Category Archives: SPA + TRAVEL

Why You Need to Try Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Under Pressure in Beverly Hills

January 28, 2025

If you haven’t tried Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) yet, it’s time to get on board—especially if you’re looking to fast-track recovery, optimize your body, or just give yourself an extra wellness boost. My experience at Under Pressure Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Beverly Hills was nothing short of transformative.

Under Pressure is located at 250 N Robertson Blvd, and from the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a team of expert professionals who make you feel right at home. Not only are they highly knowledgeable, but they also create a laid-back, personalized experience, helping you make the most of your therapy session.

Now, let’s dive into the actual magic of HBOT. The process involves breathing 100% pure oxygen at a higher pressure, which ramps up the oxygen delivered to your tissues, promotes healing, and supports your body in ways that make it feel like you’re operating on a higher level. The benefits are multi-faceted, and here’s why I’m obsessed with it:

  • Accelerated Healing & Tissue Regeneration: One of the most powerful benefits of HBOT is its ability to enhance tissue repair. It speeds up recovery from both chronic wounds and acute injuries, by reducing inflammation, stimulating angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), and helping repair damaged tissues faster.
  • Enhanced Neurocognitive Function: This one really grabbed my attention. HBOT delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the brain, promoting neurogenesis (new brain cell growth), and is especially helpful for neurological conditions like brain injuries and stroke recovery. I definitely felt my mental clarity sharpened after a few sessions.
  • Immune System Modulation: By improving oxygen saturation in your bloodstream, HBOT strengthens your immune system. It helps with pathogen clearance and reduces infection risk—perfect if you’re recovering from an illness or need to strengthen your defenses.
  • Pain & Inflammation Reduction: For anyone dealing with chronic pain or injuries, HBOT is a game-changer. Its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, and general muscle soreness, speeding up recovery and reducing pain.

After a session, I could feel the difference in my body: less inflammation, reduced muscle soreness, and a renewed sense of energy. It’s an all-encompassing wellness treatment that goes far beyond just feeling “good.”

On top of all that, I loved how Under Pressure made the experience enjoyable. The chambers are designed to be comfortable, and during your treatment, you can watch your favorite shows or listen to music, making it a relaxing, almost spa-like experience. It’s the perfect way to unwind while getting a serious boost to your body and mind.

They also offer additional services like IV Therapy for hydration and energy replenishment, EBOO Therapy (which detoxifies and oxygenates your blood—yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds), and Peptide Therapy for muscle recovery, anti-aging, and immune support.

Under Pressure has truly set the bar high in wellness. The staff’s care and personalized approach make it stand out, and the benefits you gain from HBOT and their other services are nothing short of life-changing.

Nicole Garrett, CHT – Founder & COO

Nicole Garrett brings over a decade of expertise in hyperbaric medicine, combining her background in commercial diving and dive medicine with advanced therapies like HBOT and EBOO. Her leadership at Under Pressure reflects her passion for cutting-edge treatments and patient-focused care.

Address: 250 N Robertson Blvd Suite 106, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Glow Goals: My BBL Laser Experience at Kate Somerville on Melrose Place

January 21, 2025

Stepping into the Kate Somerville Clinic on Melrose Place is like entering a haven of beauty, tranquility, and expertise. Nestled in one of the chicest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the clinic boasts a blend of modern luxury and welcoming warmth. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by sleek interiors, plush seating, and the soothing aroma of perfectly curated skincare. It’s not just a treatment destination—it’s an experience.

As someone who has spent years chasing the elusive glow and trying every serum, mask, and peel under the sun, I was excited to try the BBL (BroadBand Light) Laser, also known as Forever Young BBL. This innovative light therapy is a favorite for its ability to target a laundry list of skin concerns: age spots, sun damage, redness, rosacea, and even acne. Kate Somerville’s team recommended it for my combination of mild hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, promising a refreshed and more youthful complexion.

The Treatment: What to Expect

After a thorough consultation, the amazing Jill walked me through the process. Kate Somerville’s clinic uses the latest BBL HERO technology, which is designed for quicker, more effective treatments with minimal downtime. The advanced cooling system promised comfort, and the machine’s precision was impressive, thanks to its Skin Positioning System™ (SPS) for real-time accuracy.

Once I was settled on the plush treatment bed (complete with a cozy blanket, a gel was applied to my skin to prepare it for the laser. The treatment itself felt like tiny snaps of heat, but nothing unbearable—more like a warm flick than a sting. Jill adjusted the settings for each area, ensuring the perfect balance between effective results and comfort.

