Incredible Wellness Destinations: Benjamin Fernandez of The Beach Tulum and Cabañas Tulum Beah Hotel & Spa On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Heal

An Interview With Wanda Malhotra

Eat healthy, think healthier. We are what we eat and drink, but we are also what we think. Be conscious of all the gastronomy you enjoy, but make sure to prioritize the positive thoughts that will make a travel experience a memorable one. A calmed mind will always allow you to see good things that a stressed one would not, just like calm water will always allow you to perceive what a turbulent one will not.

The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Benjamin Fernandez.

Benjamin Fernandez is the general manager of upscale boutique resort The Beach Tulum and its adjacent sister property, Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa. With nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Fernandez is a seasoned hotelier who has held positions at some of the finest hotels and resorts in Mexico. At The Beach Tulum and Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa, Fernandez manages everything from operations to the resorts’ onsite dining concepts and wellness facilities, always striving to achieve exemplary guest experiences.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

I was born in Mexico City, I am the youngest of 5 brothers in a family where hospitality was in our DNA, particularly from my mother, who is a person with a special talent for listening and paying attention to opportunities to make others feel special. At a very young age, I realized I needed to learn English since this would open doors to the world. At that time, it was not an easy task in Mexico City — we did not have the access to opportunities we have now. I was lucky to have excellent English teachers and one of them made me lose the fear of speaking with tourists by memorizing speeches on the main attractions of the National Anthropological Museum, where I could give free guided tours and have conversations in English as an interchange. This allowed me to practice and speak of my roots as Mexican, which led to becoming fluent and opened doors for me.

What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.

I began at a very young age taking temporary jobs working in restaurants where my father would play the piano. After finishing my studies, I got a position in Passenger Attention at Mexico City Airport. I was in charge of passengers who had problematic situations (lost connections, overbooking, etc). It was there that I met my wife, who lived in Cancun at the time. I began coming to the Mexican Caribbean to see her and also because Cancun had become the second airport of importance in Mexico — just after Mexico City. I was assigned as a trainer, but I needed to fly to all stations in the country. When I decided to move indefinitely to Cancun, I rapidly realized I would have more opportunities in hotels than in airlines. That was the moment I took action in that direction. So, yes, we could say that in my case, Love was the reason.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?

There were many and I find it difficult to think of just one, but the person that impacted me more in the beginning of my career was Enrique H. Rivas, the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. He taught me that talent and culture are just one aspect of hospitality and to take this to another level you needed to have two more things. In his words…..“One is common sense that will tell you the right decision you need to make in the moment of truth (referring to the moment you need to decide what to do in front of a guest). The other is ‘The Rottweiler’s bite.’” He held my arm tightly when he told me this, which gave my full attention to learning the lesson… “What is ‘the Rottweiler’s bite?’”, I asked. He told me “it’s not releasing your grip and attention until you have achieved what you have to”. Most of the colleagues that worked with him grew to higher positions. Even when I was not working in that company anymore, every time I faced a situation that required a tough decision, I would just think: “What would Mr. Rivas do in this situation?”. This gave me the right answers every time.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?

In the early days of my career, I would pay more attention to guests and I enjoyed being in front of them more than in administrative roles. When I was taking an executive training to be promoted, I missed part of the accounting part of the program and the director told me I would never be successful in this since I did not have “chispa” (in Spanish, it means “spark”). I just could not understand what this was and desperately wanted to know. So, I was after my boss for more than three days, until she was tired of me chasing her around and told me that I would not go far if I just did what I liked and would not give importance to other aspects — this would leave me incomplete. Fortunately, I could make the proper adjustment.

Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?

“The world needs dreamers, and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach. I think a dream without action stays just a fantasy and just doing without dreaming could become a waste of time and a trap without purpose.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

Right now, we’re working on expanding our gym facility to provide even more wellness opportunities for our guests while they are staying with us. We are also adding more classes to be taken in our yoga palapa, which include additional yoga practices, sound healing exercises, meditation, Yogini and Reiki. These updates will give our guests more options to truly unplug and spend some time on self-care and reconnection. We will also be adding a couple of cabins to our spa, so guests can also enjoy ice baths. We may add this to our one-hour healing water circuit as well.

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into this together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?

Traveling allows people to truly unplug from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives and focus on what’s right in front of them. When our guests arrive, they’re immediately greeted with multiple options for wellness including massage treatments at our onsite Naj Naay Spa, complimentary daily yoga classes in our yoga palapa and organic cuisine at the onsite restaurants. While staying at one of our hotels, guests can focus entirely on their chosen wellness activity and feel the benefits of that intentional self-care.

