Category Archives: SPA + TRAVEL

RENAISSANCE INDIAN WELLS OPENS COMPREHENSIVE FITNESS CENTER, PROVIDING EXCLUSIVE NEW ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRY’S MOST ADVANCED TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGIES

November 14, 2018

So, you know I have a little thing about working out while traveling. Ok, let’s just say, I like to travel to work out. Yah, I know. Weird. I love nothing more than visiting hotels and checking out their gyms (and spas, duh) and writing about my experience.

In the case of Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, I’ll talk mostly about their gym, as the hotel was an after thought for me. I went solely to experience their revolutionary new Fitness Center which seeks to redefine the hotel workout experience and present an unprecedented roster of advances for guests of all fitness levels.

And that would be totally correct. The gym is lit, as the kids say.

The transformed venue provides access to leading workout breakthroughs, from on-demand classes and shared training to customizable apps and functional zone activities. The Center also honors travelers’ increasing interest in high- and low-intensity interval training, and in strength and body weight exercise and technological assists to help maximize performance.

The equipment is extensive, including the innovative Peloton Commercial Bike – a technological first for regional travelers. Futuristic enhancements also include the new Max-Trainer from leading cardio manufacturer Octane, along with recently introduced Life Fitness cardio machines which synch with Apple GymKit.

I had two sensational workouts – fueled myself at the pool restaurant which actually had healthy choices and took two or three massive walks around the hood – which is a golf course and a desert. Both stunning, spacious and a gorgeous break from LA.

The hotel is massive and I could not quite figure out who it’s for – golfers? People heading to casinos? Who knows. Who cares. IF you are in the area and need to kick ass in a gym, head over to this one.

The gym is open to registered guests and area residents joining the hotel’s new fitness membership program, the Fitness Center presents the following innovations:

  • Advanced new Peloton Bikes with commercial-grade hardware and software – now regarded as the most socially-connected and immersive indoor bikes available. The commercial Peloton is Fitbit-compatible and offers unlimited access to studio cycling classes. Guests can ride to daily live cycling classes streamed directly from Peloton’s NYC studio, or they can choose from 4,000+ on-demand workouts ranging in difficulty, length, and theme. They can track their progress with in-depth metrics and can race other riders on a real-time leaderboard. The bikes’ 22-inch high-definition, sweat-proof touch-screens fully immerse riders in every class, bringing the power of studio fitness directly into the Renaissance Indian Wells hotel setting. Local desert trails are among the included workout video options.

  • Octane makes its first hotel appearance, and its only fitness center appearance anywhere in the desert, as it presents its new Max-Trainer at Renaissance Indian Wells. The Max-Trainer hybrid climber is a bold new high-intensity interval training machine which delivers ultra-efficient metabolic conditioning. It fuels major results in cardio, functional training and small group workouts.

 

  • Life Fitness brings its treadmills, ellipticals, PowerMill Climber and recumbent bikes to the Fitness Center, all providing Apple GymKit connectivity. This allows guests to pair their Apple Watches wirelessly and seamlessly to exchange data between the watch and machine. Once connected, Apple Watch and the machine exchange data such as heart rate, calories burned, distance, speed and incline, ensuring that the metrics on the machine match what users sees on their watches. If you’re wanting to try and find connected exercise machines like this for your home, have a look into the best recumbent exercise bike available for your exercise needs.

  • TRX brings further innovation to the Renaissance Indian Wells Indian Wells Fitness Center, thanks to its new TRX Suspension Trainer body weight suspension training products. Workout highlights include functional training zones as well as body weight suspension training.

 

  • The Woodway Curve Trainer, another very rare find in the hotel world, is a completely manual treadmill which allows a user to accelerate and decelerate at any desired pace, without the need to push a button.

 

  • Fitness On Demand: Virtual on-demand classes such as yoga, plyoga, tone & shred and Jillian Michaels “Hard Body” are available in the Center’s newly created, semi-private “Virtual Fitness Class Zone.”

  • Sandbags, widely used in boutique fitness centers including elite performance, Crossfit, Bootcamps, MMA, and Boxing Clubs, are available as an additional training option to the standard dumbbells, barbells or medicine balls.

 

  • New Kettlebells at Renaissance Indian Wells have been imported from the UK’s leading fitness product designer and supplier, Jordan Fitness.

