When the Laguna Beach Tourism Board invites you to experience their amazing “Pathway to Zen,” you unhesitatingly say “YES”! A month ago, I had the fantastic opportunity to go to Laguna Beach and experience the wellness itinerary of my dreams with Visit Laguna and some of my fave wellness and clean beauty bloggers. It was the girls trip I desperately needed, and just an hour away from home. Jackpot! 😍
Wondering how to have the perfect wellness weekend in Laguna Beach? Today I’m dishing on this beautiful wellness tour curated by Visit Laguna, and it has something for everyone: spas, hiking, food, chakra + tarot readings, you name it, I’ve got you.
Let me show you the Laguna Beach “Pathway to Zen”.
** This stay was in collaboration with Visit Laguna, but as always, all opinions are my own.**
The Ranch Laguna Beach
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is just an hour south of L.A., but it feels like you’ve gone so much further. Nestled between the Aliso and Wood Canyons, and only 350 yards from the beach, this beautiful resort is one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. The Ranch is perfectly positioned for enjoying all that the Laguna wellness scene has to offer. I enjoyed my stay so much that I wrote a review of this unique resort where luxury meets sustainability; find that review here.
If you’re enjoying the Laguna Beach wellness trail, you’re in luck, because the Ranch features FOUR of the hot spots on its property. This includes the Sycamore Spa by Hudson, which was so nice I went twice (review)!
Plein Air Painting – the heart of Laguna
First on my agenda was a beautiful Plein Air painting class on the Harvest Lawn at the Ranch. Lite bites, signature cocktails, and art; now, this was my type of afternoon. Laguna Beach was founded by artists that painted in “Plein Air,” a beutiful, medititative form of landscape painting in which the artist gets out into the open air and paints landscapes as they exist in that tiny sliver in time.
Laguna’s Plein Air legacy is great. Established in 1903 as an artist colony, the artists of Laguna went on to found the original Laguna Beach Art Association, the first art gallery, and later the town’s museum. The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) was founded in 1996 with a mission to preserve the history of the Plein Air movement of 19th century California and continues that tradition today with events, workshops, and education.
I visited Laguna during their 21st annual artist invitational, and it quickly became clear just how important this art is to the town. I enjoyed a class taught by Amy Jackson, a talented artist and educator who is a staple in the Laguna Beach Art community. This type of art class is particularly amazing because you quickly learn that even the slightest shift in your location can greatly change the perspective… and isn’t that just the best metaphor for life.
Guided Meditation at Scout Camp
After spending the afternoon Plein Air painting, which is deeply meditative in itself, my group took a shuttle down to the Scout Camp on the resort property for a guided meditation with Jessica Cable of Root and Reach. The Scout Camp is a beautiful location on the Ranch property designed for camp, retreats, and youth mentorship experiences. It was a beautiful location for earthing/grounding, a guided meditation, and being in nature.
We started our meditation by taking off our shoes and earthing. Have you done this before? I have, and as “woo woo” as it seems, I swear it helps reconnect me with mother earth. It’s simply the practice of connecting your bare body (typically your feet) with the earth. You walk slowly and quietly. Breathing deeply you focus on feeling the firmness of the earth beneath. The point is making the mental shift; to be reminded of how the earth supports you. After earthing, we returned to our mats and I felt fully tuned in and ready for a guided meditation.
Talk about post art and meditation bliss.
Dinner at Harvest
After meditation, we headed to the Chakra Spa for a Tarot Card reading, but I wanted to point out one other awesome spot on the Pathway to Zen, which makes The Ranch the perfect home base for your wellness weekend. The Harvest Restuarant at The Ranch is located right inside the Ranch House (just past the check-in) and it is the perfect way to end any day. The menu is a beautiful selection of sustainable sea and farm- to- table grub accompanied by a vast bar menu. I’m talking signature cocktails featuring herbs from the organic garden and a wine list with plenty of organic options. I love that this restaurant has so many amazing sustainable and eco practices, too. If you want to know more, I go in-depth in this post.
This is a great dining experience whether you are staying at the Ranch or not, but after trying a few items off of the cocktail menu my second night of the trip, I was grateful for the short walk back to my suite.
Tarot Reading w/The Chakra Spa & Gallery
As I mentioned, between meditation and dinner, I went off the property to get a tarot reading at the Chakra Spa. A beautiful spa that specializes in putting you at ease, this place is such an unconventional but uniquely Laguna way to restore your mind body and spirit. The owner and psychic, Stacy, comes from a long line of psychics, and it was such a cool experience.
