A Journey at COMO Parrot Cay
© Christelle Chopard
Before landing in the Turks & Caicos we see below us a seemingly infinite turquoise blue ocean, white sand beaches and abundantly green tropical flora.
The team from the Healing Hotel COMO Parrot Cay offers us a warm welcome upon our arrival with refreshing hand cloths infused with peppermint essential oils and their delightful signature ginger tea to drink. Their essential oils are produced and manufactured in house. The path to the boat is a passageway down to the ocean inviting us to release any stress from the city. A short smooth boat trip from Providenciales across a dreamlike ocean leads us to the resort of COMO, located on Parrot Cay.
The Grounds
The Manager of the property Mr. Attila Bahan welcomes us personally. He gives us an introduction to the property, the different areas of the resort and programs that are available to us. The view from reception reveals a lush green space with two pools, a restaurant, an area for children, and villas all connected by pathways. All the facilities are located near to the ocean.
One of the pools is for family and children while the other pool is reserved for guests who prefer a more peaceful environment. Both are within view of the beach and near the bar and restaurant. A beautiful view on the ocean stretches before us. The white sand at the beach is so soft and the water temperature agreeable to our skin. It has been a long time since I have seen such crystal clear waters.
Parrot Cay offers the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive along some of the most beautiful reefs of the Caribbean.
The Philosophy
Our room is bright and spacious with a beautiful natural light and a view of the garden. We take a moment to settle in before going to the pool and restaurant area at sunset where we meet COMO Shambala Director, Miss Kin.
She shares with us COMO’s philosophy, which is to provide a relaxing space for guests where they can sample and be guided through the various programs to create their own wellbeing journey. The logo of COMO Shambala is a drop of water containing a spiral symbol to represent how in the same way everyone has a unique fingerprint; each person’s path to healing and happiness is also a unique journey.
Nutrition
As guests we are invited to join daily yoga and qigong classes. We also receive the opportunity to join wellness talks that are hosted in the library.
Guests can select healthy meal options from the COMO Shambala wellness menu that is integrated with the regular menu. It is a non-intrusive way of inspiring people to explore healthy options.
The Shambala Blends are a selection of healthy juices designed to offer specific health benefits such as: flush, digest, muscle mylk, blood builder or cool down. We chose the “Lean and Clean Greens” intended to build lean muscle, boost energy, and immunity and to stimulate the body’s ability to detoxify. The recipe includes apple, celery, macadamia nuts, spinach, fennel, cucumber and spirulina powder. The juice tasted surprisingly delicious and gave me a sensation of being grounded, strength and alertness.
The cookbook “The Pleasure of Eating Well: Nourishing favorites of COMO Shambala kitchen” is available at their store to inspire people to integrate a healthy and delicious diet into their everyday life.
Health & Wellbeing
On our first morning at COMO Parrot Cay, our qigong master Ryan guided us through a gentle flowing yet empowering qigong practice at the beach. The sound of the ocean, the blue wavy horizon, the smooth texture of the sand below our feet, all served to enhance the experience.
COMO’s resident Ayurvedic doctor and Reiki master, Dr Prath is originally from India and has worked at the resort for many years. He told us that when he first arrived, he had an epiphany and realized that although guests did not arrive with physical ailments, there was a real need for his skills in healing to address their emotional, psychological or spiritual imbalances. Many guests have benefited greatly from his guidance and healing during their vacations. He provides insights based on the five elements in Ayurvedic medicine. He brings mindfulness in his approach and provides consultations to help with diagnosis and to guide his guests with clear suggestions for ways to improve their wellbeing. Dr. Prath offers also Reiki energy healing.
I received a Como Shambala Signature Treatment with massage therapist Mr. Netra who completed his training at COMO’s Bali Estate. This massage is performed using long strokes intended to release stress and to engender a sense of ease and wellbeing. He uses a blend of organic almond oil with essential oils. The aromatherapy supports healing and uplifts the senses.
COMO’s approach ensures that each guest feels nurtured and cared for during his or her stay at the resort. This protocol is followed in each of their resorts.
Environmental Consciousness
On our last day we received an invitation to take action for the environment and mother earth. After a short bicycle ride we arrived at the coconut and palm tree plantation where we were able to plant our very own coconut palm sapling, a symbolic reminder to nurture our earth. It also symbolizes how we are joining the COMO family. At each visit we can return to our tree to see how it has grown. Planting a tree is also a way to heal and to nourish Gaia, mother earth. I planted my tree with positive intention and mindfulness.
We received many healing benefits at COMO Parrot Cay enriched by the beautiful island location. Research has found that negative ions are found in extremely high concentrations near the ocean. These molecules are microscopic and can pass through our skin cells and lungs via the air we breathe. The beach can have as much as 2000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. The negative ions possess not only an antimicrobial effect but also a mood-stabilizing one. They can also influence serotonin levels in our brain for our balance and wellbeing.
On our last evening, we went for a walk along the beach after yet another a delicious meal. The moon was shining so bright in the sky and lit up our path. It was a beautiful experience and a magical end to a wonderfully relaxing stay.
COMO Parrot Cay is an enchanting destination and although our stay was brief, it has left us with many happy memories that will remain with us for a lifetime.
Christelle Chopard
Expert Coach for Life Transitions
Consultant for Project Development based on the Five Elements
