The same Mexico hotel that introduced Taco Therapy is now offering a new feature: cacao massages.
The massage feature is a part of Casa Velas' contemporary mixology program at its Puerto Vallarta luxury all-inclusive hotel. The workshop, called "From Origin to Ritual: The Cacao Workshop," honors the ingredient used by ancient civilizations for more than 3,000 years.
The workshop begins with a visit to Casa Velas' Botanical Garden, where guests will watch pre-Hispanic dances honoring the ingredient, learn about its history and cultural importance. Guests will then taste three cacao varieties, Criollo, Forastero and Tinitario and explore artisanal chocolates reflecting the flavor profiles and regional traditions of Mexican cacao production, including Añejo, Intenso, Frida and Esmeralda.
Guests will then learn to craft contemporary cacao cocktails ranging from minimalist recipes to elevated mixology featuring gin, RumChata, cinnamon, ginger and grated chocolate.
Workshop guests have the option to book an 80-minute "Renewing Chocolate Massage," which the resort said will use chocolate's mood-boosting properties, which are rich in endorphin-releasing compounds.
The workshop is available starting at $3,200 for groups of up 10 people. The massage is priced at $290 per person.