No moment radiates more joy than standing at the edge of Californiaʻs Central Coast, mountainous cliffs stretching for miles upon miles and the majesty of the open Pacific Ocean ahead. This is your moment to put your health and wellness first while uncovering a newly relaxed and refreshed you.
"Holistic health" recognizes that wellness goes beyond a single aspect of the human experience and is an intricate balance of our physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual selves. With a wealth of unmatched natural beauty, there are so many moments to be still and be inspired by the grandeur of Monterey County, making it an exemplary backdrop for your next holistic wellness retreat. Explore the health and wellness activities awaiting you below.
When you think of a “wellness escape,” images of yoga retreats in Tulum or Bali come flooding to mind. These days, the word “wellness” has become synonymous with boho hippies in wide-legged harem yoga pants in faraway tropical destinations. Despite its beauty, I bet Monterey County, California isn’t the first wellness destination you thought of.
TAKE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Movement and exercise are a part of a well-rounded wellness lifestyle and Monterey County has no shortage of the great outdoors. Where most people would simply drive by infamous landmarks such as the Bixby Creek Bridge, there are actually hiking trails you can take that are suitable for hikers of every level. In fact, this is the best way to explore Monterey County’s most iconic tourist attraction: Big Sur.
For ease, convenience and safety, book a guided hike with Big Sur Guides. The company has been featured on the Travel Channel, so you know you’ll be in good hands. The staff and guides are incredibly accommodating and will customize tours for you to suit the weather, day, personal preference and fitness level.
But for something a little less conventional but a lot more joyous, check out the Equine Experience at the Carmel Valley Ranch. The experience allows you to connect with horses as you go through a therapeutic and joyful exploration together. While there are four different equine experiences you can choose from, I’m personally a huge fan of the Discover Joy experience, where your inner child gets to come out and play.
A deepened experience of self is amplified when you are out in nature. Get your body moving while you immerse yourself in the great Monterey County outdoors on some of the best nature walks and hikes imaginable. These hikes are perfect for all levels, from the casual stroller to the seasoned mountain climber.
Moss Landing State Beach
Enjoy a leisurely waterfront walk at Moss Landing State Beach near the mouth of the Elkhorn Slough. Take a moment to pause and reflect, and you will likely catch a glimpse of sea otters, sea lions and birds, as this is a dense area for all three!
High Peaks Loop Trail
Kick it up a notch on the High Peaks Loop Trail at Monterey Countyʻs one-and-only national park, Pinnacles National Park in Soledad. This hike is considered strenuous by most, but you will be rewarded at the top with spectacular views from the top! *Please note that some parts of this trail can be very steep and narrow. Plan ahead and bring lots of water!
Photo courtesy of California State Parks
Julia Pfeiffer Bruns State Park
Pay a visit to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a lighter trail with epic scenery. Take a mindful moment to recognize that this is a sacred place for the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County. The tribe has installed an interpretive sign at the Esselen district of Ecgeajan, where Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park now lives. Learn about this sacred ground by reading the informative sign and move about this space with respect by staying on designated trails.
Dog-Friendly Garland Ranch
And because dogs are an essential part of happiness and health, a favorite dog-friendly hiking spot in Carmel Valley is Garland Ranch Regional Park, with some of the steepest trails in the area, glorious vistas and great wildlife.
SPAS AND RETREATS
Monterey County spas and retreats are the ultimate splurge for overall inner peace and wellness. Detox, rejuvenate and fulfill your soul at Monterey Countyʻs exceptional facilities.
The Spa at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley offers a unique spa experience for rejuvenation, inspiration and indulgence based on the turn of each season. Their compilation of services on the solstices and equinoxes integrates these celestial reminders to take time for ourselves; reflecting on the past, renewing for the future and optimizing balance. Indulgent spa experiences can also be found at Pebble Beach Resorts, DESUAR Spa at Casa Munras and Vista Blue Spa at Monterey Plaza.
Find inner peace at the suitingly named Refuge in Carmel. This tucked away wellness paradise is also America’s first co-ed outdoor relaxation spa, offering ultimate relaxation through a three-step thermal-cycle featuring a sauna, steam room, cold plunges, warming pools and various lounging areas. Repeated use of the Refuge thermal cycle soothes aches and pains, speeds up metabolism and enhances muscle recuperation - Just what you need for a rejuvenated you!
Big Sur Salts now offers a unique yoga experience that harmonizes the serenity of the ocean with the mindfulness of yoga. Aqueous Yoga promotes well-being and skin rejuvenation in custom yoga pools are filled with purified Big Sur salt water.
FUEL YOUR BODY & SOUL
With an abundance of locally sourced produce from the Salinas Valley, often referred to as the "Salad Bowl of the World,” and responsibly procured seafood from Monterey Bay, the food and wine are as fresh and local as it gets in Monterey County.
This means that pretty much anywhere you go, you are bound to find good food to feed your body and soul. Dine on sustainable seafood straight from Monterey's harbors. Tour a farm, then savor its organic produce at local restaurants. Buy wine straight from the winemaker, then picnic amidst the grapevines. Wellness truly starts with taking care of yourself, so feed yourself well at restaurants like Café Fina on Old Fishermanʻs Wharf, The Haute Enchilada in Moss Landing and Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette in Marina.
Photo courtesy of @DrinkMonterey
Last but not least, a delicious meal (even if it is a little indulgent) is part of a joyful and harmonious experience. You know what they say about wellness--it’s all about balance. But if you want indulgences that feel good and do good, I highly recommend checking out Scratch. As the Trusted Travel Girl, I’m all about supporting local and female-owned businesses. Scratch checks both those boxes and their wines do not disappoint.
But if you’re looking for something a little more filling than wine (and slightly more naughty), might I suggest indulging in some delicious Italian and French fare at Roux? Their Perigord summer truffle pasta served with freshly shaved black truffle was to die for. And if you really want to push the limit and savor in something absolutely sinful, the deep-fried Oreos are worth every bite.
Good food for the soul also includes pastries from artisan bakery Sweet Elenaʻs in Sand City, where everything is made from scratch and a whole lot of love and a glass of organic and sustainably grown small-batch wine from family-owned Odonata Wines in Salinas.
Where to Stay to Rest and Restore
Deep rest is essential for restoring the mind, body and soul, and, of course, your overall happiness. Add in a striking natural environment and the peaceful sound of the ocean and you find yourself at The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina. From sunrise to sunset, this haven of serenity offers ultimate rest and relaxation, and is an ideal place to stay for a wellness weekend in Monterey County.
HEALTH & WELLNESS FROM THE CENTRAL COAST
Monterey County is truly a getaway to find your best self, whether that be through your physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual or spiritual self or all of the above. Your next holistic wellness retreat couldnʻt find a better home than the all-inspiring Central Coast. Needless to say, a wellness getaway to Monterey County doesn’t necessarily look like your stereotypical version of a wellness retreat – and that's exactly why you’ll love it. However, there isn’t a shortage of relaxing, insightful and soulful experiences to partake in.