The Best Southern California Fitness Retreats

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While our idea of vacationing most often entails lounging poolside basking in the sun's rays, we’ve recently become intrigued with the luxe fitness retreats popping up all over Southern California. And while there’s no better way to recharge than a little relaxation, there’s nothing more rejuvenating and gratifying than spending a few days giving your body the TLC it needs.  

Whether you’re on the hunt for an all-inclusive yoga retreat or you’re looking for a deeper mind-body connection, we’ve rounded up the So Cal fitness retreats currently on our radar.

(Photo Credit: www.eatingbirdfood.com)

Read on and get inspired!

The Oaks at Ojai

122 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023

An all-inclusive destination spa, The Oaks at Ojai is a fitness retreat that offers everything from guided hikes through the mountains to aquatic workouts under the sun. Casual and perfect for groups, it’s a great place to relax, lose weight, and feel great about yourself. Choose from a 2-night stay, a 5-night stress break package, a 7-night weight loss jumpstart package, or a 15-night body makeover. Bonus: they often feature monthly deals and discounts on the site, so be sure to check it out.

Esalen

55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Located in beautiful Big Sur, this hippie-centric retreat offers more than 400 workshops ranging from dance to culinary arts to life purpose and visioning. Additionally, the resort boasts luxurious massages, inspirational (you’ve gotta see ‘em to believe ‘em!) views, tasty food, beautiful accommodations, and more. With a goal to cultivate deep change in self and society, it’s the perfect place to visit when you’re in need of some self reflection.

Ranch at Live Oak Malibu

12220 Cotharin Road, Malibu, CA 90265

Internationally acclaimed and recognized as one of the World’s Best Spas in 2012 and 2013 by Travel + Leisure, this results-oriented retreat promotes weight loss, wellness, and nutrition. Whether you opt for the 4-day jumpstart program or the 1-week immersion option, this ultra-luxe spa offers all-hours-of-the-day exercise (think hikes in the nearby mountains, yoga, and body sculpting classes). It also boasts chef-made vegetarian food, intense bonding with 13 other “campers”, and insanely gorgeous scenery. Oh, and did we mention caffeine and cell phones are strictly prohibited?

Cal-A-Vie Health Spa

29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista, CA 92084

Nestled away from the stresses of everyday life, this French-inspired retreat offers an award-winning wellness program that works with guests personal needs and goals. Thanks to a 5:1 staff-to-guest ratio, the environment is peaceful, beautiful, and energizing. Visitors can enjoy fitness classes, mind-balancing sessions, spa treatments, delicious cuisine, and Mediterranean-style accommodations. You’ll leave feeling empowered, invigorated, and of course, relaxed.

The Pearl Laguna

21095 Raquel Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Located in Laguna Beach, this intimate retreat accommodates only 14 guests at a time. Featuring 12 bedrooms and 12 baths, it offers weeklong and multiple week retreats. Created by yoga pioneers and natural health pros, it’s designed to promote health and revitalize the body through nutrition, yoga, hiking, relaxation (their spa treatments are said to be incredible!), and beautiful surroundings. Expect to leave feeling balanced, renewed, and ready for new fitness challenges.

What do you think? Would you love to visit any of these wellness retreats?