The Best Southern California Fitness Retreats

(Photo Credit: www.ladylux.com)

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?

Get Outside!

This holiday season I was able to spend some time with my family in Vail, Colorado. While away from home, I challenged myself to new exercises in my hotel, bonded with family over a healthy après ski soup, and took advantage of the weather by waking up every day and hitting the slopes!

(I can attest that the endless amount of Spider Kicks, Bungees, and Skater moves in Pilates class helped prepare me for actually skiing DOWN the mountain. For those who haven’t read my blog post titled, “How Pilates is Beneficial for Winter Sports”, I talk about types of Pilates exercises that target the muscle groups used while skiing.)

Skiing and playing in the snow reminded me of how much I enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s the massive snow-covered Rockies, or the beautiful hiking trails I frequent in Los Angeles, I love to get outside and appreciate the beauty of nature.

As this New Year begins, I’m going to begin something new for the blog, too. Each month I’ll be posting a list of my favorite moments spent in nature! I’m lucky enough to live in an area with an extraordinary amount of beauty just outside my front door and I’m looking forward to sharing my appreciation of it all with you!

January 2014 Get Outside Highlights:

1. The sun was shining bright as I started a day of skiing during my recent visit to Vail.

 

2. The open hillsides were filled with beautiful, untouched snow during a cross-country ski excursion in Vail. There are 17km of trails in the area just for cross-country skiing! Check out the Vail Nordic Center at www.vailnordiccenter.com for more information if you are heading to CO and want to give it a try!

3. Malibu beaches never disappoint! I took a little break to take this photo while on a run this past month along the Malibu coast.

 

4. Hiking Franklin Canyon is a great way to fit in a workout AND spend time in nature. This spot is so peaceful and tucked away that you almost forget you’re in the middle of Los Angeles.

Moonshadows: The Perfect Malibu Hangout

I'm a bit of a beach girl, so any restaurant near the ocean is my type of place.

Since two of our studios are out by the beach - one in Santa Monica and one Venice beach, I have pretty much exhausted scouting for any new restaurants out there - because I have probably tried every single one! So I have moved on to trying out new places in Malibu and that part of town.

Lately my favorite is Moonshadows on PCH. It's a beautiful places on the beach, with a spectacular beach front view - and seriously you cannot beat this view.

Moonshadows is great for a fun date or just going out with your best girlfriends for some appetizers and fantastic drinks at the Blue Lounge (the bar portion of this place).

My favorite dish has been the Uni Risotto - sea urchin with Carlani rice that is to die for. Top that off with your favorite Merlot from Santa Barbara, and you have a kick ass Saturday evening agenda.

But take my word for it, and make reservations early on. It's an intimate place with limited seating, and it's super popular with the locals, so make sure you plan ahead. Oh, and eat in the patio! You'll love hearing the waves breaking below while you eat your delicious meal.

Moonshadows

20356 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

(310) 456-3010