AMA Insider Fall 2016 | Page 38

An art and java fix at Tulum Art Club Coqui Coqui’s sweet smells of success The Essentials BEFORE YOU GO MONEY Mexican pesos (MXn): $1 CAd = 15.5 pesos pick up Mexican pesos at AMA centres WHERE TO STAY puerto Vallarta and riviera nayarit boast more than 60 hotels in all budgets and styles. hotel California in Todos santos: From $258/night, plus tax search and book at AMATravel.ca or call an AMA Travel Counsellor at 1-844-771-1522 38 FALL 2016 AMA InsIder Snorkling in the Gran Cenote coffee and interesting conversations with eclectic artists from down the block or around the globe. After Spanish ships rolled in about 700 years ago, it’s said the Franciscan monks were quite taken with the lush flora they found growing in the area. They concocted gorgeous perfumes with armfuls of herbs, flowers and other plants. The scents were big hits in the Spanish Empire and helped the conquistadors smell great—or at least better—for 300 years. More recently, perfumer Nicolas Malleville was so inspired by the story of the monks and the plants they used that he opened Coqui Coqui Perfumeria. Sniff the high-end scents, then luxuriate at the on-site spa. Get a massage or pampering body wrap along with an ocean view—listen to the tide through the open window as waves of relaxation wash over you. Mayan shamans were often known to blend mind and body, ritual and religion—maybe that’s why so many yogis flock to Tulum today. Before you head back to your resort (and the dinner buffet), visit one of the many yoga studios in town. You’ll find plenty of options to get your downward dog on: Try sunset yoga by candlelight at Yoga Dicha (founded by Canadian yogi Richelle Morgan) or Sanará studio’s ethereal moonlight yoga, held monthly on full-moon evenings. To test your sea legs, try some crescent lunges on a standup paddleboard with SUP Yoga Tulum. It’s billed as the area’s first and only floating yoga studio, where you’ll be able to stretch and meditate in a private lagoon or idyllic cenote (underground swimming hole). As you head back to your hotel after a day exploring this ancient city, you’ll surely feel enriched and enlightened. When you reclaim your lounge chair by the pool, relax with the sun on your face, a drink in your hand and maybe a little Mayan history on your mind. ArT CLUB: TAsyA MenAker; perFUMe: MArTA pUgLIA; CenoTe: josh/FLICkr passports should be valid for six months after your return-home date. get passport applications and photos at AMA centres (photos are free for plus and higher members)