LAT33_7_24_DIGITAL | Page 62

A womblike floating bed rocks in the shade , a one-point pendulum lounger that aids blood flow to the brain .
your immune system needs a boost of vitamins and antioxidants .
Based on your own unique goals and health challenges , the attentive staff creates a custom itinerary before you arrive , so you get the most out of your stay , whether it ’ s two days or two weeks . Besides the daily colonics , I get a series of treatments , all designed to facilitate the detoxing . One day it ’ s the System Recovery Master Treatment , where I lay on a heated amethyst mat and get dry brushed before being blissfully wrapped in castor oil , followed by a soothing foot and scalp massage . The treatment is meant to reduce abdominal discomfort and inflammation while activating a liver and bowel detox , the perfect partner for a colonic . On another day , I try the Magnesium Detox , another wrap comprised of mineral magnesium and aloe paste , which increases transdermal absorption and imparts much needed remineralization , relieving and calming overactive nerves . An enlightening scalp and nurturing shoulder massage follows with warm hydrating lotion . I also try the Crystal Cranial Sacral treatment , which combines the energetic properties of crystals with contemporary physiology to clear and balance physical , spiritual and emotional states . As you hold two quartz stones in your hands , a therapist uses light touch to move the fascia and blood around the central nervous system .
All of these are meant to work in conjunction with the daily colon hydrotherapy , a closed system used to flush out toxins , irrigating and exercising the colon as well as the intestinal tract by stimulating peristalsis , the breakdown and release of accumulated toxins and other waste including bile , mucus and debris that ’ s been lodged in the body . It ’ s a little awkward , strangely comforting and definitely makes you feel like you ’ ve just been given a new lease on life .
FROM HIPPIE RETREAT TO BOUGIE LUXURY SPA Colonics and juicing are the core of the detox program that hasn ’ t changed since it opened in 1986 . But the earthy , hippie We Care Spa of the past has now been refurbished with luxury villas , a new pool , private saunas , elevated treatments , week-long workshops ( the next workshop guided by AJA , “ The Promise ” is scheduled for June 24-29 ) and shamanic healing . Between colonics , guests can bounce on their own personal rebounders while looking out to the mountains , vibrate on power plates for lymphatic drainage , tiptoe through a meditative stone labyrinth , relax in bougie loungers by the pool and schedule spa treatments and spiritual healing sessions .
The full design transformation , which was completed during the pandemic , is a massive change from Belen ’ s original three-room home , where she originally helped people with the knowledge she accumulated from her own healing journey after a difficult divorce . Consumed by anxiety and frustration , she sought out practices that left her feeling strong and was able to reform her relationship with food and nutrition and tap into her body ’ s natural vitality through yoga and exercise .
The We Care Spa methods are derived directly from Belen ’ s personal experience and ongoing education , paired with her daughter , We Care CEO Susan Lombardi , who began partnering with her mother 35 years ago after a fast-paced modeling career and melanoma scare . Lombardi ’ s business acumen and love of hosting has created an inviting , nurturing escape for guests wanting to make a serious commitment to their health .
The convergence between ancient modalities and modern healing is reflected in the retreat ’ s architecture and design . Lombardi worked with
62 SUMMER 2024 | LATITUDE33MAGAZINE . COM