If Being Healthier is Your New Year's Resolution, Start in Mexico

Happy New Year! If you're like me and millions of others out there, you have vowed to make 2007 the year you start living healthier. What better way to start your new program than with a complete medical check up? This might be easier, less expensive than you think…and a whole lot more fun…in Mexico.

You see, more and more travelers are combining international tourism with medical care these days. It just makes sense. If your health insurance at home doesn't cover certain procedures or if you can find quality, first-rate medical care somewhere else at a lower cost, why not? Especially if that place is warm, tropical and beautiful…

Many destinations around the world are customizing packages for this new wave of "medical tourists." I've received a press release about one full-service program in Puerto Vallarta that sounds worth investigating, and I share it with you here:
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico-(Business Wire)-December 27, 2006 - A growing number of tourists are combining holidays with health care and in 2007, this trend known as medical tourism is predicted to boom. One of the newest programs catching attention is the Wellness Spa/Medi Holiday Program at the 80 suite Casa Velas Hotel, an adults-only all-inclusive boutique hotel on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The three night program, an all-in-one wellness package and vacation combo, features a medical check-up by a certified physician from the American Hospital "Amerimed" including a full range of blood and cardiac tests; daily spa treatments; a spa food menu created by a nutritionist and chef; and golf at a choice of three signature courses. The medical examination represents a savings of approximately 40% over the cost in the United States.

In addition to the cost savings, a unique feature of the Medi Holiday program is the time it takes - practically none at all. There's no waiting at the doctor's office, and the entire medical procedure takes less than three hours of your vacation time and guests receive all results within 24 hours. All the tests including EKG, treadmill, urinalysis, PSA, CBC, blood chemistry, lipid profile and blood group are done at Casa Velas in the privacy of the on-site Cardiologist's office. Guests also receive a personalized health menu created by the hotel's nutritionist, two spa treatments daily recommended by a Casa Velas Spa certified therapist and upon request, an interview with a Plastic Surgeon at no extra cost.

Available from January 3rd, 2007, to December 15th, 2007, the 3-night Wellness Spa/Medi Holiday Program costs $425 per person per night based on double occupancy, and also includes all of Casa Velas' luxury offerings. Included in the price are accommodations in a Grand Class Suite with plunge pool or Jacuzzi and Bulgari amenities; all meals with a la carte service in the hotel's gourmet restaurant; access to the exclusive beach club and Sushi & Wine Bar; 24-hour in-suite room service; and a fully-stocked mini-bar with premium brands.

For more information on the Wellness Spa/Medi Holiday Program, visit www.hotelcasavelas.com or call 1-866-612-1097.

The hacienda-style Casa Velas is located just five minutes from the Puerto Vallarta Airport and only 15 minutes from the popular downtown area, art galleries, and "El Malecon" (the boardwalk). The perfect vacation for golfers, Casa Velas also offers golf privileges at two other top 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf only 20 minutes away. Spa Casa Velas encompasses five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a fitness gym and a beauty salon. Emiliano a la carte fine dining restaurant is at the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine.

Best Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Editor / www.MexicoInsider.com
E-mail: Mexico@InternationalLiving.com.

P.S. We'll host a Live and Prosper in Mexico Seminar later this fall in Puerto Vallarta. To be put on the list to receive details about this event when they're ready, e-mail Events@InternationalLiving.com. In the meantime, if you have a trip planned to Puerto Vallarta and would like to learn more about the local real estate market there, e-mail Wayne Franklin at Mexico@Tropicasa.com.