Travel
My Panchakarma Experience in Mexico
Ayurveda, the “science of life” in Sanskrit, is more than medicine. It is a roadmap to a “good” life in every sense of the word.
The Grounds & Rooms
Villa Ananda is inside a private, gated community, so seeing someone on the beach is fairly rare. The spa and entire resort reminded me of being on the Greek Islands. Everything is white and airy, and right on the ocean. The pool is gorgeous and clean, and there are plenty of lounging areas where you can hang out and read.
Panchakarma is done with only two casitas filled, which means only four guests at most will be at Villa Ananda at a time. The only exception is yoga retreats, when they fill the other six or so rooms in the main building. The two casitas are atop the spa and separated by a small wooden bridge. They both have private lounging areas and a clear view of the ocean. The beds are comfortable, and the smell of incense relaxing. And if that’s not enough to make you want to stay forever, the constant sound of the ocean will be.
Naturally beautiful grounds, right on the beach
Ayurveda Health Spa
I know, I know—’Ayurvedic‘ massage is featured at most spas nowadays, along with tutti-frutti aromatherapy and Hawaiian hot rocks. As it happens, I’ve had such an “Ayurvedic” massage at a boutique spa in Manhattan: it amounted to a standard Swedish rubdown with scented oil and taped sitar music. No, I am speaking here of the real thing, the authentic therapeutic techniques developed over the five thousand years or so that Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced in India, and dispensed by trained Ayurvedic physicians from Bombay.
As a system of medicine—probably the world’s oldest, at over 5000 years of practice—Ayurveda offers a full range of treatments for what ails you. The goal of Ayurveda is to restore and maintain our state of balanced health focusing on proper nutrition, use of herbs, adequate lifestyle, right thinking, seasonal detoxification, along with the practice of Yoga and Meditation.
Ayurveda enjoys much the same status in India as acupuncture does in China or shiatsu in Japan; In each country these ancient therapies are taught in universities and practiced in hospitals alongside Western medicine. But Ayurveda, the “science of life” in Sanskrit, is more than medicine. It is a roadmap to a “good” life in every sense of the word. Ayurvedic physicians, called vaidyas, go through four years of post-secondary schooling and follow that with a year’s internship, usually in a rural clinic.
Inside the main building, where you can lounge and read.
Ayurveda, the “science of life” in Sanskrit, is more than medicine. It is a roadmap to a “good” life in every sense of the word.
The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to achieve a three-way balance, which is the key to good health, serene spirits, and long life. On the basis of their consultation, the doctors can identify which of the elements is out of whack and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and massage. And they can tailor your therapy sessions specifically to you, right down to the herbs used in the warmed sesame oil.
Here’s a bit more about Villa Ananda and their approach to Ayurveda:
Lynn Saunders
I went here before alone because I felt like I was at the brink of going crazy because of stress. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!
Kelley Patton
The vacations you always take are really nice. It must be great to always be stress-free because you get to go on nice places like this.
Ada Rodriquez
Villa Ananda is amazing. I went there once with my husband and it was really worth it. I had to book way ahead of time though since they don’t really admit a lot of people all at once. I understand that because it would really ruin the experience. It was the perfect place to unwind though. It was more than just relaxing! I felt like I was in heaven to be honest. I felt like all the worries I had just went away and I just felt so good and I didn’t want to leave. Except for the fact that I was starving already because the food was…. Ugh.
Kaitlyn Liddell
Hhahaha, was the food really that bad?! ?
Jenny Palmer
Their detoxification program must be really great. I bet they only radiate positive chakras there!
LANA Carlson
The pictures are very nice. I bet they really don’t do justice on how beautiful the place really is!
Cassie Johnston
Mexico is LOOOOVEEE.❤️ Would rate it a 10 out of 10 and would go back 100%!
Kayla Carlson
This place isn’t exactly for “treatment”. You know how meditation actually helps your overall health? That’s how the Ayurvedic treatment also works. It relaxes you and helps you “find your center”. There’s also a study that quiet time or quiet places boost brain productivity. There’s something about relaxing activities and places that help us do better when we go back to our normal and busy lives. Villa Ananda is really amazing in doing their job. Hope I could go here in the future.
Chloe skertchly
You’re right, that makes a lot of sense. I guess it’s the ‘bad energy’ that makes us unhealthy anyway.
ANGEL
Does this mean that they don’t book a lot of people? What if a group like my friends go there?
Lucia Lopez
When was incense relaxing? They smell like odd smoke…?
Brooke Carlson
The herbs and the oils really are the key to this. I’m a firm believer that these herbs are not only therapeutic, but also has healing properties.