I’ve had my tarot read before, but only when playing around with people I know and never with someone who legit does this for a living. Stacy was gentle but seemed really in tune. After flipping just a few cards, she was talking about pieces of my past that she couldn’t possibly have known. She spoke of my childhood blocks, the emotional wall I put up (even between my husband), about my mother and our relationship, and my current emotional state. All spot on.
But then she talked to me about the shifts in my career, gave me insights to where I’m meant to shine, and even asked permission to do a short reading for my husband! I mean, he was sitting at home 50 miles away and she said our connection was so strong that she could read his energy. How could I say no? She then proceeded to tell me a bit about him and about what she sees for his future; specifically his career. Needless to say, I was blown away.
In fact, I’m keeping the tidbit she shared about him to myself (he knows I’m keeping it) because I am dying to see what happens. This was such an amazing experience, I left a little sad, a little hopeful, and even more encouraged to do the work to heal not only my mental and physical self but to tap even further to my spiritual healing.
I’m planning to pay Stacy another visit soon because I’d love to do a full reading and chakra work.
And after a full fist day, sleep in and enjoy a coffee on your patio…
Laughter Yoga
… and then head down to Main Beach for Laughter Yoga. Yup, you read that right. The Laguna Laughter Club meets every morning at 8 am (10 am on Saturday) on the sand below the Heisler Park Gazebo and I promise you’re in for a treat. I have to admit I was most trepidatious about this activity, but I am so glad that I went and I decided to go all in.
Laughter as exercise. You just show up, do the activities, which I liken to comedic improv, and your body reaps the benefits of laughter. It starts out forced, we’re laughing at the sky or pretending someone just told the world’s funniest joke, but after a few minutes, something shifts in your body chemistry and you are physically happier and the laughter is real.
The idea of laughter yoga can be a bit intimidating at first, so I recommend going with a friend. But once you’re there, expect to feel welcome and supported.
A walk through Heisler Park
As I mentioned, the Plein Air Invitational was going on while I was in town, so the park was filled with artists and their easles, but this park is filled with other artwork to view all year round. Sculptures, excellent views, and pretty great dolphin spotting if you’re lucky (we saw a small pod!). Find a bench and sit a while.
Aura Reading at the Chakra Shack
After a walk through the park, we grabbed smoothies at Active Culture and hit up the Chakra Shack for Aura Readings and a little shopping. The Chakra Shack has beautiful locally made gifts, crystals, singing bowls, and an assortment of herbs for burning, and smudging. When I walked in this gentleman was burning a mixture of sage and Palo Santo and I was immediately in heaven. I love that they sell sustainably sourced Palo Santo because deforestation due to overuse is a serious concern. This Palo Santo is sustainably sourced by a family that has planted more than 30,000 trees back into the area over the last 10 years. Add to that they host full moon sound baths and this is my kind of establishment.
In addition to all of your spiritual sundries, they also had an Aura Video Station that uses biofeedback sensors to measure, analyze, and process the biofeedback data of your specific energetic and activity levels. The idea is that every living organism is surrounded by an electromagnetic energy field, aka the Aura. This field vibrates at different frequencies and reflects everything from your state of mind, to your inner being. This video station shows your aura colors, which are associated with various chakras.
Like the Tarot reading, this was a first for me.
And I was totally geeking out, because like the tarot reading, the results were staggeringly accurate.
My Aura, at the time of this reading, was green-yellow with a strong presence and radiant energy; indicating that I am communicative, social, balanced, creative, and logical. Yup.
But where things got interesting was when the Aura Reader started beaking down my chakras and where my blocks were, based on biofeedback. If you’re thinking they aligned with the Tarot reading from the day before, you would be right. I have some work to do on my root and navel chakra. The mantra I’m working on is that what is mine is already mine. I’ve collected all the seeds, but if I do not plant them (currently hoarding all the seeds), then I will never be able to reap the harvest of my hard work.
With new insights into my spiritual health, by way of both the tarot and aura readings, I feel equipped to take my overall wellness to the next level.
Lunch – Shop – Hike
After the Aura reading, a few of us headed over to Zinc Cafe for a light lunch. This place is a local favorite for fast-casual real food. Order at the counter and enjoy your lunch on the cute outdoor patio. I had quiche, tomato soup, and a small salad that was delicious. I’ve heard their Avocado Toast
Especially with a few bubbles and good conversation.
Clean Beauty in Laguna at ROOTS
Just across the street from Zinc, you’ll find Roots Beauty, Orange County’s only green beauty store! ROOTS is not just a beauty store. Laura, the founder, and owner is an excellent source of clean beauty education, and the shop also houses an Organic Salan specializing in clean hair care and color. After over 20 years in the industry, Laura is a veritable encyclopedia of beauty knowledge. I loved that she talked me through finding my perfect everyday lip shade and answered a bunch of my burning questions. Stay tuned because I’ll be sharing some of Laura’s top tips soon and I’ve also got a sweet little discount in case you want to shop Roots online!
