A Wellness-Inspired Journey
There’s something about travel that stirs the soul and sharpens the senses!! As a designer, it’s often when I’m away from the drawing board that inspiration strikes the loudest. My recent trip aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Valle de Guadalupe, was more than a vacation, it was a creative reset, a cultural immersion, and a powerful reminder of the richness that lives at the intersection of design, travel, and wellness.
A Floating Sanctuary: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas Cruise Liner
The journey began aboard the Ovation of the Seas, the largest cruiseliner on the West coast! A ship that is as much about experience as it is about exploration. Designed with contemporary luxury in mind, the interiors struck a thoughtful balance between sleek sophistication and sensory escape…the main deck felt like I waltz into an upscale Las Vegas shopping corridor! Well-appointed finishes, curated lighting, thoughtful storage and quiet zones for some chill time all spoke to the importance of designing for the human experience.
Whether enjoying sunrise yoga on the deck or sipping espresso in the quiet lounge (or stateroom balcony!) overlooking the ocean, I was reminded that wellness and design aren’t separate, they’re so deeply intertwined. Thoughtful design makes space for stillness, for connection, for presence. And that’s exactly what the ship offered: a floating reminder to live well.
Stop 1: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Our first port: Cabo San Lucas, with all its gorgeous coastal energy and vibrant charm where the desert meets the sea! From the natural rock formations of Land’s End to the lively color bursts in local architecture, Cabo is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
I was taken by the warmth of the materials, the sun-faded colors, and the easy elegance that permeates the coastal architecture when walking along the marina toward Medano Beach.
Design-wise, Cabo reminded me of the power of organic materials, open-air flow, and playful contrasts. These are elements that I’m constantly incorporating into client spaces at m studio interior design. There’s something about the Mexican coast that celebrates … bold, vibrant, and unapologetically full of life… lifeFULL!
Stop 2: Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Once ported in Ensenada, we ventured inland to the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe. This is a magical destination that never stops surprising me, forever leaving me deeply inspired. Often dubbed the “Napa of Mexico,” Valle de Guadalupe offers more than just world-class wines (and Michelin star dining!). It’s a haven of architectural expression, thoughtful sustainability, and raw beauty.
In the valley, design is deeply tied to the land. Wineries rise from the earth like extensions of the terrain. Minimalist facades, textured adobe, reclaimed wood, organic forms, and sweeping views are the norm. Every structure felt rooted and intentional, telling a story of place, craft, and quiet luxury.
A few standout moments:
- Casa Frida: A most colorful winery where Mexican heritage and vibrant creativity collided in the most expressive ways!! Think bold, colorful murals, unexpected art installations, and mesmerizing architecture that paid homage to the great artist Frida Kahlo.
- Sol y Barro: A quaint abode-like artists’ haven, an ode to natural materials and soulful simplicity. Its earthen walls, handcrafted features, and spiritual energy left me speechless. I was so drawn to the soft and subtle lines of the building and the attic space filled with gorgeous sketches and oil paintings left me in awe.
- Las Nubes: Perched above the vineyards with a design ethos of modern minimalism. A vast contrast to the previous wineries, it was like a masterclass in how architecture can actually frame a landscape, rather than compete with it.
Design Takeaways + Bringing the Journey Home
This journey (over sea and through vineyards) was more than a change of scenery. It reignited my deep belief that spaces should be experiential. They should reflect who you ARE, how you FEEL, and how you want to LIVE.
In Cabo, I found a celebration of life through color, movement, and culture. In Valle de Guadalupe, I found serenity, structure, and soul. Both places offered different yet equally meaningful lessons in intentional, wellness-inspired design. As I return to the studio, I carry these experiences into upcoming projects… seeking to design not just for aesthetics, but for feeling. Whether through color, texture, or layout, design can evoke joy, calm, grounding, and presence. It can transport you… just like travel!!
Living Beautifully, Living Well
At m studio interior design, we design with meaning. We believe your home should be a place that supports your well-being, reflects your personal narrative, and feels aligned with the beauty of your lifestyle.
This trip was another timely reminder that the world is full of inspiration, especially when you slow down, take it in, and allow it to inform how you live. Design is in motion. And life is the muse.
Live Beautifully, Live Well™
Xoxo,
Megan
