The mission was simple: have a dope spring break trip with my husband and two kids -- but also carve out a little time for some much-needed self-care. Because let’s be honest, traveling with children is beautiful, magical…and still very much work.
We knew we were going to Puerto Rico (the land of Bad Bunny and Young Miko), but where could we stay that struck the perfect balance between kid-friendly fun and adult-friendly relaxation? I did what any vacation-bound woman does—I Googled. And the same place kept popping up. Then I asked friends who knew the island, and they said the same place as well: La Concha Resort. Say less. Room booked.
The La Concha Resort isn’t just another gorgeous beachfront hotel -- it’s a whole moment. Opened in 1958 and known for its Tropical Modernism architecture, the property feels like a love letter to old-school glamour, but now with a very cool recent renovation. Think: curves in all the right places, breezy open spaces, and that “I’m on vacation, don’t ask me for anything” vibes.
As someone fully bitten by the nostalgia bug, I was excited to experience this OG location in its new glow-up. But going back to the initial mission, the spa had to be just as dope. And thankfully, it was.
Why This Spa?
OK, so the Elemara Spa & Salon is not your average dimmed lights and Enya playlist situation. It’s a full-on wellness sanctuary that’s rooted in nature, with indoor-outdoor treatment spaces that let the ocean breeze and other elements casually join your service (And it did – my treatment was outside in a covered area during a rain shower, and it was the perfect soundtrack).
The philosophy here is all about aligning with earth, air, fire, and water -- which sounds poetic but also translates into treatments that feel deeply thoughtful. And the therapists? Highly trained in everything from medical to oncology massage, meaning this isn’t just about relaxation – it is about actually addressing tension and stress at the root.
My Review
I opted for the spa’s signature Venik Ritual, a 90-min treatment inspired by European wellness practices that uses bundles of leaves (called veniks) to stimulate circulation and release tension. But let me translate that into real life: Before my treatment even began, I was escorted to a wall of cut plants -- birch, oak, lavender, and eucalyptus -- and asked to choose one to be used during my service. I love an interactive spa moment.
I went with eucalyptus because, in my mind, she’s that girl: fresh, clearing, a little dramatic. My therapist dunked the eucalyptus in water and proceeded to tap and sweep it across my body in rhythmic motions. It was equal parts grounding and invigorating -- like my nervous system finally unclenched.
Then came a mud-like body mask laced with the eucalyptus leaves, applied from head-to-toe before I was wrapped up like a burrito in a silver mylar sheet. And yes, I absolutely took a nap while the mask was, well, masking.
Also (and this is important) I need to shout out the spa linens. The robes and towels wrapped around my curvy, size-16 body with ease, which is not something I can say about most spas I visit. And yes, it’s a little wild that I even have to clock that but considering the significant amount of money we spend at these wellness establishments, inclusivity shouldn’t be a bonus -- it should be standard.
Final Verdict
Between the oceanfront setting, the nature-driven treatments, and the fact that I briefly forgot I had responsibilities, Elemara delivered a wellness experience that felt both elevated and deeply personal. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that your body deserves more than just a quick stretch and a prayer -- it deserves care, intention, and maybe even a stalk of eucalyptus.
Keep The Relaxation Vibes Going
The only problem with spas is that those glorious moments of peace always come to an end. So, I’ve made it part of my wellness journey to incorporate products that will extend the spa vibes once I’m back home. Here are just a few of the ones that are currently in heavy rotation.
Call it a glow-up, call it a wind-down. This luxe oil melts into skin, easing tension while leaving you dewy, grounded, and deliciously present. It’s been a game-changer for my skin.
One spritz and everything softens. My skin. My mood. My mindset. It’s hydration -- with a boost of Hyaluronic Acid -- that hits like fresh air and immediately resets my entire vibe.
Shower...but make it healing. Aloe-packed and ultra-refreshing, this cube leaves skin calm and clarified -- like you just rinsed off the day -- toxic emotions included.
This scent doesn’t shout, it glows. The soft, aquatic warmth lingers on skin like golden hour, leaving you calm, collected, and effortlessly unbothered. Amen.
I love how rich, soothing, and deeply nurturing this is for my skin. The Manuka honey is the magic behind it all. Think: comfort, calm, and a slow, steady return to yourself.
I didn’t expect to love dry brushing this much, but this one makes it feel like a real ritual -- not a chore. It’s firm enough to smooth and wake up my skin without scratching it. I genuinely notice a softer, glowier finish after I use it.
Drop it in and let the chaos dissolve. Man, I love a bath bomb -- especially ones that clears your head and reminds you that you deserve rest and peace.
This bb stays in my bag at all times. It’s rich, cushiony, and instantly makes my lips feel softer and healthier. It’s more treatment than a lip gloss, but I often need nourishment more than a look. Ya know?
I light this and suddenly my nervous system clocks out. It’s Wwrm, earthy notes fill the room in stillness -- like a deep exhale I didn’t know I needed.
Skincare, but make it beauty sleep. This silky bio-retinol serum tucks in my face at night. It’s smoothing, restoring, and whispers “relax, babe!”
I reach for this when my skin just feels “blah!” The ritual of massaging it over my body and face is such a joy. After I get out of the shower my skin is perfectly prepped for a yummy moisturizer .
I was skeptical at first, but these actually make me feel more sculpted and less puffy when I use them consistently. They turn lymphatic drainage into a low-effort experience. The results are subtle, but worth it.
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
