Recently we were lucky enough to enjoy the hospitality of one of our new clients, Sanará, a luxury eco chic hotel on Mexico’s Maya Riviera.
I’ve known the owners for some time and I am thrilled to be working with them on this incredible project. Charlie Stuart Gay is an extraordinary person who is known around the world for his humanitarian endeavours, whilst his partner Daniella Hunter is passionate about well-being and healthy eating.
The opening of Sanará fulfilled their long-held dream of creating a sustainable business practice that would impact the local community and be friendly to the environment whilst at the same time expanding the consciousness of their guests.
The result is a luxurious hotel, world class wellness centre and innovative health food restaurant where one can relax and recharge batteries in wondrous surroundings. Without a doubt it will exceed guests’ expectations, as it did ours.
Sanará is located in a prime positon on the pristine white sands of Tulum Beach (no surprise that it was voted the third most beautiful beach in the world by TripAdvisor.) It is one of the newest of the many hotels that have sprung up in the area over the last decade or so.
Guests here have access to the most incredible facilities, including a spectacular yoga studio with breath-taking views. The ancient name of Tulum was Zama, meaning “place of the dawning sun”. And it certainly lives up to it. A yoga class at dawn, with the sun rising before us, was an experience I will always treasure.
The hotel recently celebrated the opening of its new beachside restaurant, The Real Coconut. Conceived by Daniella, dishes combine local fruit and vegetables with sustainable and consciously sourced fish, grass fed beef, organic chicken and eggs. Daniella herself has devised various signature creations, including the gluten- and dairy-free Real Coconut Quesadillas and a scrumptious coconut cheese dip. Who knew eating healthily could be so delicious?
Managing to tear ourselves away from Sanará’s charms one evening, we ate at Casa Banana, just a short walk away. This urban rustic Argentine restaurant serves the best steaks – all grilled on a wood-fired oven.
Once a sleepy outpost, Tulum’s pace has now quickened. You’ll find some really cool shops in town; a favourite of mine for beach wear and accessories was Caravana Montaecristo, owned and run by designer Jacopo Janniello Ravagnan. The nightlife was as full-on as you wanted to make it, with world renowned DJs like Solomun and Luciano adding the resort to their post Ibiza itineraries. And you won’t have to fight the crowds to see them either.
One of the many highlights of our trip was a bike ride to the local Mayan ruins. The best known of these is Temple of the Wind God. This ancient lookout post situated on the edge of a cliff, has become one of the region’s most famous images.
If you are in search of a truly restful and regenerative holiday, then Sanará is the destination for you. There is a direct Virgin flight to Cancun, followed by a short drive, and bingo you’re in paradise.