For local membership information, which also provides access to the resort’s outdoor lawn and aqua aerobic programs, please contact +1-760-836-1265. The new Fitness Center at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa was custom designed, developed and equipped by Growth Fitness Marketing & Design of Laguna Beach, California.

Limited Number of Local Memberships Available to Area Residents

Address: 44400 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210

buy Diflucan
http://buywithoutprescriptiononlinerx.net/lasix.html
Pepcid no prescription

WHAT’S NEW ON CATALINA ISLAND (Hint: I’m obsessed with them!

July 3, 2018

  Consistently named one of the best island getaways by media outlets nationwide, Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the Southern California cost, is a unique blend of laid back vibe, rich and historic past, features water and land activities to suit any taste and modern-day amenities and services for every budget.

The island is constantly evolving to offer visitors the best experience, whether it’s to relax and rejuvenate or rev up the action. Following are a few of the new happenings on the island this year. What do you say? C’mon and visit!


photo credit @adventurpro

ESCAPE ROOMS

Ahoy…me hearties! Feel free to dress and talk like a pirate at Catalina Room Escape, one of two new Escape Rooms to open on the island. The Pirate Challenge allows participants one hour to solve a variety of riddles, discover clues and escape from the room. Info: 310.510.2777. CatalinaRoomEscape.

The rules are much the same at Escape Room Catalina. You and your group of two-to-eight confidants have one hour to crack the code, solve the mystery and escape the room. Room themes change with the season, so the company promises they always have fresh puzzles to solve. The company can set up a challenge at their location, or at a hotel room or vacation rental. Info: 310-510-8575. Escape Room Catalina

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Catalina Aerial Adventure is flying high. Be sure to try it to get your adrenalin pumping. The new ropes-and-planks course weaves through a  grove of towering eucalyptus trees deep within Descanso Canyon. Other adventurous activities nearby include  Zip line Eco Tour and  Catalina Climbing Wall.

HIKING

You haven’t seen the real Catalina if you just visit Avalon. Take a hike into the backcountry on the new-and-rehabbed  Trans-Catalina Trail, part of a 165-mile system of recreational roads and hiking trails on the island. Catalina Conservancy has added 27 miles of new trails, refurbished restrooms and is eradicating non-native plants. In other big news for the Conservancy, the  Catalina Trailhead Visitor Center, being built in downtown Avalon, is expected to be completed in late 2018 or early 2019. Info: 310.510.2595 CatalinaConservancy.com

More good news for hikers and backpackers: Catalina Backcountry is operating a concierge service for outdoor enthusiasts. The company will take a load off your back by transporting supplies and equipment. It also offers a naturalist-led hikes, can set up comfort camping or create an adventure expedition. Info: 310.510.1212, Catalina Back Country

TWO HARBORS

Yes, there is a second city on the Island of Catalina. Two Harbors, at the island’s West End, is known for being low-key and rustic. But it has undergone a face-lift, with a new sandy beach, plush palapas, lounge chairs, a group gathering place, food and beverage service on the beach and a small business center. You can take a Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro to Two Harbors. Info: 800.613.1212 Catalina Express; 310.510.4205 Visit Catalina

TOURS

Hope on an eco-friendly bus to tour the island. The all-electric buses are operating on Catalina Island Company tours of Skyline Drive and on Inland Expedition tours. In addition to eliminating the need for diesel or gas, the buses have huge windows, air conditioning and quiet, smooth rides. Info: 877.778.8322, Visit Catalina

About Catalina Island and Catalina Express

Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors, transporting nearly one million passengers annually. It offers comfortable airline-style seats and grouped table seating. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed and built/purchased specifically for comfort and speed. Catalina Express is an unparalleled resource in Southern California, and one of the world’s most respected ferry fleets. For information and reservations call 800.429.4601, or visit Catalina Express

Catalina Island’s clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate and ambiance are a Shangri-La. The laid-back island town is chock full of places to eat, drink, shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous and varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, such as camping, hiking, snuba, to diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, as well as beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.

 

Infinite Wellness Retreat With Noelle Malvin

June 30, 2018

For the first time ever, Noelle Malvin is bringing her magical “Infinite Wellness Retreat” to Malibu, California! On July 14th, 2018 at The Sunset Restaurant’s beautiful beachside venue, a community of individuals will come together with one objective in mind, to take their lives to the next level! During this retreat, Noelle will transform individuals into living their best life through the means of meditation, energy healing, chakra clearing, and the removal of limiting beliefs that hold them back from excelling into their greatest self.

