Forget Rigid Resolutions and Introduce—or Reinforce—Good Habits Instead
You survived a month of festive after-work drinks and a month of not-so-mindful eating and January is now well under way. But after a hectic and hedonistic holiday season, some late starters might still be contemplating ways to reset their wellness, health and mindfulness goals for the year ahead. Because feeling good runs more than skin deep—although there should always be calendar space for some spa time—whether it’s reinstating restorative rituals with a sound bath, landing on yoga mats, finally trying that juice cleanse or starting a workout routine, these five San Diego experiences will help you to get back on track.
Get a Green Smoothie Scrub at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge
For a day dedicated to “beauty, well-being and soul care,” the chic Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge checks all the right boxes. Located inside The Seabird Resort and just steps from the sand in Oceanside, this stunning spa boasts sparkling Pacific views and an active relaxation space (The Cove). Don’t forget to pop on a Knesko eye mask while alternating between the sauna and steam rooms. The menu of facials, massages and body treatments here is substantial, but Sunny’s CBD-infused Green Smoothie Scrub is a standout: think 60 minutes of being blissfully buffed and polished–all while reducing redness and leaving your skin glowing. For a $50 upgrade, you can add a one-hour CBD massage. Then, make a long afternoon of it by adding a Deep Sea manicure and pedicure in the Beauty Lounge, followed by a Davines conditioning mask and blowout before floating home perfectly polished from head to toe.
Location: Oceanside
Take a Rooftop Workout Class at AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club
Fitness still tops the list when it comes to “new year, new me” resolutions (hello there, January gym spike), but most folks fall off the wagon just weeks later. The best fitness club to join is one you’ll feel inspired to go to, and AquaVie is the swankiest place in San Diego to break a sweat. From lifting weights to studio classes like HIIT and candlelit slow flow yoga, the rooftop features a junior Olympic-size lap pool (there are Master Swim classes too) and running track, plus dedicated space for spin classes—because outdoor workouts are a Southern California staple.
Location: Downtown San Diego
Fuel Up With Healthy Eats From Rad Habits Juice Co.
Whether you’re looking to break bad habits and lose a few pounds or stock the pantry with clean eats (from nut spreads, keto cookies and bars to bone broth), stop by this South Park juicery, cafe and wellness shop. In addition to the baked goods, smoothies and quick bites (may we suggest the Basic Bitch Toast and shroom-blended acai bowl), Rad Habits’ multi-day juice cleanses are a delicious way to kick-start a new routine. Available as a one-, three- or five-day package, this process will help beat the bloat, say goodbye to toxins and reset systems on any new-year wellness journey.
Location: South Park
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Breathe, Move + Connect With Yourself at a Vita Pura Yoga Retreat
If mindful hikes and sunset yoga at the beach sounds appealing, a Vita Pura yoga retreat could be the wellness experience you’ve been searching for. Master teachers Amber Martinez and Lance Slatter incorporate a classical hatha yoga workshop, pranayama breathwork and meditation sessions over five days inviting guests to slow down, hit pause and open their hearts. Based at The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, you’ll be within walking distance of the trailhead to Torrey Pines State Beach, and there are also gardens and a swimming pool to enjoy on the property, plus free time to explore San Diego too. Welcome to your soul-nourishing adventure to kick off 2023.
Location: San Diego
Let Go With a Sound Healing Session at Saffron & Sage
Sound bath meditation sessions have been having a total moment recently, but one of the first places to introduce them to San Diego was holistic health club Saffron & Sage. Used for centuries to make people feel all Nirvana-like, next-level chill, sound therapy helps calm the nervous system and slows down brain waves. Become deliciously immersed in sound waves produced by chimes, gongs, drums and quartz crystal bowls (which activate alpha and theta brain waves to reduce stress and anxiety) during a guided sound bath. You can also recalibrate energetically and relax completely with the steady and restorative vibrational frequency of a Biofield Tuning session.
Location: Bankers Hill
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Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
