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Ever felt the need to escape the all-consuming pace of New York? Being the centre of the universe it attracts a certain kind of person that likes to live life to the full. Working and playing hard can take its toll on your mind, body and sole, so when I was considering my next break I wanted something totally different. My usual approach to a vacation is to tick another far-flung destination off my list but this time felt the need to find somewhere I could take the time to recharge.

I was looking for vacation with a purpose, more than beautiful beaches and a good book could offer. I wanted somewhere I could get fit, meet like-minded women and discover a more holistic approach to taking time out. Living in New York our lives are full of a different kind of adventure, often fuelled by cocktails and late nights, too many deadlines and not enough space. Alcohol and over indulgence was something I wanted to avoid, I felt my body deserved a break. I had a clear idea of what I was looking for, now I just needed to find it. My list included; a stunning and safe destination, no more than a three-hour, direct flight from New York. I wanted an intimated environment, stylish and close to nature. The food had to be delicious and healthy and the day to be filled with yoga and whipping my body into shape. You would think finding somewhere that offered all my hearts desired would be an easy task. I found it surprisingly hard, I assumed that there were thousands of other women wanting exactly the same as me.

Thankfully my marathon of Google research paid off. Eventually I found Amansala, “the Mexican vacation destination for the health-conscious traveler”. Amansala is taken from the two Sanskrit words Peace and Water and is the brainchild of Melissa Perlman. While she had toyed with the idea of starting a traveling spa, after 9/11 the idea lost its appeal and she decided to create a fixed location in one of her all time favorite places in the world, Tulum on the east coat of Mexico. After years of traveling through Southeast Asia and experiencing the best and the worst of hotels, she knew what she wanted to create. A place where people could come, solo or with their partners or friends, and have an adventure where they would connect with others, eat good healthy food, be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it would feel more like staying at a friends beach house than a hotel. Amansala offers guests luxury without guilt and a vacation with more on its agenda then just relaxation. Amansala is all about getting back to basics, but with style and comfort that is reflected from the moment you set foot on the property. With the beautiful fabrics blowing in the wind, to the one of a kind mosaic ceramics in the bathrooms, to the laid back check in procedure... you know you have arrived to a unique piece of paradise.

The program I signed up for was the 6 night, Bikini Boot camp. Coming from the UK a Boot Camp conjured up images of being woken up in the rain and cold for a 5am run, being shouted at all the way. The Amansala experience could not be further from that. You are gently woken from your slumber by Tibetan bells at 6.30 am as the sun is rising over the ocean. The day begins with a silent, hour-long walk, or run, on the beautiful white sand beach lead by one of the instructors and three dogs. A typical day offers enough structure to keep you busy, but not so much that you can't relax with a book and enjoy the sand and surf. You can opt to attend every single class, or pick and choose as the mood strikes: power yoga if you're hard-core, restorative if you're sore. Other activities include body sculpting, sea kayaking, bike rides, and tribal dancing. The Bikini Boot Camp is designed to get people concisions about taking care of themselves, there is no pressure to participate in any of the activities and there is no competition. Guests are encouraged to set their intentions, become more aware of how they feel and pay attention. Being able to devote so much time, and energy to your wellbeing is such a luxury. At the end of day one you are already making mental notes of how you can fit daily exercise, reading in a hammock and fresh fish into your city life.

"The program is help people feel good about their bodies and have fun while getting into shape, both mentally and physically. We encourage out guests to be mindful of their actions and the food that they eat." Their mission is to create a tranquil place of rest in a shabby-chic setting along the Mayan. Tulum is located approximately 2 hrs south on the coast from Cancun. Famous for the spectacular Mayan ruins located on the cliffs with pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters.

The food is low calorie, chemical-free and absolutely delicious. A healthy diet is part of the lifestyle at Amansala; the menu is about quality fuel, not deprivation. Fresh meals are prepared with local produce that leave you satisfied yet feeling lighter and cleaner. Refreshing drinks such as ginger lemonade, iced hibiscus and mint teas keep us thirsting for more. Lunches and dinner are generous and delicious, consisting of grilled chicken or fresh grilled fish like mahi mahi and salads.

We stayed in Bohemian, eco Chic cabanas right on the beach simple, comfortable and stylish. All rooms are made of stone and wood, designed in harmony with nature and have thatched palapa roofs, in a village-like atmosphere. They all look over the ocean with hammocks you can chill out in, reading and watching the waves crash on the beach. Pure Bliss.

Amansala is one of those places that instantly makes you question your lifestyle, and chosen path. The program is structured to focus on your body but you can’t help allowing your mind to wonder and ask yourself a few questions along the way. Melissa’s story makes you feel like anything is possible. She worked in Japan and New York before finding her happy place and following her bliss. The fact that she has lived the same fast passed city life that many of her guests are wanting to escape, makes her easy to relate to. The fact that she chosen to follow a path that led her towards a white sandy beach make us also want to swap our Stilettos for sandals. To create a successful business in Mexico has taken blood, sweat and tears but Melissa has created a life that is full of opportunity and positive energy. She had a vision and has slowly built her own paradise where every one of her guests comes in search of something. The experience at Amansala is unique in the way that nothing feels forced, you come to your own conclusions and realizations organically. Having time to be away from life as you know it opens up space for you to breath and just ‘be’ which we so rarely make time to do.

I love the fact that women can come here alone. They can have a great time while connecting with fabulous women from all over the world! While the Bikini Boot Camp program is open to both men and women, my group was all female. I shared my week with women from all corners of the USA Seattle, Chicago, Alaska and Florida. Whether it's women who need a break from their demanding careers or busy moms who are finally getting a well-deserved break, it's all about everyone taking time to rejuvenate and recharge.

Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking up to sunrise were the best ways to end and start a day. I left, reluctantly, already trying to think of a reason not to stay. The thought of being only three hours from my desk in New York and my tiny apartment was a prospect that did not feel too appealing at the time. Azure blue ocean in exchange for a view of the empire state, both beautiful in their own way, variety is indeed the spice of life. Knowing how easily we fall back into old habits I have made a promise myself to ‘smell the roses’ more often and the take time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. We might not have powdered white sands on out doorstep but New York is an island, surrounded by water, mind blowing vistas and a lush central heart.

If you too feel the need to re connect with yourself, give the Bikini Boot camp a try. You only live once.

www.amansala.com