results and suggested specific treatments that he thought would benefit me most during my time at SHA. Then, a nutritionist put me on a semi-personalised meal plan that included a bowl of miso soup for breakfast as well as a side of sauerkraut during dinner. Over the next few days, I did a mix of activities, many with roots in traditional Eastern medicine techniques.
This included: sound baths, yoga, personal training in the gym, shiatsu massage, cell regeneration therapy, and ice baths. When I had downtime between treatments, they encouraged me to visit the hydrotherapy centre, which included a cold-plunge pool, a steam room, a traditional and infrared sauna, a cold room, and a swimming pool. However, I just scratched the surface of what’s available.
(Again, there’s 100 treatment rooms.) How environmentally friendly is it? SHA uses LED light bulbs and prioritised sustainable materials in its construction. But perhaps most impressive is that they grow much of the produce used at their on-site restaurant.
What else do we need to know? SHA is largely all-inclusive: treatments, lodging, and food are all included in the upfront cost of the programme you sign up for. However, you can add additional à la carte treatments for an extra price. Also, be prepared to embrace a veggie-forward lifestyle: SHA serves a plant-based menu, with the occasional dish offering small amounts of seafood.
You’ll drink it all with a glass of apple cider vinegar, which SHA says aids in your digestion. Who can go? SHA is only open for those currently enrolled in a treatment programme. Booking details for SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico Address: Carr.
a Punta Sam 84, 77420 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide .
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