Spa-goers are encouraged
to enjoy the natural setting
that surrounds the spa.
SPA DIRECTOR
Carmelina Montelongo
OPENED
December 2016
CLIENT BASE
60% female
40% male
SPACE
32,000 square feet;
15 treatment rooms
PRODUCTS &
EQUIPMENT
Agave Spa, Body Bliss,
Earthlite, Jade Yoga,
Living Earth Crafts,
Margaret Dabbs,
Naturopathica, PM
Linos, Technogym,
T’zikal
ARCHITECT
Jorge Borja,
principal, Grupo BV
(Cancun, Mexico)
continued from page 101
Beyond culturally inspired treatments, the spa
also offers a host of engaging activities, such as Reiki
Healing, Hybrid Muscle Training, Zen Meditation,
and more. Hamak Yoga is a unique offering that relies
on a hammock to support the body while it stretches,
flexes, and promotes the flow of energy to activate
joints and strengthen muscles. It takes place on the
Cenote Platform, a space dedicated to meditation and
yoga that is situated alongside the sacred sinkhole.
With the spa still in its first year-and-a-half of
operation, Montelongo and her staff are busy tack-
ling various challenges. One of their greatest per-
tains to the initial assessment or wellness consul-
tation each spa-goer undergoes upon arrival. “We
SPA TALK with
Carmelina
Montelongo
102
I loved doing simple things of people’s lives. For me,
to make people feel happier. this is the true meaning of
I believe happiness is the transcendence, helping others
key to health and wellbeing. to become who they are, to
Previously, while working gain courage in life and get
Carmelina at the Nestle Company, I the most out of it.
Montelongo, felt I needed to have more a 10-year contact with people, but real What is your proudest
veteran in contact, the kind that can accomplishment? It is the
the spa and only be achieved through a opening of Chablé Spa.
hospitality soul connection. The more we I feel very proud to have
industry, who once worked give, the more connected and brought it to life and infinitely
for the Nestle Company in fulfilled we will feel. grateful for Amy McDonald
Paulina Morán, founder
and principal, Paulina
Morán Interiors
(Cancun, Mexico)
Amy McDonald,
owner and CEO,
and Bonnie Baker,
strategic consultant,
Under a Tree,
Health and Wellness
Consulting (Tucson,
AZ; San Miguel de
Allende, Mexico)
•
Meet
INTERIOR DESIGNER
SPA CONSULTANTS
need to have a greater focus on customization and
personal connection with a proven method,” says
Montelongo, who is also focused on taking advan-
tage of changing paradigms. “The wellness tourist
is starting to shift beyond properties to destinations
like ours, where more authentic, complete wellness
can be experienced,” she says. “A place surrounded
by nature with access to healthy, organic food,
and happy people from the community working
for the destination retreat, contributing with their
wisdom and traditions. The future of this type of
business is a giving-back and community-building
model where we must soon concentrate our efforts
and resources.” That’s why in addition to the 30
full-time employees on staff, guests will also find
Monica Simone, a part-time onsite medicine woman
who leads meditation sessions and performs the
temazcal ceremonies, spiritual therapies, and more.
“Moreover, in a world that is becoming more
mental and stressful with more digital and media
overload, we foresee there is much growth poten-
tial for helping people get less anxious and happier,”
says Montelongo. “Wellness for the mind will be
one of the most profitable business challenges in
the near future as it once was medical tourism, and
we need to quickly tap into this opportunity.”
and Bonnie Baker, the creators
Mexico and Switzerland.
What do you find most of this beautiful spa and
What was the path that led rewarding about working wellness project.
you into the spa industry? in the spa industry? What’s Ever since I was a kid, I was most rewarding for me is being For our full interview, visit
keen on pampering people. part of the transformation www.americanspa.com.
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