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, and uncover 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.
TAKE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A deepened experience of self is amplified when youʻre 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.
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!
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
Pay a visit to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for lighter trail with epic scenery. Take a mindful moment to recognize that this is a sacred place for the Esselen Tribe of MontereyCounty. 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.
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 the 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
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, home-cooked soul food that fills you up with warmth from Michelleʻs Soul Food Kitchen in Seaside, and a glass of organic and sustainably grown small-batch wine from family-owned Odonata Wines in Salinas.
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.
