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Cover Story: Spa Celebrates Third Anniversary
Mikel Alvarez has always possessed a deep-rooted desire to help people, which has been a guiding force throughout his journey. His experiences in the medicinal cannabis industry showcased the powerful effect of compassionate care. This passion for healing has only grown stronger since, and his vision for ThrIVe MedSpa and the services it offers stems from his commitment to creating an environment where individuals can find relief and rejuvenation.

Having moved from Las Vegas, NV, Mikel’s journey to opening ThrIVe MedSpa is closely tied to his long-standing connection to Puerto Vallarta, a place he has visited for nearly thirty years. Originally drawn by his mother’s frequent visits, Mikel soon discovered the allure of this beautiful destination for himself.
“When I was 16, I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta. There was something about it that just pulled me in,” he recalled.
He began to visit more often and for longer periods, ultimately realizing that this vibrant city was his true “happy place.”
Years later, while researching his family history, Mikel uncovered a fascinating lineage history. His grandfather’s mother was a native Indian and his grandfather’s father was a Mexican living in Indio, California.
Today, his family owns a Native American casino in Palm Springs. His tribe was the first to have Indian gaming legalized in the United States, he said.

This connection to Mexico added another layer to his bond with Puerto Vallarta; it allowed Mikel to secure dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. He believes this familial link is part of the larger tapestry of his attraction to Puerto Vallarta, where he feels strong energy.
“I feel such energy here, especially knowing about the Male vortexes that collide around Playa Los Muertos,” he said.
Mikel reflected on the concept of Ley Lines—energetic grids crisscrossing the earth that attract and connect people—and we both agreed that the energy of Puerto Vallarta plays a noticeable role in drawing individuals to its shores.
“Whenever I leave, I can feel the absence of that calmness. Yet when I return, it’s like I get this surge of energy, almost like I’m being recharged,” he shared. “When I’m not here, I notice something missing.”
For Mikel, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a destination; it’s home.
In 1997, Mikel started working in IT, dealing with ISPs (internet service providers). He had offices in Cincinnati, OH, and Bellevue, WA. But he knew he needed to return to school and have a degree. It was when the dot.com bubble was about to burst.
After his early years in Seattle, Mikel moved to Reno, NV, to attend college. He studied at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned a double bachelor in Casino Management and Economics. His academic journey then coincided with the emerging legal cannabis market in Nevada. Recognizing its potential, Mikel partnered with a company to secure distribution licenses, cultivation, processing, and dispensary operations. He ultimately opened his first medicinal marijuana dispensary in Reno, followed by three additional locations in Las Vegas plus others in California.
However, as the cannabis market shifted towards recreational use, Mikel found himself at a crossroads. Though he advocated for medicinal cannabis—helping patients manage pain, anxiety, and other health issues—he struggled with the notion of selling cannabis solely for recreational purposes. By the time he completed his degree in 2009, he realized that a change was necessary.

Despite leaving the cannabis industry, Mikel continued to be drawn back to Puerto Vallarta. After some freelance work aimed at vertically integrating cannabis products into legal sales in Northern California, he returned to Las Vegas, where a suggestion from his doctor led him to learn about ketamine therapy for mental health. Initially developed in the 1960s for anesthesia, ketamine has evolved into an FDA-approved treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress, according to Alvarez.
Having experience in the cannabis industry for pain management and helping people, Mikel saw it as an opportunity to continue to help people with Ketamine therapy. He decided to build a business out of it.
For Mikel, it was a way to continue his mission of aiding others, leading him to the decision to establish ThrIVe MedSpa. With his extensive experience and dedication to compassionate care, he aimed to provide a sanctuary for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and overall well-being.

The concept emerged during one of his vacations in Puerto Vallarta between 2020 and 2021 when Mikel experienced severe heatstroke and sought an IV treatment. Not wanting to go to a hospital for help due to the ongoing pandemic, he had the idea to open an IV clinic. While exiting the shop of his close friend Casandra Shaw, he noticed a storefront space available across the street on Basillo Badio. The rest, as they say, is history.
An IV treatment, which includes Ringer’s Lactate and other essential nutrients, is known for its ability to hydrate the body through the bloodstream, especially after intoxication and dehydration. Mikel chooses the best products on the market instead of using saline or sterile water for patient hydration. Unlike similar businesses, ThrIVe MedSpa offers a one-liter bag of vitamins, minerals and medicine tailored to individual needs. What sets this business apart is its commitment to transparency: the hydration menu details the contents and quantities of each IV treatment.

“You have the right to know what’s going into your body,” Mikel emphasized.
Most IV products can be customized based on the patient’s needs or allergy restrictions, he went on.
Mikel wants everyone to enjoy their vacation in Puerto Vallarta without being hindered by hangovers. By providing a proper multivitamin package with additional doses of vitamins B, C, and Zinc, administered by a team of skilled ER nurses, tourists and locals alike can revitalize their bodies and continue enjoying their day.
The business initially focused on IV treatments, but then a team member named Levi got recertified for aesthetics in Mexico, including Botox and fillers. He joined Mikel, and together they expanded the business to include aesthetic services. Over the years, they have added many more services and remodeled the clinic to offer massages, facials, and waxing, with plans to incorporate hair implants and eye lift surgeries soon.

“It’s a one-stop shop for the best products and services available,” Mikel stated.
ThrIVe MedSpa features a more active vibe than the typical zen atmosphere found in most spas. As ThrIVe MedSpa celebrates its third anniversary, the majority of its positive reviews come from word of mouth. However, Mikel is hopeful to spread the word about the healing and rejuvenating services the business provides.
Its tagline is, “Looking good and feeling great.”



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