In just under 20 minutes, my face was treated. Boom.

Post-treatment, my skin amazing. I was advised to avoid direct sun exposure and load up on sunscreen for the next two weeks, which, honestly, should be my rule regardless.

The Results

Over the following week, I can expect my skin to transform: dark spots lifted, redness reduced, and brighter, clearer complexion. Not to mention –  smoother and firmer, thanks to the increased collagen production stimulated by the BBL. They suggest to do a series – and YES I AM!!

Why Kate Somerville?

Aside from the undeniable expertise of their technicians, the Kate Somerville Clinic is a haven of relaxation and luxury. Every detail is meticulously curated, from the plush waiting areas to the personalized aftercare instructions. The clinic’s reputation as one of LA’s top skincare destinations is well-deserved.

For anyone looking to invest in their skin, I can’t recommend the BBL treatment at Kate Somerville enough. Whether you’re battling sun damage or just want to rewind the clock on your skin, this treatment is a game-changer. And let’s face it—who doesn’t want that Melrose Place glow?

Winter Yoga & Sound Retreat in Taos, NM – Souljourn Yoga Foundation (December 5-9, 2024)

September 13, 2024

Drawing upon the wisdom of introspection & reflection the cold season brings, this 4-night/5-day retreat to stunning New Mexico invites participants to slow down, turn inward, and sink into the nurturing embrace of self-care, all while supporting Indigenous women and girls. 

Known for its rich history and artisan community, creatives have been flocking to this inspiring destination for its beauty, magic, and spellbinding nature. This retreat has been curated to immerse you in the serene pace of winter. 

    

You will be guided by cousins, Souljourn Yoga Founder, Jordan Ashley and sound practitioner, Allison Bagg on our first ever domestic yoga and sound retreat that will leave you nourished on our journey together. Our mornings will culminate with a slow flow yoga session (led by Jordan) inspired by the elements, while Allison will create evening soundscapes filled with guided meditations, alchemy crystal singing bowls and other meditative instruments.

From delicious and wholesome vegetarian meals provided by our private chef, to a guided tour of the Taos Pueblo, an afternoon spent soaking at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, unlimited sauna session, and evenings spent around the fireplace, this winter immersion is curated to both replenish and awaken heart, mind, and spirit from hibernation to self-exploration.

This retreat is honored to be partnered and supporting Tewa Women United, a non-profit which envisions movement(s) rooted in P’in Haa (Breath of Heart/Life) and P’in Nall (Touching Heart and Spirit) that nurture and celebrate the collective power of beloved families, communities, and Nung Ochuu Quiyo (Earth Mother). Through Relational-tivity, TWU embodies courageous spaces that center Indigenous women and girls to connect with ancestral knowingness, healing strengths, and lifeways for the wellbeing of ALL.

About Souljourn’s Yoga & Sound Retreat to Taos, New Mexico

  • 4-night/5-day retreat to stunning New Mexico

  • Immersive experience in the heart of Taos, known for its rich history and artisan community

  • Each participant’s donation supports Tewa Women United, a nonprofit promoting wellness, environmental justice, and Indigenous rights

Schedule highlights:

  • Daily yoga sessions inspired by the elements

  • Evening soundscapes with guided meditations and alchemy crystal singing bowls

  • Delicious, wholesome vegetarian meals prepared by a private chef

  • Guided tour of the historic Taos Pueblo

  • A rejuvenating afternoon at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa

  • Cozy winter evenings relaxing in the sauna and hot tub

  • Goody Bag featuring Mad Hippie and other wellness products!

And the goody bags!  Expect products from health and wellness companies around the world.

They are partnering with Mad Hippie for this Winter Wellness retreat. Not only will you be receiving our usual goodie bag, Mad Hippie is donating an extra EXCLUSIVE bag for the first 10 sign ups for this retreat

These bags will be full of Mad Hippie wellness products for you to enjoy on the retreat and bring home with you!