Are you feeling like you’re not living up to your highest potential? Do you imagine being with the love of your life, having that dream job, that perfect body and traveling the world? Well, all these things are attainable. The only thing holding you back is subconscious limiting beliefs developed from childhood that have caused energy blocks. Traumas, abuse, and other people’s harmful narratives of who you are have been stored in your body, preventing you from becoming the person you desire to be. If you’re ready to clear your blocks and step into the highest version of yourself then the“Infinite Wellness Retreat” is the place for you!

Noelle has been a Health and Wellness Counselor & Transformational Coach for the past 16 years and has 12 years of formal education with a B.A. in Psychology & Education and M.A.’s in Counseling and Leadership. Also, her training consists of Psychology, Quantum Physics, Energy Healing, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Yoga. With her extensive knowledge and training, Noelle will take participants on a guided journey of self-discovery and transformation that will ultimately elevate them into living the highest version of themselves.

Throughout the course of the day these life-changing exercises, guides, and practices will be masterfully instructed, taught, and counseled by Noelle:

A Grounding Meditation

Balancing Your Life

Manifesting Your Best Life

A Guide Of The 7 Chakras

Removing Limiting Beliefs

Energy Healing

Understanding Your Emotions and Using Them As Power

Mind Hacking

Making The Mind-Body Connection

Understanding Self Sabotage and How To Change It

Using Your Internal Guidance System

The Energy of The Body And How It Works

If you are ready to live your best life come join this magical journey of healing, motivation, and transformation!

Working with Noelle had a profound effect on me breaking free from my limiting beliefs. To this day I have never worked with anyone who had such a dramatic effect on my life and the crazy thing is, she accomplished that in an hour and 15 minutes. Her workshops are on another level and I could not recommend them more. Noelle is the best!

– Joshua T Berglan, Host of Joshua T. Berglan’s Morning Gratitude

For additional info and ticket prices visit https://www.infiniteserenitycounseling.com/events/infinite-wellness-retreat-malibu

Location: The Sunset Restaurant, 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

When: Saturday, July 14th. 9am-3pm

“Bring A Friend Specials” available. Its 249$ for two people.
Non-alcoholic beverages and a light lunch served during the break.

 

Sound Alchemy With La Mer at La Maida Institute

June 21, 2018

LOVE LA MER 

I fell in love with La Mer during an internet stalk on sound healers in LA. I had to meet her ASAP and did so at the La Maida Institute where she is the Sound & Song Healing Advisor. La Mer took me into a deep, hypnotic trance state, deep theta – with her instrumental alchemy and soothing angelic voice. My one on one session was nothing short of breath-taking. I am for sure going to have her work her magic on a small private group. Here is more about Meredith. I urge you to check out one of her offerings at the stunning La Maida or to book her privately.

Here’s a little interview to learn more about her!

GLA: Do you remember first connecting to sound alchemy and what did you do once you realized it was a portal to healing?

Like most music lovers who grew up singing and playing, I have always felt tapped into music’s capacity to connect, heal and transform.  I became more keenly aware of this while studying Ewe drum and dance in Ghana during my second year of college.  Working directly with a community whose connection to the pulse of life is literally woven into everyone’s daily rhythm was life altering.  Music has always been the foundation of their lives… babies come out of the womb knowing how to play rhythms of their tribes, it’s in their DNA!  This experience helped me realize how much has been lost in our mind centered culture and inspired me to reclaim rhythm within my own ancestral lineage.   It also helped me acknowledge how integral rhythm and resonance is and always has been to the health and well being of ourselves, communities, and the world.   Furthermore, my studies in the yoga arts and Ayurveda (the science of life) brought depth to my understanding of how to attune with nature’s rhythm in all kinds of ways.  All this and more has directed of my path as music maker, performer and healing artist.  It is also the seed inspiration of my current approach to sound alchemy which bridges ancestral wisdom with the evolving science of sound.

GLA: Do you have any mentors or teachers who ushered you to the work and nurtured your growth as a sound alchemist?

SO many!  Jennifer Goodrich, Jim Gilchrist, Bill Headberg, Shiva Rea, Maria Guerre, Silvia Nakkach, Sally Kempton, Susan Maine, Matica Filous, Guro Jess, Guro El, all my ancestors alive in body and spirit..

