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Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have been among the world’s top beach and resort destinations for decades, but in 2023, a new travel trend is emerging: spiritual tourism.
After a hectic past few years, more and more travelers are looking to escape their busy routines and make time to replenish their stamina and inner calm. With plenty of nature and a mystical atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere, the Mexican Caribbean is the ideal place to practice introspection.
Here’s why travelers are flocking to this part of the world in search of peace of mind and serenity:
Spiritual Tourism On The Rise In Mexican Caribbean
Travel trends come and go, and in 2023, spiritual tourism is the new kid on the block. And many travelers are choosing the Mexican Caribbean to relax, unwind, and explore their spiritual side.
The hustle and bustle of everyday life can lead to an array of negative side effects: stress, anxiety, and even depression in the long run. Such a negative buildup results in burnout, leading many to book holistic retreats that focus on replenishing the soul.
According to representatives from the local travel and hospitality industry across the Mexican Caribbean, a growing number of travelers are seeking spiritual experiences such as meditation, yoga, and nature retreats.
Places like Tulum, Bacalar, and even resort heavyweights like Cancun provide the ideal backdrop to soak in some natural beauty and let the stress melt away.
It’s no wonder so many visitors are keen on learning more about the Mexican Caribbean’s success as a spiritual destination.
The Mayans, which inhabited the region centuries ago, held spirituality in high regard, often mixing traditional beliefs with nature. From lush rainforest to azure cenotes, the Mexican Caribbean’s landscape is known for its calming and relaxing atmosphere.
According to Ildefonso Hernandez Silva, a lead researcher from Pueblo University, “this type of tourism is geared towards learning from the spirituality of the native people and the practices of the indigenous peoples, as well as their philosophy,” the academic said in a statement.
The goal, he says, is for travelers to recover from the anxieties and pressure brought on by hectic lifestyles, especially work-related stress.
While this type of tourism is ideal for older people, who can devote more time to introspection, it’s also recommended for younger, working-age travelers, who can benefit from the occasional getaway.
Mexican Caribbean Resorts Increasingly Promote Local Culture
It’s not only travelers that are keen on the Mexican Caribbean’s spiritual wealth. Many resorts across the sun-soaked region have begun to offer an array of guided yoga, meditation, and mindfulness classes, among other soul-searching experiences.
One hospitality firm that has decided to offer more spiritual experiences is Paradisus, which recently launched a selection of tailor-made activities that focus on relaxation and wellness for its guests to enjoy in Cancun and Playa del Carmen’s nature.
Meanwhile, Xcaret, one of Mexico’s most prestigious hospitality chains, has recently invested more in offering a taste of local tradition throughout its properties, especially with the ongoing renovation in Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen.
Travelers can also embark on a breathtaking adventure through Puerto Morelos’ Ruta de los Cenotes (cenotes route), which offers not only awe-inspiring beauty but also a glimpse into Mayan rituals that are intertwined with the area’s freshwater sinkholes.
Booking a guided tour of a Maya ritual is another way to gain a better sense of spirituality. This top-rated, 6-hour Mayan purification ceremony is just one of many authentic tours that tourists can experience while in Cancun.
Priced at just $118 per person, the all-inclusive tour comes with round-trip transportation and includes a stop in a local cenote for a fully immersive experience.
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