PRICE

Shared: $2350
Single: $2800

And the best part – use this code for $250 off!! (GROOMEDLA250)

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE 
 
**Note that your $500 deposit is nonrefundable to hold your space. Thank you!  
 

***Please note that we ask you to keep an open mind and a “go with the flow” attitude as we will be in a different country and things sometimes can get delayed or adjusted due to circumstances out of our control. So, embrace the spirit of adventure and enjoy your epic journey that awaits you! Learn more at https://www.souljournyoga.com/taos2024

About Souljourn Yoga Foundation

Souljourn Yoga Foundation is a US 501(c)3 nonprofit that raises awareness and funds for young women’s education around the world by using yoga as an inclusive vehicle for change. Inspired by seva, the Sanskrit word and yogic principle of selfless service, and ‘sojourn’ which captures the essence of being in a place for a time, we collaborate with local community-based projects and international nonprofits. We endeavor to support sustainable educational pathways for women across the world and believe that all women deserve equal access to education and their own space to breathe, connect, and grow.

Revive Med Spa: Beauty and Innovation Arrives In Laguna Niguel

August 25, 2024

Laguna Niguel, renowned for its breathtaking coastline and artistic flair, is about to welcome a new beacon of beauty and sophistication: Revive Med Spa. While the grand opening is slated for the (very) near future, you can – and should – book in for a signature service as soon as August 27th, 2024. This expansion marks a significant milestone as the 11th location for the brand, with a continued commitment to elevating the standards of aesthetic care with its impeccable blend of cutting-edge technology, expert practitioners, and unparalleled service. In short: if a five star hotel and a med spa had a baby it would look very much like Revive; elegance, luxury and sophistication is at the core of what helps to make this med spa stand out from the rest.

Having experienced the magic of Revive Med Spa firsthand at their Woodland Hills location where I fell head over heels for Michelle’s transformative touch, I can’t help but be thrilled about this new addition. Her magic with injectables and treatments has always been a revelation, and knowing the Laguna Niguel locale will uphold that same standard is beyond exciting for the community.

Revive Med Spa: A Legacy of Excellence

Revive Med Spa has earned its reputation as a top-tier destination for aesthetic treatments across California. They are the leading provider of Botox® Cosmetic, Juvederm® Injectable Gel, Voluma™, and other premier treatments. This prestigious status is underscored by their Allergan Black Diamond award, a testament to their unmatched expertise and dedication to excellence.

As they expand into Laguna Niguel they bring with them a wealth of advanced services designed to meet every beauty need:

  • Botox® Cosmetic: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful, refreshed appearance.
  • Juvederm® Injectable Gel: Restores volume and enhances facial contours with natural-looking results.
  • Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser: Combines deep dermal rejuvenation with superficial skin resurfacing for a glowing complexion.
  • Kybella®: Targets and reduces unwanted fat beneath the chin for a more sculpted profile.
  • CoolSculpting®: Non-surgical fat reduction that freezes away stubborn fat with minimal downtime.
  • Sculptra®: Stimulates collagen production to restore facial volume and reduce wrinkles.

A Membership Program That Shines

Revive Med Spa offers the Revive Radiance Membership, which is an exclusive membership that grants access to significant savings on a range of injectables and treatments throughout the year. With the Radiance Membership, you not only enjoy reduced prices but also benefit from the personalized care that Revive is known for. It’s a perfect way to maintain your beauty regimen while enjoying continuous savings.

Led by Expertise: Dr. Leif Rogers

Adding to the allure of Revive Med Spa is the presence of Dr. Leif Rogers as the medical director. An Ivy League graduate and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Rogers is a leader in the field of aesthetic medicine. His expertise in microsurgical reconstruction and the latest techniques in facial rejuvenation and body contouring ensures that every treatment is performed with the highest level of precision and care. Dr. Rogers’s involvement at Revive Med Spa promises an extraordinary level of skill and innovation that sets the spa apart. Dr. Rogers has been my personal surgeon and I cannot rave enough about his work and integrity.

With multiple locations across California, Revive Med Spa continues to expand its reach, bringing their world-class services closer to those who seek the best in beauty and wellness. The Laguna Beach location is set to be a sanctuary of sophistication and innovation, where each visit promises a transformative experience.

For those eager to embark on a journey of radiant skin and enhanced beauty, Revive Med Spa offers complimentary consultations to explore treatment options and pricing. As they open their doors in Laguna Niguel, they invite you to discover the pinnacle of aesthetic care and experience firsthand why Revive Med Spa is a leader in the industry.

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate beauty experience with Revive Med Spa, where every treatment is a step towards achieving the best version of yourself.

24022 Aliso Creek Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
[email protected]
Sun 9a-5p, Mon-Sat 8a-8p
P: 424.610.9695

Medical spa patients can book services online  or call  or text 949.996.0510  for assistance!

