Wellness retreats are all about dedicating time to your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. An ideal wellness retreat will have you spending time in nature, nourishing your body with healthy food, and immersing yourself in a relaxing environment.
With our close proximity to the ocean and our high concentration of yoga studios and spiritual healers, Encinitas is the perfect destination for a DIY wellness retreat.
Here’s how to spend two days resting, rejuvenating, and reigniting your spirit in our city.
Day One
Morning:
Start your wellness retreat off with some movement. CorePower Yoga offers a wide range of yoga classes, from candlelit vinyasa flows to restorative yin yoga. Whether you’re in need of a gentle stretch or some serious sweat, you can find it here.
After you’re done, swing by Nekter Juice Bar for a superfood smoothie or a handcrafted acai bowl.
Afternoon:
Just a few doors down, boost your immune system and supercharge your energy levels at the Hydration Room. Choose from vitamin injections such as the Antioxidant Refresh Shot or IV therapies like the Wellness Infusion.
Once you’re feeling refreshed and invigorated, it’s the perfect moment to enjoy some quiet time at the coast. Settle in at the Meditation Gardens, where you can watch the ocean waves crash against the shore, listen to the soft burble of a waterfall, and engage in some peaceful contemplation.
Evening:
Treat yourself to a healthy and delicious dinner at Plumeria on the 101. This local Thai favorite serves up vegan and vegetarian dishes made with high-quality organic ingredients. (We recommend the Tom Kah soup and the Roasted White Coconut tea.)
Finally, end your evening with a visit to Soul of Yoga for a sound healing session. The vibrations from their crystal singing bowls resonate throughout the body, promoting relaxation and providing a much-needed reset.
Day Two:
Morning:
Have you heard of forest bathing? Grounded in Japanese culture, it’s the practice of surrounding yourself in greenery, observing your natural surroundings, and being completely present in the moment. Forest bathing has been linked to lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels, making it the perfect addition to your DIY wellness retreat in Encinitas.
The San Diego Botanic Gardens has 37 acres of trees, flowers, and plants to bathe in. Walk one of their nature paths, or find a quiet spot near the waterfall or bamboo pond to sit and breathe deeply.
Afternoon:
For lunch, head to The Naked Café, where you can enjoy a variety of healthy salads, wraps, or “meditation bowls.”
Then it’s time for a spa day at Four Moons, where you can go beyond the traditional massage and facial. Their healers, mystics, and therapists provide acupuncture sessions, cupping therapy, and reiki and crystal healing. Consider it a cleanse for your mind, body, and spirit.
Evening:
Indulge in a healthy dinner at Ki’s, a restaurant that prides itself on being “environmentally and community conscious.” Feast on salmon salad or Jidori chicken with a view of the ocean.
Finally, cross the 101 and watch the sunset at Swami’s Beach. Bring your journal so you can reflect on all you did for yourself these past two days – and start planning your next stay in Encinitas.
Where to Stay: Inn at Moonlight Beach
If you’re visiting from out of town, make the Inn at Moonlight Beach your home base for your wellness retreat. Their lush suites offer premium ocean views, and you can enhance your stay with wellness-themed packages, including sage clearings, medicinal herb tea baths, and bouquets of fresh flowers.
Author: Allison Amini
Allison is the owner of Novel World Travel, a boutique travel agency located in Encinitas. An ASTA Verified Travel Advisor and CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor, Allison helps her clients design personalized vacations – from relaxing long weekends to extended adventures across the globe. She’s been to thirty countries on five continents, but she’s proud to call Encinitas her home.
