Hola, Mexzine friends!
As August comes to a close, some of us – or myself, at least – feel the need to slow down for a second and take a breath or two before the hectic pace of the end of the year takes over. It’s in that spirit that we present this lovely talk with Laura Villalobos, General Manager at Etéreo, Auberge Collection, about the resort’s mindful approach to spiritually infused activities. Rounding up this week’s adventures: a favorite market for food lovers in Mexico City and a cleverly chic clothing line.
Thanks for joining us!
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
Let’s Chat: Authentic Spiritual Experiences with Laura Villalobos of Etéreo, Auberge Collection
Some places exude a special kind of magic. Etéreo, Auberge Collection is one of them. Floating above a mangrove in the Riviera Maya, its natural beauty creates the perfect setting for embarking on a bit of soul-searching – even if you weren’t planning on it. On the program, experiences like Shamanic Sound Journey, Mayan Calendar Reading, and Spiritual Jewelry Design offer a peek into the region’s spiritual heritage and, if you’re open to it, into your inner world. Cristina Alonso chatted with General Manager Laura Villalobos about the challenge and responsibility of designing these experiences with care and respect.
Cristina: The Riviera Maya is one of the most culturally and spiritually rich regions in Mexico. How does the team at Etéreo draw from these traditions to create unique experiences, and ensure they remain authentic and respectful to local culture?
Laura: “We were very fortunate, because Etéreo was conceived this way from the very beginning. The architecture draws from the region, and the hotel was built on elevated platforms to respect the mangrove reserve surrounding us. The name, the symbolism, and many elements of the original design were inspired by Mayan numerology and cosmovision. The culture of this place is part of our everyday environment and, importantly, part of the lives of many of the people who work here. We have team members from local communities, some who speak Mayan, and we rely on them and on local experts to make sure that what we create feels thoughtful and respectful.
That makes the creative process quite natural. Our spa is beautiful, but its magic goes far beyond the facility itself. It’s in the rituals and the moments of connection around it. Our arrival ceremony, performed by our cultural ambassador and resident shaman, is meant to create a moment to open your heart and mind and become present in this place. Mayan calendar readings are led by specialists we partner with rather than being interpreted by someone just because they work at a luxury hotel.”
Cristina: How do you choose the experts and practitioners for each experience?
Laura: “Expertise obviously matters, but it isn’t enough on its own. Our Experience team, Spa Director, and spiritual team look for people with real depth of knowledge who can also read a guest. That is incredibly important, because these experiences can become very personal. A practitioner needs to understand the intention of the experience while also recognizing that every guest arrives with a different level of curiosity, comfort, and openness.
When we bring in an astrologer or another outside practitioner, we look at their knowledge, their connection to ancient traditions, and how they communicate. Many of the experiences are actually led by our own team. What connects them is not that they all practice exactly the same thing, but that they understand the Mayan cosmovision, the energy of this place, and, most importantly, genuinely respect the person experiencing it.”
Cristina: What do you think draws guests to these experiences, particularly at Etéreo?
Laura: “I think every person travels with an intention, whether they articulate it or not. Sometimes you want to celebrate. Sometimes you need to rest. Sometimes you want to reconnect with someone, or with yourself. And sometimes you just want to be surprised! At Etéreo, I think guests are drawn to experiences they don’t completely understand yet. There is curiosity there.
From the moment you arrive and hear the conch shell followed by the welcome ceremony, something shifts. It sets a tone for the stay. Etéreo has this strange way of making people a little more open and vulnerable than perhaps they expected. I remember one guest who was grieving and began talking with our shaman. That conversation became a completely personal ceremony at sunset. They made kites from natural materials and released them together while copal burned beside them. Nobody designed that experience in advance. It came from listening to what that person needed in that particular moment.”
Cristina: Have you ever found that some guests are a bit resistant to certain experiences that take them out of their comfort zone?
Laura: “Absolutely, and I think that is important to respect. We welcome people from many countries, religions, cultures, and backgrounds, and spirituality means something completely different to each person. Not everyone wants to participate in a cleansing ceremony with copal and herbs, and they shouldn’t feel they have to. Our role isn’t to convince anyone. It is simply to open a door.
Someone might not feel comfortable participating in a ceremony, but they might happily sit with our team and create a piece of spiritual jewelry using stones connected to their birth date. Someone else might become incredibly curious and want to go much deeper. There are different ways of connecting with a place. What matters is that whatever a guest chooses feels genuine to them.”
Cristina: Can you share a special story of a moment you’ve shared with a guest during or after one of these experiences?
Laura: “There are so many. A moment I love happened with a guest who was studying classical music at a conservatory in Switzerland. She was traveling with her family and needed to practice her violin every day, so we found a private room in the hotel where she could play.
During her stay, she would often pass through our arrival area, where our shaman spends time welcoming guests. The two of them became friends. One day she asked him whether he played an instrument. He had a handmade flute made from local wood and began playing for her. She listened for a while and then basically said, “Follow me,” picked up her violin and started playing. Suddenly, these two people from completely different worlds were standing in the middle of our lobby, playing music together.”
Mercado Dive: Mercado San Juan in Mexico City
Go against popular wisdom and shop hungry at this downtown market, lined with stall after stall of edible marvels. Bright fruit and vegetables and freshly caught fish and seafood are just the beginning – San Juan will bring you face -to-face with insects of all sizes, and exotic meats like armadillo and buffalo. The crowning moment: sitting down for lunch. Mexzine-vetted spots include Las Tapas de San Juan (formerly La Jersey), serving wonderful baguettes filled with Spanish cold cuts and cheeses, and the seafood-centric Cabo San Juan. Finish with a strong cup of coffee from Triana Café. –CA
Design We Love: Ottea
Beautifully modern yet thoroughly timeless, Ottea draws inspiration from Mexican craftsmanship in each of its pieces – pants, jumpsuits, and shirts in solid, classic hues that can easily transition from day to night with the help of a quick shoe or accessory change. Versatility doesn’t stop there: founder Constanza Lara’s designs are brilliantly adaptable, ensuring each garment can be styled and adjusted throughout different stages of life. Responsibly sourced textiles – many of them developed through closed-loop processes – enhance the brand’s commitment to sustainability and long-lasting design. –CA
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Where do you want us to feature next? Have a story for us? Shoot an email over to Cristina@Mexzine.com or Brandon@Mexzine.com.