Designed for catering to travelers who covet a vibrant, healthy lifestyle, Viceroy Zihuatanejo continues to enhance its wellness offerings with everything from healthy food and beverage options to fitness activities and rejuvenating spa treatments.

With 46 guest rooms and suites, the low-key adobe-style retreat is a wellness-oriented natural with its smooth vibe that stems from a tranquil setting in gentle hills above the fishing village’s Playa La Ropa on Zihuatanejo Bay. It’s easy to slide right into the attitude upon arrival by taking a deep breath, soaking in the view and feeling your stress melt away.

Here are seven ways Viceroy Zihuatanejo helps guests stay on the wellness path mentally, physically and spiritually.

1) Way To Wellness Program

Pioneered by Viceroy Zihuatanejo’s health and wellness team leader, Dr. Edward A. Taub, M.D., this ongoing program was conceptualized to help guests manage stress and lead the way to happiness and health via a bevy of luxury experiences.

“Our wellness program focuses on combating stress, the major challenge of our times, while guiding guests to greater happiness, health and wellness by immersing them in an active and rewarding lifestyle,” says Dr. Taub, a veteran lecturer-speaker and founder of the Wellness Medical Institute.

Components include mindful meditation, Hatha and aqua yoga, exercise courses, beach activities, cooking classes and relaxing spa experiences. 

2) Wellness Week

The resort continues its "Way to Wellness" initiative launched in 2016 by holding regular weeklong events such like the upcoming March Wellness Week. The March 13-19 program is being expanded with new activities and the participation of an additional wellness leader.

Guests can tap into a multi-faceted schedule of events and activities that target all things on the wellness front. The seven-day agenda will brim with opportunities for plugging into cooking classes, Aqua FIT, paddle boarding, paddle board yoga, meditation and juice smoothie tastings.

Leading the way are healthy-lifestyle lectures by Dr. Taub and group runs led by Dr. Jason Karp, Ph.D., creator of the Revo2lution Running Certification.

Rather than a workout, Dr. Karp describes his running adventures as explorations and experiences. “During the runs, I’ll show guests how running affects every part of their lives and enables them to look inward to find out who they really are and embrace the challenge of discovering their true selves,” says Dr. Karp.

Wellness Week lectures, classes and activities will be available to Viceroy Zihuatanejo guests on a complimentary basis. An additional perk will be a daily resort credit of up to $150 (depending on room category booked) that’s applicable toward food and beverage, spa treatments and other services. Wellness Week rates are from $342 nightly, plus tax and service charge.

3) Certified Wellness Practitioners

Certified Wellness Practitioners perpetuate Viceroy Zihuatanejo’s health-focused approach. These individuals each have a particular area of expertise, from instructing yoga and overseeing watersports activities to pampering with indulgent spa treatments.

Among the property’s team members is Lucina, Viceroy Zihuatanejo’s yoga master who guides guests to “transform body and mind for reaching maximum potential.” Instruction can be tailored to specific needs, as Lucina has expertise in such disciplines as ashtanga vinyasa, hatha, Iyengar and restorative yoga.

4) Recreation

A surprise to some, water sports actually provide a variety of health benefits without the often-drastic impact on joints and bones. As a beachfront hotel, Viceroy Zihuatanejo allows guests to dive into these lower impact activities that include paddleboarding, kayaking and surfing.

Known as a surfer’s paradise, the area engages with waves that appease every surfing level from novice to seasoned vets. The beauty of surfing here is that the sport merges the thrills of an extreme sport with the health benefits of a great cardio workout that’s comparable to running on a treadmill or taking an outdoor hike.

Naturally, yoga is front and center as it fosters a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Newbies and yogis benefit from the restorative effects by taking classes focused on supported and passive poses that open your body for better breathing and postural alignment.

Other “more gentle” options include workouts at the newly redesigned Fitness Center at Viceroy Zihuatanejo that’s housed in a secluded palapa, and beach running where the lower resistance of the sand helps burn more calories while putting less stress on joints.

For less physical fun, foodies can dive into hands-on cooking classes that feature shopping for fresh ingredients in the town’s central market.

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5) Spa Treatments

Nestled within a peaceful, lush tropical landscape, Viceroy Spa at Zihuatanejo indulges with the expansive Eminence line of organic and holistic products in six treatment rooms. Massages are also available in suites. 

Among its signature body therapies is the 80-minute Mimosa Champagne Body Treatment. After a soft exfoliation with Eminence Organic Mimosa Champagne Sugar Scrub, spa enthusiasts enjoy a cream body wrap topped off with a Champagne Mimosa Body Lotion and Oil. Massages include aromatherapy, sports, reflexology and Swedish options.

The property’s certified therapists include Modesta, who comes from a family of native traditional healers. For massages, she uses herbal ingredients with essences of ancient extracts while focusing on releasing tension to help rejuvenate body, mind and soul.

6) Exquisite Cuisine

Believing there is no substitute for locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood,

Sous Chef Freddy de los Santos plays a leading role in all of Viceroy Zihuatanejo’s dining and catering operations. Aside from full vegetarian and vegan menus, his specialties include contemporary Mexico and Mediterranean cuisine prepared with the freshest, natural, locally produced ingredients. 

The property’s La Marea serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, along with an innovative sushi and ceviche menu. La Villa restaurant presents modern interpretations of Pacific-Mexican cuisine served al fresco with a romantic candlelit atmosphere in the evenings.

7) Exclusive Aztec Energy Bars

Further elevating its commitment to healthy fare, Viceroy has created Aztec Energy Bars to reward guests who commit to working out while on vacation. Made with “Ancient Food of the Gods,” these delicious bars have quickly become a hit with fitness-conscious guests—and the favorite after-workout pick-me-up at the resort’s gym.

Aztec Energy Bars are easy to make at home, particularly since the magical amaranth grain has been discovered by nutritionists and foodies in the U.S. With low carbohydrate content and rich amino acids, these treats can now be found in health and specialty-food stores or online. Yet, Santos notes that these are easy to make at home.

Ingredients

4 cups oats

2 cups shredded coconut

1 cup sliced almonds

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup organic honey

1 ½ cups diced dried apricots (or diced dried peaches) 

1 cup diced candied figs

1 cup dried cherries or raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 cups amaranth

Preparation

1)Preheat oven to 350°.

2)Combine the oats, coconut, walnuts and almonds in a large bowl.

3)Stir olive oil and honey together with a wooden spoon, and then pour over oat mixture. Continue stirring until completely mixed together.

4)Spread mixture on an oven tray and bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula until golden brown (roughly 40 minutes).

5)Blend in dried fruits and return to the oven for five minutes.

Bar Ingredients

1 cup agave syrup

2 tablespoons corn glucose

Bar Preparation

1)Bring agave syrup and glucose to a boil to create good consistency (without burning).

2)Transfer energy bar mixture to a tray basted with a little oil to prevent sticking.

3)Add hot syrup to mixture and combine thoroughly with a spatula.

4)Flatten and compact with a rolling pin.

5)Once hardened, transfer to a cutting board, and then use a sharp knife to cut into desired shape and size.

For more information on Viceroy Zihuatanejo’s vast wellness offerings, call (866) 905-9560 or visit the website.