Self-Care and Wellness Activities
Pasadena is the perfect place to unplug and recharge
To start, the city's leisurely, laid-back pace instantly puts you in a relaxed state of mind. And then there's the abundance of wellness experiences to tap into, from pampering and detoxing to meditating and working out. An added bonus? Everything is in relatively close proximity and easy to get to, so your stress level won't be spiked by traffic and parking annoyances as you glide from blissful moment to blissful moment. All you have to focus on is nurturing your spirit. Treat your mind, body and soul to some well-deserved TLC with three glorious days dedicated to your well-being, as mapped out in this itinerary:
Day 1
After checking into your hotel and getting settled, head to Old Pasadena for a walkabout. Your mission? Collect a few skincare products to help feel your best for the weekend at Korean and Japanese beauty destination, PlayLab Beauty.
Pick up a juice, wellness shot or vegan soft serve at Pressed Juicery. Or head down to Urth Caffé to sip on a premium, ceremonial grade Matcha tea sourced from Japan. If you're hungry for something more substantial, yet light and "clean," try True Food Kitchen for nutritious, flavorful cuisine.
The next chapter of your evening will be a relaxing, restorative yoga class at Yoga House. Tune out the world while floating in mineral-rich Epsom saltwater in your own customized pod. The many benefits of float therapy include setting you up for a more restorative sleep, which will be the final item on your day's agenda back at your hotel.
Day 2
Rise and shine for a high-powered, motivating SoulCycle spin class that will flood your body with feel-good serotonin.
Refresh at your hotel and then lace up your walking shoes for a late morning visit to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Here, you will practice the Japanese art of "forest bathing" while exploring the 16 thematic gardens spread out among the 120-acre grounds. Pause for contemplation and tranquility as you stroll among cacti, camellias and lily ponds. Find moments of Zen in the traditional Chinese and Japanese gardens. And don't forget to stop to smell the roses!
Dedicate your afternoon to a spa day at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena's Chuan Spa. The award-winning destination spa is known for its Chinese Medicine-inspired treatments that integrate the five elemental forces—wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Begin your journey in the Contemplation Lounge and take advantage of the herbal steam, dry sauna and whirlpool facilities before your treatments. Book one of the "Chuan Signature Escape Packages" that combine targeted massage and facial treatments designed to balance, detox and relax. Conclude your spa day in the Dream Room sipping on Chinese herbal tea.
Your palate will get the pampering treatment next. Savor a multi-course dinner at the Parkway Grill, a pioneer in California's seasonal cuisine movement. The market-driven cuisine is prepared with organic vegetables and herbs grown in the restaurant's very own garden on the premises. Expect artfully prepared dishes and high-quality ingredients, from sustainably sourced seafood to ethically raised beef and poultry.
Day 3
After checking out on your final morning, stop by Roots & Rye for an Acai bowl, fresh juice or a smoothie. Then get your blood pumping on an invigorating walk or bike ride around the 3.3-mile Rose Bowl Stadium Loop. You'll see the landmark Rose Bowl Stadium from nearly every angle and also go around the lush Brookside Golf & Country Club.
For one last meditative moment, visit the Salt Studio to experience a 45-minute halotherapy session in the softly lit salt room. You'll sit in a chair and simply breathe in the healing air filled with anti-inflammatory salt particles. Think of it as "multi-tasking" reflection time.
Wrap up your wellness weekend with a delightful meal at My Vegan Restaurant, a plant-based Thai eatery on Arroyo Parkway- located right where the first ever Trader Joe's opened. Indulge in Thai classics like yellow curry and pad thai or American style dishes including Impossible tacos or burger and pasta. Compliment your meals with organic refreshing coconut water served from a real coconut.
The natural electrolytes will leave you feeling completely nourished, energized and refreshed after this weekend immersed in self-care and conscious consumption. Namaste!