We recently hosted a guest who was celebrating the completion of his chemotherapy treatment with a special trip. Our reservation agent promptly noted this information, allowing us to coordinate with our guest experience manager to ensure an exceptional stay. While we always strive for excellence in our services, we went the extra mile for this guest by arranging unique spa services. This included a Cacao Ceremony, symbolizing the closure of one chapter and the celebration of new beginnings. Additionally, we scheduled two sessions of oncological neurosensory massages, which are very gentle massages similar to lymphatic massages, performed with DoTerra therapeutic-grade oils.

What are a few things that distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?

The Beach Tulum and Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa are unique in that both properties share an onsite spa that features traditional Mayan therapies. Performed by local medicine women, these relaxing and rejuvenating rituals include a cleansing of the auric field with copal and sacred fire, massages with medicinal Mayan herbs, infusions of rose petals and medicinal herbs accompanied with acupressure, therapeutic abdominal massages and traditional Mayan healing techniques. Each therapy is designed to leave guests feeling more connected to the natural world around them. We also offer Ayurvedic treatments, Shirodhara and Abhyanga.

In addition to Naj Naay Spa, our resorts also share the use of a yoga palapa, which offers complimentary daily yoga classes. Guests can choose from a variety of yoga practices from the beginner-level hatha yoga, to the more advanced vinyasa and ashtanga flows. For those uninterested in so much movement, we also offer meditation and sound healing sessions.

What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?

We want our guests to feel absolutely refreshed when they visit either of our properties! Tulum itself is a fairly small community with a deep connection to its natural surroundings, and we want our guests to immerse themselves in the area’s eclectic Bohemian spirit and enjoy the many natural wonders of this Mexican oasis. We have the ocean on one side and the jungle on the other, so it’s quite easy to unwind as soon as guest step into the properties. We strongly believe in leaving any element of chaos or stress behind for the few days they visit, so we have no TVs and no phones, and music is not allowed. We strongly believe the sounds of nature are more than enough and many guests, while doubtful when they arrive, leave thrilled by how rejuvenated they feel.

What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?

Located in the heart of Tulum on one of the widest stretches of Tulum beach, The Beach Tulum and Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa are ideally situated to provide a tropical retreat where guests can unplug from the stresses of everyday life. At The Beach Tulum, every room features an expansive ocean view, private plunge pools or hot tubs and assigned double beach loungers so that guests are constantly in touch with the natural world. At Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa, guests can enjoy stunning views of both the ocean and the surrounding junglescape as well as a pool area that is immersed in lush greenery. Both resorts highlight natural elements in both their designs and offerings, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable escape where guests can safely recharge. We are also home to up to 90 turtle nests during the summer, as turtles always go back to the same beach each year, an incredible blessing. When guests are lucky enough to see a turtle laying eggs or the hatching of the same, we guide them telling them how to behave so as not to endanger these beautiful animals.

Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests who visited your property?

Last February a couple of repeat guests who have been visiting us for more than 10 years came for another stay. They shared with me they were having some difficulties in their personal life and as part of their work they thought of us as the place where they could feel good and that we would be a turning point in their recovery. We have been in contact and things are going fine. I am delighted to be part of this positive history.

Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?

As technology and social media continue to play a larger role in our daily lives, it’s easy for people to forget that quiet, distraction-free time is needed to keep us healthy both physically and emotionally. Our onsite spa strives to deliver rejuvenating and healing therapies that are grounded in Mayan tradition — a wellness experience that you will be hard-pressed to find just anywhere. These treatments, combined with our extensive variety of wellness offerings and the stunning natural beauty of the area, help our guests to spend intentional time taking care of themselves so that they can return as healthier, happier versions of themselves.

Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?

Travel, and wellness travel in particular, certainly enhances our mindfulness, optimism and sense of gratitude. We are often much more attentive to our energy levels and personal bandwidths when it comes to planning activities for travel days.

The brief escape of a vacation is also quite hopeful, reminding us that there is a whole world that exists outside of our daily routine. This allows wellness travelers to take that hope, positivity and general optimism back home with them. One cannot help but feel immensely grateful any time they are able to book a vacation when others so often don’t have the time or the money to do so. When visiting our little beach in Tulum, I like to think that guests feel a strong sense of gratitude for the beautiful natural world around them.

Traveling to new places requires us to be present in the moment. When we’re in unfamiliar surroundings, we pay more attention to our environment, noticing the details that we might overlook in our daily routines. This heightened awareness is a core aspect of mindfulness. Imagine visiting a cenote in Tulum. The lush jungle, the sound of a water, and the gentle rustling of trees compel you to slow down and appreciate the beauty around you. Engaging with these sensory experiences fosters mindfulness.

Travel often exposes us to different cultures, ideas, and ways of life, which can broaden our perspective and make us more open-minded and hopeful. Seeing how people in various parts of the world live, solve problems, and find happiness can inspire us to adopt a more positive outlook. Traveling to a small Mayan village in the jungle, you will encounter people who live simply yet contentedly. Their strong sense of community, love for local traditions, and enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures can inspire you to focus on what truly matters, cultivating a more optimistic view of your own life and putting problems into perspective.

