As we move toward the end of a stress-packed year, it’s little wonder so many of us are seeking solace in nature. Perched between towering redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur has long been a place for people to restore their well-being—reconnecting with themselves, others, and the natural world all at once.
Here are a few ways to practice mindfulness and renew your spirit at Ventana Big Sur on California’s picturesque Central Coast.
High above the Pacific, breathe in the fresh forest air. Stretch your body. Fully awaken yourself mentally and physically. Morning yoga sets the tone for the rest of your day, allowing for quiet reflection on your day’s goals and intentions. Soon, you will be centered and ready to conquer what’s ahead.
Add more mindful movement into your day with tai chi, an ancient Chinese practice often referred to as “mediation in motion.” Join our expert instructor to make slow, rhythmic, fluid motions from one posture into the next. Paired with fresh ocean breezes, a daily tai chi practice is one of the most gentle, yet wonderfully effective, ways to reduce stress.
Real nourishment begins with real food, and at Ventana, it begins in the Organic Garden. We pull fresh ingredients from the soil to give our dishes, and our guests, more vibrancy and vitality. Join us for an intimate guided tour while you help our gardener harvest that week’s bounty. You’ll also discover how to cultivate your own garden and learn about the herbs and produce that go into our culinary creations.
Of course, food can nourish the mind along with the body, and the secret is in mindful eating—engaging your senses when you’re eating, whatever you’re eating. That even includes s’mores, a signature of the Ventana experience. Made with organic ingredients, fair-trade cacao beans by Tcho Chocolates, and homemade graham crackers, they are best savored while gazing at the Big Sur night sky.
With pounding surf, majestic forests, and endless starry skies, the rugged Pacific coast is a testament to the power and beauty of nature. And you can harness both for your own wellness with hikes and other outdoor activities. During the day, hike among hundred-year-old redwoods and explore cascading rivers and streams, while learning about the Native Americans who once thrived here. At night, find an overwhelming peace in the quiet starlight—or join a celestial guide for a hike lit by the stars and moon above, complete with a nightcap of mycelium extract cocktails and gourmet snacks.
We all have different needs and desires for health and well-being, and that’s precisely why Big Sur is such a hallowed place: Here, both nature and opportunity are unbridled.
To book experiences, contact guest relations at 1-800-628-6500 or email [email protected].
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