Top of the World
Lunch, shop, then Hike the Top of the World. This little spot is so beautiful with 360° views of Orange County. Located at the north end of Alta Laguna Blvd, Alta Laguna Park (aka Top of the World) has different levels which almost all lead to a scenic lookout with some of the best views in Laguna. Take a more leisurely path for the views and to aid digestion, or kick it up a notch for the ultimate workout. The paths are many, and the choice is yours.
Good Eats at Harley
After a long day and a good hike, I headed back to The Ranch to get changed for a special opening of Harley. This restaurant, normally closed on Mondays, was a beautiful example of Laguna beach hospitality. The restaurant itself is beautiful and inviting, exactly the ambiance the Chef (Greg Daniels) was trying to evoke. But Harley is more than just a pretty place. The menu is evocative and innovative, and most importantly, utterly delicious. As the sister of a chef, I consider myself a bit of a foodie. For me, food is never just about the flavors, but about the elevation. Genuinely great chefs are able to take something utterly pedestrian and make me question everything. I found this at Harley.
Nothing is what I expected.
I read menus ahead of time because I’m the person who wants to try it all. At this little VIP night, I got to do just that, and while I’d like to recommend a single item you must try, I can’t… because you’ve got to try it all. But if you absolutely insist, then fine – try the Halloumi Cheese, and the Jammy Eggs (just trust me), and the Creekstone Farms Tomahawk (steak) with mint chimichurri.
Vegetarian? Every. side. is. divine.
And I’m not talking some lame salad. I’m talking about the best roasted cauliflower I’ve ever eaten. Moroccan spices, yogurt, sliced almonds, and mint were the stuff dreams are made of. And the grilled avocado features the avocado leaf and pit (shaved) with lemon and terrace hill olive oil. I’ve never eaten the pit; this prep is innovative and delicious.
Yoga in Treasure Island Park
After a divine dinner at Harley and a few drinks at the Harvest Bar, I called it a night… but perhaps much too late. The next morning came way too soon, and I was seriously afraid to brave the Yoga in the park with Carl Brown. But, I grabbed a coffee and my girl Sarah (Whoorl) and we basically, sorta, survived.
Ok, real talk: This class is amazing. Hard. But great. It’s a free athletic yoga class offered 5 days a week at Treasure Island Park overlooking the cliffs and the Ocean near the Montage Resort. But don’t let anyone tell you it’ll be easy. Carl Brown teaches a Bootcamp style vinyasa flow, with transitions that can be a bit challenging even when you haven’t stayed up late and drank maybe a little too much. I wouldn’t say it’s advanced, because it is not comprised of unusual or difficult poses, but be prepared to sweat. At the end of the class, I must admit I felt a little victorious, and that made brunch at the Montage afterward all the better.
Post Yoga Breakfast at the Loft at Montage
I’m going to go ahead and call this one a non-negotiable. The Loft at the Montage is another local favorite. Beautiful panoramic views, a great ocean breeze, and easy un-fussy cuisine are the perfect post-yoga prescription. Go ahead, get the cappuccino and two eggs any style. I was eyeballing the bloody mary as well but I thought it best I load up on water after a night out.
Pathway to Zen
And there you have it; the perfect wellness-focused itinerary for when you have just a few days to get away. I promise you won’t regret it. Laguna Beach is an extraordinary place on the California coastline, and I hope to spend many more days finding my zen there.
** An exclusive Wellness Promo w/the Ranch**
Book a stay at The Ranch with the best available room rate, a waived resort fee, a day pass to the Sycamore Spa, and get an awesome Laguna Beach swag bag filled with locally made wellness products — > Book HERE OR use code WELLNESS. Also, with this code, if you book a spa treatment at the Sycamore, you get a complimentary 30-minute extension. Yup, if you book a 60min deep tissue massage, they will happily upgrade it to 90mins of heaven
PS- I went on this trip with a group of amazing girls. For more Laguna Beach fun, be sure to check them out.
- Sarah from Whoorl // @whoorl
- Lisa from This Organic Girl // @thisorganicgirl
- Tinger from Dash of Ting // @dashofting
- Kelli from Kellication //@kellication
- Diane Mizota // @DianeMizota
Thanks to the amazing Greer Inez // @greerinez for her amazing photography.
Xo, Kimberly Fe'Lix