Eco Hotel Offers Life-Changing Vegan and Creative Journey Retreats and Introduces Trail Running for Beginners Package

August 7, 2024

The Stanford Inn & Resort is a pet and family-friendly eco-resort on California’s lush Mendocino Coast and the only 100% plant-based resort in the United States. Just outside Mendocino village, on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the property is a haven for guests looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. The resort’s lobby – featuring a curated bookshop, fireplace and comfy couches and reading chairs – is spacious and welcoming. The guest rooms and suites are paneled in warm pine and redwood, many with ocean views and wood-burning fireplaces. Included with each stay is a chef-prepared organic plant-based breakfast at their award-winning, farm-to-table vegan restaurant, Ravens (which offers lunch and dinner as well). Many of the menu’s ingredients are sourced from the resort’s own organic farm and lush gardens. Their Aquatic Center features a saltwater swimming pool, dry sauna, and hot tub – all housed in a delightful greenhouse that provides warmth and comfort throughout the year. The resort’s wellness center offers an unparalleled variety of experiences including nutrition and cooking classes, creative playshops, breathwork and meditation classes, guided hikes and trail runs, and gardening, nature, and mushroom foraging walks. Their spa facility – Massage in the Forest – offers massage, facials, and Ayurvedic treatments.

 

Ravens restaurant enchants even non-vegan diners (they got raves from O, the Oprah Magazine) and to take home some of that magic, guests can learn the joy of plant-based living while experiencing the luxury of the Inn at one of their Vegan Retreats, with one retreat occurring per season. Whether already vegan or merely vegan-curious, these retreats are life-changing. From cooking to nutrition, long-term habit change to environmental and ethical discussions, participants learn everything they need to know to be a happier, healthier person.

Retreat attendees enjoy:

  • Four nights at the indulgent Stanford Inn & Resort
  • Four plant-based breakfasts
  • Four plant-based dinners
  • Two plant-based cooking classes
  • Nutrition/healthy living class with author/nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman
  • Small Steps Class (Stress Management and Habit Change) with author/nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman
  • “Bringing it Home” conversation – how to apply what was learned
  • Complimentary copies of four books
  • Mountain bike rental

The upcoming Vegan Retreat is Thursday, September 5 – Monday, September 9, 2024. The price is $2,610 per person plus tax (single occupancy) and $1,850 per person plus tax (double occupancy). Gratuities are not included.

Another way guests can enrich their lives and open their minds is by participating in the inn’s Creative Journey Retreats. Joan Stanford, who owns and operates the inn with her husband Jeff, conducts the retreats. She is a registered art therapist and author and her “playshops” offer a profound opportunity for self-expression and discovery. By moving past self-judgement and into a truly creative space, Joan helps guests regain their love of creativity and discover insights about their lives and relationships.

Included in the Creative Journey Retreat:

  • Three nights lodging
  • Three breakfasts
  • Three dinners
  • Five creative experiences facilitated by Joan (art-making, writing, nature walk)
  • Open studio time (optional)
  • Complimentary copy of Joan’s book, “The Art of Play”

The upcoming Creative Journey Retreat is Thursday, October 24 – Sunday, October 27, 2024. The cost is $1910 per person plus tax (single occupancy) or $2620 per person plus tax (double occupancy). Gratuities are not included. Guests must call the Stanford Inn directly to book the Creative Journey Retreat at 800-331-8884.

It’s worth noting that if guests are not able to attend these set-date retreats, various private retreat packages can be added to a stay at any time of year which can include plant-based cooking classes, creative playshops and more.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Sid Garza-Hillman, who is also the resort’s Wellness Director, leads the brand new Trail Running for Beginners package. With this package, guests will learn proper form, pacing, nutrition on and off the trails, and a breathwork technique that improves fitness and endurance.

This package includes:

  • Three dinners
  • Three trail runs
  • Nutrition for Trail Runners class
  • “Breathing for Trail Runners” Breathwork Class
  • Special gift of three books

The cost is $555 per person plus tax or $890 per couple plus tax. Pricing does not include lodging or gratuities. There is a three-night minimum, and the package is subject to availability.

Beyond their special retreats and packages, the Inn enables their guests to experience something more than just a getaway to a beautiful place – they foster an interlude that is meaningful and life affirming.

“We hope our guests will gain a sense of connection,” says Jeff Stanford. “In these times, connecting with nature is so vital for well-being. We arise within nature and without recognizing and experiencing our bond with nature it can be challenging to connect with ourselves and each other.”

Photos: Daniel Turbert Photography