SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WELLNESS GETAWAY
BY ROXIE ANDRESEN
Let’s face it: times are hectic. One way to slow down and reconnect with yourself is to book
a wellness retreat, and there is no better place to do so than in beautiful Southern California.
Start your journey to mental, physical, and spiritual health at these two wellness centers.
CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA
The Signature Retreat at the California Health & Longevity Institute About 150 miles down the coast of California, you’ll find another truly
spectacular wellness resort: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Located in
Fairbanks Ranch — where Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford sought
to create their home away from Hollywood in the 1930s — Rancho
Valencia comes with lush vegetation — including towering eucalyptus
and citrus trees — and Mediterranean-style casitas, with private court
yards, fireplaces, and five-star amenities.
inside the Four Seasons Resort in Westlake Village is a three-day, full-
immersion into wellness lessons and planning for success in health.
Participants leave the retreat armed with newfound knowledge on
diet, meal planning, recipes, and cooking, as well as strategies for
mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Days start with yoga and meditation promptly at 7 am, but the
harder struggle may be just to get out of the beds, which seduce
and soothe with a pillow top mattress, exquisite linens, and lavender
aromatherapy.
After yoga and meditation — occasionally practiced in the onsite
Chinese pagoda — guests are treated to culinary lessons taught by
renowned chef, author, and dietitian, Paulette Lambert. Lessons cover
cooking techniques, as well as tips and tricks to reduce caloric intake
and make heathy meals without too much work. Recipes such as
ancient grain porridge and 380-calorie breakfast burritos are taught in
an interactive setting.
After breakfast, it’s time to work out. Inspiring personal trainers,
including exercise physiologist, Scott Silveira, turn the exercise-phobic
into fitness enthusiasts with helpful tips about the best ways to get the
most out of your time at the gym. In addition to gym workouts, guests
can go on guided hikes in nearby Malibu Creek State Park.
A big part of the program at The Signature Retreat is the time spent
in lifestyle workshops led by wellness experts on topics such as
“Sustainable Nutrition,” “Secrets to Your Metabolism,” and “How to
Manage Stress for Better Health.”
Some workshops get deep about the connection between
psychological challenges — anxiety, stress, boredom — and the
tendency to over- or under-eat. Eating and body image psychologist,
Alison Ross, teaches about maintaining and managing mindfulness,
emotional eating, body image, and stress so triggers don’t lead to an
empty bag of potato chips, greasy fingers, and feelings of shame.
The wellness program at Rancho Valencia is led by spa director, Kristi
Dickinson, who invests in an experienced staff, great products, and
best practices. Therapists and estheticians at the spa are trained
by ASTECC — a comprehensive program focused on authentic spa
traditions, natural remedies, and human connection. The result is a
collection of therapies designed to heal, soothe, and repair.
In addition to a multitude of fitness options, such as Pilates, spin,
hydrotherapy, and a full service gym with Peloton and pool, there’s
also an amazing pavilion where yoga is practiced facing an infinity pool
among the rolling hills. Guided meditation is also available daily here.
Improve your game or reignite your love of tennis with the renowned
tennis program at Rancho Valencia. Guests can book a “Stay & Play
Tennis” package, filled with lessons from two-time US Open champion,
Robin White. There are 18 courts available, including with red clay.
Next time you’re feeling disconnected from yourself, add a few days
to your California business trip and book into a wellness retreat. After
spending time focused on your health and wellness, you’ll see an
increase in overall productivity and happiness.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines flies nonstop between Dulles International Airport (IAD)
and San Diego (SAN). United, Alaska and American Airlines fly nonstop
between IAD and Los Angeles (LAX), and Alaska, American, and Delta
Air Lines fly nonstop between Reagan National Airport (DCA) and LAX.
Flights take approximately five and a half hours each way.
In addition to fitness, psychological wellness, and culinary techniques,
participants are rewarded with an assessment of their exact body
fat percentage in the Bod Pod. The device determines the ratio of fat
versus lean in your body composition. For many, it’s the kicker needed
to give up donuts.
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