Experiencing new places and meeting different people can make us more grateful for what we have. It can provide a sense of appreciation for our own lives and the comforts we might take for granted. While visiting the same Mayan village, you will see children playing joyfully with handmade toys and families living contentedly with limited resources. Witnessing their happiness despite the lack of material wealth can make you more grateful for the conveniences and opportunities you have back home.

What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”

1 . Give your brain new experiences through all your senses. Dare yourself to touch different surfaces and try new tastes, avoid eating the same food you are used to or only what you know. Pay attention to different smells (even the same fruit can taste/smell differently from home), keep eyes and ears wide open — you might see and hear new things. Your brain will love it.

2 . Give travel a purpose but be open for surprises. Make a list of your expectations for each trip, but don’t look up everything beforehand. Begin by checking those you just can’t miss. This will help you organize the whole journey and accomplish your objectives without spoiling the feeling you get once you arrive at a destination. Doing this will keep you from returning with a sense of an incomplete travel or the feeling your expectations weren’t met.

3 . There is no wellness without Mother Nature. Even if you are not going on a wellness trip, there will always be the presence of Mother Nature around — just pay attention. We all come from her and by focusing we will be connected through vegetation, rivers, oceans, birds, all animals, human beings, clouds, stars, sun and moon, etc. There will always be an opportunity to connect and be thankful.

4 . Eat healthy, think healthier. We are what we eat and drink, but we are also what we think. Be conscious of all the gastronomy you enjoy, but make sure to prioritize the positive thoughts that will make a travel experience a memorable one. A calmed mind will always allow you to see good things that a stressed one would not, just like calm water will always allow you to perceive what a turbulent one will not.

5 . Think of each trip as if it was the last one. This sense of temporality and uniqueness will make you concentrate in the here and now of each experience. Even if we go to a place we have been already, we cannot forget that each moment is unique and unrepeatable. This is the key for mindfulness in travel and by practicing this in your travels, you can become a more complete version of yourself.

Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?

Looking ahead, I think wellness travel will increasingly become an expected standard for most destinations and accommodations, shaped by several key trends and evolving consumer preferences. As wellness and self-care continues to be prioritized, guests will expect to be able to access some form of self-care while on vacation — whether that’s visiting an onsite spa, taking wellness classes, following healthy diet options or something more. Simply having a gym or a spa won’t be enough to be considered a true wellness-focused destination. Hoteliers and hospitality professionals will need to find ways to incorporate wellness into all aspects of the guest’s experience.

A few thoughts on what it will entail include:

1. Personalized wellness experiences: Travelers are increasingly seeking personalized wellness programs tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Advances in technology, including AI and data analytics, will enable travel providers to offer highly customized wellness itineraries.
2. Integration of Mental Health: Destinations will have to offer more holistic approaches that address mental health through therapies, mindfulness practices, and stress-relief programs.
3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Wellness: There will be a stronger emphasis on sustainability within wellness travel. Eco-friendly practices will be integral, from the use of locally sourced, organic food to environmentally conscious accommodations and activities.
4. Adventure and Wellness Fusion: Adventure travel will increasingly merge with wellness travel, offering experiences that combine physical activity with relaxation and recovery. For example, wellness adventure packages might include hiking or cycling during the day, followed by spa treatments, yoga, and healthy meals in the evening, providing a balanced approach to physical and mental well-being.
5. Cultural and Traditional Wellness Practices: There will be a growing interest in traditional and indigenous wellness practices. Travelers will seek out destinations that offer authentic cultural experiences and ancient healing techniques. For example, our Maya treatments are already top sellers in our spa. Not only are they unique techniques, but we use all locally sourced products made by local communities.
6. Digital Detox and Tech-Free Zones: as explained earlier, we have always believed in a no TV and no phones experience and only communicate through WhatsApp or personal attention. Not all guests have understood. But as people become more aware of the negative impacts of constant connectivity, there will be a rise in demand for digital detox retreats where guests can disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves. Retreats could be tech-free environments where guests hand over their devices on arrival and engage in activities like meditation, nature walks, and creative workshops without digital distractions. Unfortunately, for the moment travelers feel the need to share every moment on social media, so for the moment we don’t see this as something that would be understood.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

Definitely George Clooney. He is a not only a great actor, but a refined brilliant person and a coherent human being, humble and with his feet firmly on the ground. I admire his values and his vision of the world and his active participation in some causes in favor to those in need.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can follow along to see what we’re doing with wellness at thebeach-tulum.com or hotelcabanastulum.com, or on Instagram @thebeachtulum and @hotelcabanastulum.

Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.

About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .