The Wizard of Oz is a beloved and iconic story that has captivated audiences for generations. The tale follows the adventures of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, who finds herself transported to the magical land of Oz after a tornado sweeps her away. In Oz, she encounters a variety of memorable characters, including the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. One of the most intriguing characters in the story is the Wicked Witch of the West. With her green skin, pointed hat, and sinister cackle, she is the epitome of a classic villain. The Wicked Witch is determined to obtain Dorothy's magical ruby slippers, which possess great power.
"Gypset style" is how the hotel describes its decor, modeled after the sophisticated boho-chic look chronicled in Julia Chapin's book of the same name. That look is certainly pronounced in the Mahekal's open-air reception area with a vaulted, palapa roof with lighting swaying in bamboo cages overhead. There is a glass table with a driftwood base and some low-slung sofas near a big, masonry fireplace. The stucco bungalows are painted turquoise and have thatched roofs and rustic wood porches with simple white hammocks. Most guests are couples and adult travelers, though children are welcome and kids under the age of four stay free.
Not only does the country offer all-inclusive packages along some of the world s most pristine beaches, but there are bustling metropolises with thriving culture and culinary scenes. Not only does the country offer all-inclusive packages along some of the world s most pristine beaches, but there are bustling metropolises with thriving culture and culinary scenes.
The Wicked Witch is determined to obtain Dorothy's magical ruby slippers, which possess great power. Throughout the story, she relentlessly pursues Dorothy in her quest to seize the slippers and gain ultimate control over Oz. The Wicked Witch's wickedness is further emphasized by her use of black magic and her nefarious minions, flying monkeys.
Magical Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen
There's something incredibly magical about the Mayan Riviera. The see clear-to-the-bottom aqua colored water and bustling town of Playa del Carmen displaying local flavor, international fashion, and fresh cuisine at every turn calls to me. Loudly. Just the thought of warm weather layered between sweeping cool breezes brings back some of my favorite memories, not just for me, but for most anyone that has ever visited this area just south of Cancun in Mexico.
And although I have been to the Mayan Riviera many times before (eight and counting!), as well as visited the lively city of Playa del Carmen, I have never stayed directly in the thick of it all. Partly because I prefer authentic and "feel a world-away" type places, and partly because I didn't know I could have the best of both worlds. Enter magical Mahekal Beach Resort where Mexican tradition blends effortlessly with design-forward details.
Wanting to take a long weekend to do a little exploring, shopping, and soul searching (while on a beach lounger for a bit of course), Mahekal Beach Resort checked all the must-have boxes. Literally steps from the shop-lined streets, yet nestled in between vast lush gardens, I could only feel as if I had Mexico and the beach all to myself. It also didn't hurt that luxury and a private plunge pool with lounger awaited just steps outside what I referred to as my "palapa heaven."
Wanting to experience as much of the local Mayan culture as I could, my first day I took an unforgettable day trip to snorkel in the el Sueno ceynote nearby. There's a reason why these under-water caves were considered sacred in Mayan times, and I felt instantaneously transported. Once back at Mahekal, I took full advantage of my palapa's butler and rocked my stress away in a hammock as I stared at the waves gently lapping in. That night I leisurely strolled up and down the famed Fifth Avenue and ate at the highly celebrated local restaurant AXIOTE: Cocina de Mexico. I can't even explain the smokey and seductive flavors found in every bite.
My last day I decided to take advantage of the many activities that make Mahekal such a coveted resort: beachside yoga, swimming in one of the many pools, painting Mayan pottery, and sipping a fruity drink (or three!). That afternoon I strolled over to Fuego Beach on the property where I watched the head chef pick out "today's catch" from a local fisherman's boat. I immediately tried out some of the fresh catch at a traditional Mayan cooking class they offered. Not only did I help prepare the sacred meal and partake in the rituals in a private garden, but I watched it being cooked under the ground in the traditional style. A one-of-a-kind experience for certain.
Embracing even more magic that my resort Mahekal had to offer, I visited their spa and indulged in their Angel Vell with Crystal Quartz massage, which I was told helped open and unblock the main seven chakras and restore the body both physically and mentally. I'm happy to report I felt both balanced and blissful after this exclusive treatment. That night at a private dinner on their pristine beach, and couldn't help but get swept up in the sensory delights in the sights, sounds, sips, and seafood.
Whether you favor new and modern, or Mayan and authentic, there is something waiting for you in this spiritual and spirit-lifting destination at the Mahecal Resort in Playa del Carmen, nestled between the mystical old world and new world in beautiful Mexico.
Mahekal Beach Resort
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
She is often depicted as being ruthless and cunning, using her magical abilities to create obstacles and traps for Dorothy and her friends. Despite her dark nature, the Wicked Witch of the West has become one of literature's most iconic and memorable villains. The character of the Wicked Witch has been portrayed in various adaptations of The Wizard of Oz, including the classic 1939 film starring Judy Garland. In these adaptations, her role is often expanded upon, giving her a more complex backstory and motivations. For example, the hit Broadway musical "Wicked" delves into her history, revealing the events that led to her transformation into the feared witch. Overall, the Wicked Witch of the West is a crucial component of The Wizard of Oz's enduring appeal. Her character adds depth and intrigue to the story, as well as serving as a formidable adversary for Dorothy and her companions. Whether portrayed as a purely wicked figure or someone with a more nuanced past, the Wicked Witch remains an iconic and unforgettable presence in the world of literature and entertainment..
Reviews for "Behind the Green Makeup: A Look at the Wicked Witch's Makeup Transformation"
1. Emma - 2/5 stars - I have to admit, I went into watching "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" with high expectations, considering the iconic status of the original film. However, I was left disappointed. The storyline felt disjointed and rushed, with underdeveloped characters that failed to engage me. The special effects were lackluster and failed to create a sense of wonder and magic. Overall, I found "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" to be a lackluster adaptation that fell short of capturing the charm and depth of the original.
2. Daniel - 3/5 stars - As a fan of "The Wizard of Oz," I was excited to watch "Wicked Witch" and explore the backstory of the iconic character. However, the film failed to deliver in terms of character development and plot execution. I found the pacing to be slow, and it felt like the film was trying too hard to be edgy and different. While there were some visually stunning moments, they were overshadowed by the lack of emotional depth and compelling storytelling. Overall, "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" missed the mark for me, and I left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Samantha - 2/5 stars - "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the success of the original film. The storyline was predictable and filled with cliches, offering nothing new or exciting. The performances were lackluster, with the actors failing to bring the characters to life. Additionally, the visual effects felt dated and poorly executed. Overall, I found "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" to be a forgettable and uninspiring film that failed to capture the magic of its predecessor.
4. Jonathan - 1/5 stars - I must say, "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" was a complete disappointment. The film took an interesting concept and turned it into a convoluted mess. The plot was confusing and lacked coherence, leaving me scratching my head throughout the entire film. The performances were subpar, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Furthermore, the special effects were laughably bad, detracting from any potential enjoyment. Overall, "The Wizard of Oz: Wicked Witch" was a waste of time and a poor attempt at expanding the Wizard of Oz universe.