I knew then what I know now! Another Mindful Adventure.

Monday, August 30th, 2010 | Adventure, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments

You’ve heard the saying, “If I knew then what I know now, I’d…” and you can fill in the rest with whatever you’re thinking.  Well, this is a twist on that phrase.

I’ll come clean here and say that at a very early age I needed surgery and then again at twenty something, however everything worked out for the best and I was semi-happy (and physically active).

Life has been challenging over the last twenty or so years, however now I see that the challenges have made me stronger and led me to set the bar higher on my journey.  I am fearless and tenacious in many ways and now is one of those times where that earlier thought has come back to me.  “I knew then what I know now!” And for me, it’s all connected to fitness and where I am right now……in my life and geographically, so basically another Mindful Adventure.

I’m currently at Rancho la Puerta, the “World’s Best Destination Spa” as announced in the Travel and Leisure 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ poll.

It’s been five years (too long) since I’ve been here and Rancho la Puerta is as beautiful as ever, however this time it’s a struggle participating in many of the activities due to an injury I sustained about a year ago.  I won’t go into that, however the thought that keeps replaying for me is that fitness needed to be a focus in my life and I let some of the other challenges get me off track.

That’s where, “I knew then what I know now!” comes in.  It was my innate wisdom calling out to me so many years ago to make fitness more of a priority in my life and as I sit here and reflect on my life, I realize that it was a missed opportunity on so many levels.  For one, I’d be feeling better right now (and may not have been injured last year) and able to participate in what I really want to do like Latin Dance, Zumba, Advanced Hiking and maybe even Sand Volleyball.  And this thought is about more than going into the fitness field, it’s about “knowing” what my body needed to be at its optimum best and paying attention to it no matter what.

Here’s my point…..we all have that “innate wisdom” within, basically our intuition, and sometimes we don’t trust it and that’s the lesson in all of this.

If there’s something that’s calling out to you, whether it’s going back to school, a change in career, exercising more, eating healthier, etc., pay attention.  It’s your inner voice giving you hints about your journey.  Be mindful of what’s on your heart and what feels good to you.  Sure, it may seem a little scary “going against” the current, however maybe you just need to adjust the sails.

Lao Tzu’s quote, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step,” has been my guide.   Remember that when you have an idea about a different path.  Pay attention and choose what’s best for you.  Step by step is how you reach your destination!

Enjoy your journey!

Tags: fitness

A Path to Wellness at Spa Montage, Beverly Hills

Friday, August 20th, 2010 | California Spas, California Wineries, Mineral Pool, healthy living, wellness | 1 Comment

Montage Spa

It’s the end of August, however it doesn’t mean the summer is over.  If you’re getting the kids ready for school or thinking about another getaway before that easy going summer feeling fades away, there are plenty of options still available.  One end-of-summer escape is at the nearly two year old Montage Beverly Hills.  Don’t let the 90210 zip code fool you as there are options available that offer a great value and the beauty of this Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean style resort is captivating.

If you’re in California, it may become your new ‘go-to’ spa resort to relax, recharge and reflect, especially with the spa’s wellness program and array of classes including Pilates, Yoga, Cardio and Strength.

Montage Beverly Hills is in the heart of Beverly Hills and close to famous Rodeo Drive and their luxury shops and outstanding dining options.   Not to be missed though are the dining options at Montage including The Conservatory Grill and Lobby Lounge (thinking about a little jazz and a glass of Donatiello’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir while socializing (in person) with some friends).  And, speaking of wine, their list is quite extensive and they offer other Napa area favorites including chardonnay from the Darioush Winery and a cabernet from Shafer Winery.

Getting back to the spa.    Sometimes a one day getaway is all you need to get back on track to your path to wellness and their relaxing and nurturing ‘Day of Indulgence‘ may be the answer for you.  This option is valid from Monday through Thursday at $225 per person and includes:  Full-day access to Spa Montage facilities, a 60-minute massage or facial of your choice, Personalized fitness class in one of the private movement studios, Poolside lunch at The Conservatory Grill, and Access to the rooftop pool at Montage Beverly Hills (a great spot with amazing views of the Hollywood Hills).  (Valid through Dec. 30, 2010)

By the way, the 20,000 square-foot-spa is a two-story oasis focused on well-being and also has a co-ed Mineral Pool and state of the art fitness center.

Another option that goes beyond the summer is the Overnight Spa Escape and this package includes:  Accommodations for one-night at Montage Beverly Hills,  Two 60-minute spa treatments of choice at Spa Montage,  Daily continental breakfast for two, served in the privacy of your own room, or at one of the restaurants of Montage Beverly Hills,  (Rate of $775 per night and available through 12/30/10.)

Montage Beverly Hills, a mixed use residential/hotel, is just under two years old (opened in November 2008) and is the first hotel in Southern California to be awarded (April 2009)  Gold Level Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership Energy and Environmental Design).

For more details on this beautiful luxury resort and spa, visit www.montagebeverlyhills.com.

Co-ed Mineral Pool, Spa Montage
Photo Credit:  Scott Frances