There are many ways to spend your summer—lounging by the pool, sipping something fruity, or, in my case, discovering how much sweat one can produce while working out harder than I have in years. Let me back up. I was invited to a three-day wellness retreat at the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, where I had envisioned a relaxing escape with a few yoga practices and sipping green juice while lounging in a cabana. What I didn’t expect was to come face-to-face with my inner cycling goddess. I left the resort feeling like I had not only survived but thrived.
The weekend was a wellness-focused bootcamp with fitness classes led by Rodé Cycle Playa del Carmen. Admittedly, I hadn’t worked out this hard since pre-pandemic days, but I decided to dive in headfirst. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I had found my Zen or just a new level of exhaustion. Either way, I made it through. More on the experience, ahead.
Day One: It’s Like Riding a Bike
I arrived at the stunning Conrad Tulum Resort on a sunny Friday afternoon. The hotel had beach views that made you want to cancel all plans and relax by the water. But that wasn’t why I was there. The weekend’s wellness retreat started with vision boards, an intention ceremony by the water and the first of many spin sessions. It took a few minutes to get my spinning legs back, but once I was on the bike, the music and the instructor gave me an instant boost.
These classes weren’t just about cardio; they were full-body experiences with trainers pushing us to our limits. With music pumping and the instructors shouting motivational phrases, it was impossible not to get caught up in the room’s energy. My legs and lungs burned, and I was convinced I had sweated out at least five pounds of pure regret for skipping the gym for so long.
After class, I was exhilarated—and free to relax at the luxurious resort and take in all it had to offer. The thought of repeating this the next day and starting with an early yoga practice had me in bed early, but I was happy to lean in.
Day Two: Fitness Beast Mode, Zen Mode and Everything in Between
Day two was more intense than the first. We started the morning with sunrise yoga and an opportunity to connect with the other attendees. After the relaxing session, it was back to spinning. I’ve never been prouder of my endurance.
After powering through, the sound healing and breathwork practices followed were a much-needed balm for my body and soul. I lay on a mat while sound waves from gongs and bowls reverberated through the room. For the first time in ages, I felt truly present. The lingering anxiety that often takes up space in my mind faded as I focused on my breath. I had flipped a switch from beast mode to Zen mode.
Day Three: Surviving and Thriving
By day three, I was equal parts sore and pleased with myself for pushing through the previous days. We had one final spin class that morning, and even though my body was still tired, something inside me had shifted.
Instead of focusing on my soreness, I found myself excited. I wasn’t the fastest or the strongest in the room, but I was proud that I didn’t give up. This time, the ride felt smoother and more rhythmic. At one point, I closed my eyes and let the music and the pedaling take over. It was the kind of release I didn’t realize I needed—a reminder that I could work hard and still enjoy the process. When we finished the class, I felt like I had conquered something far bigger than just a spin bike.
And what better way to reward myself than with a one-hour massage at Conrad Spa Tulum? The spa was a sanctuary—lush, serene and steeped in ancient Mexican herbal traditions. It offered a peaceful getaway contrasted sharply with the sweaty seaside workouts I had powered through. This final massage was the perfect way to end the weekend. My therapist was exceptional, combining traditional herbal techniques with deep tissue work that melted away the soreness from every muscle in my body. The herbal oils smelled heavenly and felt even better. My muscles, which were tight and tense for days, finally felt loose and relaxed.
As I lay on the massage table, I reflected on how quickly the body can reacclimate. I had been inactive for too long, but getting back into an active routine was like riding a bike (pun intended)—it all came back naturally. It wasn’t just about fitness, mindfulness, or even spa treatments; it was about rediscovering parts of myself that I hadn’t realized I had lost. The marathon runner and workout lover inside me wasn’t gone—she had just been taking a long nap.
Sweat, Soothe, Repeat
I won’t lie; this wellness getaway was intense. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I could handle another squat or hold that plank any longer while on the spin bike. But by the end, I felt more connected to my body than I had in years. The blend of challenging fitness and restorative wellness was the reset I needed.
Would I return to Conrad Tulum for another fitness and wellness retreat? Absolutely. Not only did I push myself beyond what I thought was possible, but I also found unexpected peace along the way. And finishing with a blissful massage? When they say all-inclusive, they mean mind, body and soul.
Interested? Conrad Tulum will host another wellness retreat from November 29 to December 1. Trust me, you won’t regret signing up.
