Meet Finca Victoria, an 11-key hotel nestled on three lush acres in the hills on the beautiful Puerto Rican island of Vieques (just a short 15-minute flight from San Juan). From the saltwater pool to the verdant foliage, the hotel grounds are both eco-conscious and breathtaking.
Something unique is happening here: The hotel’s leading the charge in Ayurvedic Medicine-oriented treatments when it comes to the Caribbean.
Who’s at the head of this? Sylvia de Marco—the designer, hotelier, and owner of Finca de Marco is. She recently pivoted the hotel’s primary focus to reflect her passion for Ayurvedic Medicine.
For those of you who haven’t heard of this type of treatment, it’s an alternative healing system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Sylvia was lucky to have studied its inner workings in Sri Lanka and India.
So, what spawned her interest in making this Caribbean eco-resort an oasis for Ayurvedic Medicine? At the beginning of last year, Sylvia saw a demand from guests wanting to explore a more profound commitment to these practices, extending their stays to address health concerns, taking time to detox and restore their body, mind, and spirit in a more meaningful way.
Treatments take place in the Casa Botanic Ayurvedic Wellness Center, which comprises two treatment beds, an airy balcony, and an antique bathtub for therapeutic herbal soaks. They include the Red Clay Body Mask—absorbs excess oil and removes dead skin cells for softer skin—and the Abhyanga Massage Therapy—a process that activates the lymphatic system and drains toxins.
Or, if you’re feeling more committed, take advantage of one of the hotel’s Ayurvedic Packages. Check out the Panchakarma program, a five-day package, which includes a private consultation, a Dosha test, daily yoga, plus personalized medicinal and herbal rituals intended to release stored toxins, among many other offerings.
Lastly, those who love honest cuisine will enjoy meals at the Ayurvedic Kitchen. Infused with touches of Puerto Rican cuisine, the dining establishment uses plant-based ingredients from the property’s organic garden.
