Mexico City Travel Guide: top wellness recommendations from your wellness insiders
Mexico City is vibrant and full of so much magical healing energy. The city is FULL of wellness practitioners, yoga studios, recreation, and is overall extremely health conscious. From organic markets to cold plunges, there are so many must-visit spots when spending time in the city.
Your Mexico City Wellness Insiders:
Monica Belot is a professor at Parsons School of Design in NYC, a writer for Mexico News Daily, and the owner of Curiosa- a trendy, health-focused cafe and juice bar in the heart of Mexico City that aims to nourish and inspire. She lives in CDMX with her partner and their two naughty labrador puppies, Atlas and Choco.
Sarah is RYT 200, Pilates instructor, sound therapist, and Human Design reader based in Mexico City. Her teaching journey started in Peru where she completed her yoga teacher training, and along the way, picked up Yoga Nidra, sound healing, Pilates, and Human Design. Now, whether it's flowing, strengthening, soaking in sound vibes, or diving into your unique design, her goal is to help you reconnect, recharge, and move through life with more ease and confidence.
Lilia is the founder of Luv Collective, a creative entrepreneur, and a big fan of wellness and travel. Lilia grew up outside of Seattle and currently resides in Mexico City. After working in consulting and teaching yoga in NYC, Lilia started working on Luv Collective and growing this platform to a collective of wellness healers for private events all around the US. Find her here @lifebylilia.
CDMX Travel Recommendations:
If it was someone’s FIRST time to CDMX - what are your top 3 ‘must-see’ things?
“My favorite things ever to do in CDMX are go to the ballet folclorico at Palacio Bellas Artes, go to the vintage market on Sundays at Lagunilla, and do yoga in chapultepec park and have a picnic after.” ~Sarah
“There is so much to do that first, I’d surrender into knowing you won’t be able to do it all! Use your first trip as a way to dip your toes into all the experiences of the city. 1) I would do a sunrise brunch with Arca Tierra where you get to see Xochimilco at sunrise and get fed an incredible breakfast. 2) Walk around Parque Mexico - I love the plaza area (fun fact, I work out in this park everyday and it’s always full of so much energy! 3) Spend the day walking through Roma Norte and exploring different cafes and restaurants that catch your eye. Get quesadillas from Jenni’s quesadillas while you’re in that area too.” ~Lilia
Parque Mexico
Comal Oculto
Favorite restaurants or places to grab a drink?
“I am vegetarian so it is important for me to find places that have options and these 3 always are incredible: Comal Oculto, Tacos Los Alexis, and Los Loosers.” ~Sarah
“Pasta Mestiza is a new spot in Mercado Roma that's one of the most delicious and unique I've come across lately. The chef blends Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors with his handmade pasta using the most innovative combinations of fresh ingredients. My two favorite dishes are the Pasta Esquites (a deconstructed street corn dish), and Macha Arrabiata (a traditional Mexican salsa the chef makes with flavorful and crunchy almonds).
Cevichi Bichi
Mendl is a classic serving up delicious brunchy dishes and NYC deli-style options including bagels and smoked fish. Don't miss the blintzes and their smoked trout options. It's also in a beautiful spot right next to Parque Mexico, which makes it perfect for a nosh and a walk.
Cevichi Bichi for its fresh fish ceviche and limited menu in an unpretentious environment.” ~Monica
If you were doing a staycation, where would you stay?
“I would head to the Tlalpan neighborhood (20 minutes from the heart of Condesa) for a relaxing staycation at Hacienda Peña Pobre, treat myself to some spa services, and walk around Tlalpan's historic downtown neighborhood.” ~Monica
“Only an hour away is a town called Tepoztlan - beautiful mountain town an easy drive away. Perfect for a night or two away. If you have more time, San Miguel de Allende is another town 4 hours away - it looks like it’s out of a little fairytale! I’d recommend at least a few nights in SMA!” ~Lilia
San Miguel de Allende
Favorite fitness/yoga or wellness hotspots in the city?
“I love The Mat Mx for hot hiit pilates, Origen Estudio, and Columna for reformer pilates. Koti Wellness for contrast therapy, they have cold plunge tubs and infrared saunas. Their new location in Condesa is amazing!” ~Sarah
“This city is FULL of wellness! Koti for a sauna session, The Mat for a hot pilates with fun music and vibes, Gita Studio for an immersive soundbath experience. There also so many incredible at-home wellness experiences, like hiring a massage therapist to your house or bringing one of Luv Collective’s healers to your airbnb for a group session.” ~Lilia
Where to go for the best juice around town?
“Curiosa Cafe (of course!) for the best cold-pressed juices, delicious and healthy dishes, and superfood smoothies. We put a ton of love, creativity and goodness into what we make, and it's been resonating with our amazing customers.” ~Monica
“Monica’s new cafe, Curiosa, in Condesa is so cute - I love her juice sampler so you can try a few of them, and also recommend the choco-avocado-banana bread (gluten free!). For when I want a quick street smoothie, I grab it from this little stand called Jugeria Caro. They always fill up the cup extra and make you chug some of it on the spot so they can give you even more.” ~Lilia
Must-stop boutiques or stores?
“I love to shop at Proyecto Rufina for all things slow fashion and ceramics, everytime I go in I find something amazing.” ~Sarah
“Culumpio & Rufina for clothes, Alcochafa for cute candles and all-natural makeup and perfumes. Aazar is my fav vintage shop - the owner Elena has incredible taste. Mooni is also an art gallery with the coolest collection of pieces that are incredible (and affordable).” ~Lilia
Favorite hikes or outdoor experiences?
“Desierto de los Leones is not very far from the city and you can walk along a little river and pack a picnic. Whenever I go, I cannot believe how close I really am to the city while feeling so immersed in nature. There are also lots of little food stands so you can get some quesadillas and food for lunch. Note: the service can be spotty so it’s best to have a driver arranged if you aren’t driving yourself.” ~Lilia
The Wizard Shop
Where do you go when you want to be a little witchy?
“The Wizard Shop — it’s a mystical shop meets cafe. Get one of their smoothies while you’re there!” ~Lilia
What’s your favorite way to unwind in the city?
“Taking a long walk through Chapultepec Park” ~Sarah
“I agree with Sarah! Chapultepec is a HUGE park that makes you feel completely removed from the city. It’s beautiful. Pack some sandwiches and spend the day in the park. There are also some museums right within the park and adjacent, so you can really spend all day here.” ~Lilia
Looking to add wellness into your weekend?
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