July 16, 2007
Fabulous Finds: "Soleful" PurposeMake Them Sweat...
by Myara Sherwood
A die-hard city girl, I knew it was time to take a break from the clamor of the city, when conversing at a friend’s art party seemed like a pretentious waste of time. I needed a quick fix that would let me leave my deadline-oriented world behind and embrace nature at its finest, which of course meant cocktails, sun and healthy, but memorable, food.
My friend convinced me to go to Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat and Spa in Cabo San Lucas. Three hours later, I was staring out onto one of the most
breathtaking views that I have ever seen. A circular dome-shaped lobby perfectly framed a picturesque view of the Sea of Cortez, accented with native cultivation and flowing streams running throughout the grounds.
I was so ready for an enlightening experience, but I never thought I’d find it in the spa version of a Native American Sweat Lodge. The Temazcal, as it’s called, incorporates wisdom and healing to realign the body and spirit. We were led to what looked like a domed bath, built only a yard from the shoreline where we 
were greeted by our guide, Gustavo. He explained the journey we were about to embark upon by saying, “This will let you see life in a new light.” Simple and to the point…I liked him already. Taking off our robes (which resembled a 90’s poncho), while keeping bathing suits on, we ventured into what reminded me of a “Mayan Igloo” and were asked to sit on banana leaves around a shallow lava rock fire pit. Gustavo closed the door, plunging us into darkness, and began singing. He invited his ancestors into this purifying domain, beginning the 
journey to heal and cleanse the soul. Using medicinal plants, such an aloe, sage and rosemary, Gustavo talked about finding purity in an industrial world. I instantly started to sweat. Sweating and still singing, he poured water over the lava rocks, creating more steam. As we rubbed aloe on our bodies, we talked about our intentions for this cleanse and…what else…sweated more. I actually felt as though my mind had left my body and, all of a sudden, the sweating no longer bothered me.
Ninety-minutes later, we walked out of the Temazcal (which I now associate with the womb of mother earth) and I felt like I was walking on water. I took a cool outdoor shower and laid down on a soft yoga mat under a canopy to digest this truly magical experience. Who knew that rejuvenation could come in the form of a little sweat!
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat and Spa (www.pueblobonitopacifica.com)