GLA: This is such esoteric (yet vitally important work!) Did you ever doubt that you could make a living like this? Did you question it as a profession or simply trusted it?

Trusting the path of integration is my practice.  I have never once had a regular ‘job’, I have just always tried my best follow my gut and heart and it has lead me to this work.   It’s a challenge to create your own lane in the highway, but many succeed at it and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Simply trusting it is over simplifying though… I have moments of doubt and confusion…who willing to dive deeply into the human experience doesn’t?  But no doubt strong enough to veer me off the path of integration I am committed to.

GLA: What was the most challenging experience using this modality?

Transporting/loading/unloading/loading instruments/gear:)

GLA: Do you ever find yourself getting stuck or lost or scared that your channel might be blocked?

If I am lost or stuck or scared it’s because I haven’t taken the space or time to connect to the Source of Love that is ALL WAYS there when we take the time to nurture it.  I believe the channel is there for anyone who is willing to consciously, reverently lovingly relate with it.


La Maida Institute

GLA: Do you receive healings when you are in session and service for someone else? I imagine so!

Yes!  Not in the same way as those who I am holding space for, yet I most definitely receive healing.

GLA: Was there ever a moment in a session where you felt something divine happening but thought ‘oh I need to stop this!’ – because it was too intense?

My essence thrives on intensity so I have always been able to work with and through strong sensations, however holding safe space for others is integral to the process of wholesome attunement.  Checking in with participants and creating space for clear communication around the experience is often necessary.  That being said, sometimes the work requires intensity and discomfort.  Most people who find me have a willingness to dive into the  experience, come what may.   Together we cultivate deep sensitivity and respect for the process of organic unfolding through rhythm and resonance.

GLA: Where do you see yourself in a few years with this work? Can you imagine opening sound alchemy centers? Bringing it to school children?

I am currently developing a course and training that will be offered at La Maida Institute, where I am Sound & Song Healing Advisor.  That is the next phase of this work.  I am also working on more recording projects and soundscapes.  I actually work with pre-teens and teenagers now and really enjoy it.  Yes, I would love to integrate the work into schools.

GLA: How do you practice self care and nurture YOURSELF after a session?

I have some simple rituals for clearing after a session.  I take time for silence and prayer.  I often work with tarot and Goddess decks.   I walk my dog if I do a home session.  I have learned to not over book myself; this is necessary for self care.

GLA: Who are some of your favorite people in LA for healings, classes, workouts, etc…What are your little secret spots that bring you joy. A favorite walk, stretch of beach, taco or hole in the wall book store. Your LA comfort zones.

La Maida Institute, where I offer monthly new moon sound ceremonies,  weekly nada yoga classes (yoga of sound) and one on one sound alchemy sessions is my favorite place in LA… truly!  It is an AMAZING community center with so much to offer.  I feel privileged to be part of the evolution taking place there.   My favorite indie yoga studio/class/teacher is Light on Lotus~  Sunday morning Love Saves the Day class with Kate Cariarti… amazing dynamic, playful flow.  The proceeds go to a different charity each month…and you get to step out of class into the Mar Vista Farmers Market…best way to spend a Sunday!  Favorite beach is by Heathercliff by Malibu, favorite little valley spot is Follow Your Heart on Sherman Way.  I also train MMA (mixed martial arts) at Magda Institute in the valley.  This has been a game changer in so many ways, but that’s a whole other conversation for another interview! I highly recommend it for anyone who is burnt out on the health and wellness ‘scene’ and interested in some hard core bad ass training in the lineage of Bruce Lee:)

La Mer offers : One on one sessions, couple and small group ceremonies, corporate wellness sound alchemy sessions, , monthly new moon sound ceremonies, training programs and more. 
Her next new moon sound ceremony at La Maida Institute is July 12
   
Heavenly sounds and instruments…
The aftermath…
Total bliss…

Address11159 La Maida St, Los Angeles, CA 91601

Phone(818) 505-3552

RYT 500  +  REIKI MASTER TEACHER  +  SOUND ALCHEMY  +  AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE +  RITUAL GUIDE

FullSizeRender (27).jpg

 

I am a healer, songstress, and wildwoman storyteller from Los Angeles Earth. My contribution centers around powerful rituals of union with soulful nature. Through workshops, sound bath, healing circle, artistic happenings and individual sessions, I empower people to navigate their lives with graceful integrity, holding sacred space for transformation at the heart of every offering. 

Drawing from 11 years of experience in the healing arts, I honor the philosophies of our wise traditions while utilizing these very teachings to sensitively and playfully engage in a genuine call and response with my surroundings.

I spent the first part of my career as a touring and performance artist.  This taught me the way of communicating with others through artistic expression.  I further developed my style as an inspirational speaker teaching yoga and meditation in studios, public schools, and wellness centers in NYC and Los Angeles.  I now explore the bridge between ritual and performance art,  guiding group experiences that strengthen collective intuition and embody conscious community. Aside from the healing arts, I support ocean conservation with beach clean ups, marine conservation watches, and generate awareness as advocate for Mission Blue and public speaker for Heal The Bay. My deepest desire is to be in a practice of continual growth, cherish nature’s movements as proof of magic, and to share the love with all my relations. xo

Upcoming public gatherings are always listed on this events page.
For monthly love letters with invitations and musings, you can subscribe here

Stop, PAUSE and Float

March 26, 2018

So there I was, one hour from my first sensory deprivation experience. I was somewhat nervous to be perfectly honest. Me – alone in the dark, baptized into my sub-conscious mind. On any typical day thoughts race through head like George Costanza on LSD.

It was raining that day – the perfect segue into what was a new and unique experience to me. I sat in the lobby for what felt like 30 seconds and was guided to THE POD.

The rules of the experience were explained – but I failed to listen – I was too excited to start that I almost forgot to take the required shower before entry.

I stared at the pod for a few moments – it reminded me of something out of a science fiction film from the 1960’s.

As I entered the pod, I adjusted into a comfortable position onto my back and held my feeble, herniated neck into place. Once I felt the 1000 pounds of salted water holding me like a baby, I let go. I shut the music off. Then the lights. I expanded my arms, ya know, like Christ…and let go.

I watched the thoughts fly through my head like the Jetsons.

“This is like a Black Mirror episode…”

“What if the pod doesn’t open?”

“What if it did and an alien wielding a scalpel was standing over me?”

“Did I eat today? There must be taco shop close by.

And then…I entered the Theta state. I felt as if I was spinning, forward and back, left to right. I hallucinated a bit (just some shiny lights) and I fell into sleep. The most calm sleep I have ever had.

A voice awoke me telling me my session was complete.

I disembarked the vessel, washed all the salt from my body and vowed to do this again as soon as possible.

– Christian Majewski

Pause Float introduces you to the art of floating, a revolution in stress-reduction and regeneration, a contemporary practice where you tune out the chaotic external world – and tune into your innermost consciousness. For an hour at a time, immerse into one of their private, soundproof flotation suites and float in our custom-blend of buoyant Epsom salts, allowing you to lie back and tune out, unplugging from every sound, care and worry.

 

Benefits

sleep

stress relief

pain management

mindfulness and creativity

focus and productivity

athletic performance

physical recovery

They also have INFRARED SAUNA

PRICING

introductory | 60-min.

single session | $69
three-session package | $189 ($63 per session, includes a 30-min. infrared sauna session)

standard | 60-min.

single session | $75
two-session package | $130 ($65 per session)
five-session package* | $300 ($60 per session)
ten-session package* | $570 ($57 per session)

*sharable packages

NEW | EXPRESS FLOAT | 40-min.

single session* | $49

*introductory and standard pricing is the same, no packages available

 

The Science of Floating

During the early 1950s there was a big question in the world of neurophysiology as the source of our brain’s consciousness. Is the brain simply an organ reacting to external stimuli, or is there some internal force that it responds to as well? There were many theories as to how the brain would react to a completely sensory-free environment.

One man named John C. Lilly decided to find out. By 1954, Lilly had built the first ever floatation tank in the National Institute of Mental Health Lab in the Virgin Islands. Lilly’s tank used water to allow people to float comfortably and to effectively reduce all sensation of touch.

The results were incredible. Lilly found more and more people coming out feeling amazing, reporting of personal discovery and self-actualization. This encouraged Lilly to continue his exploration of the float tank, building one or two more tanks in different laboratories in the United States.

For the next 20 years, floating remained exclusively in the laboratory setting, until 1972 when Lilly partnered up with Glenn and Lee Perry. He asked them to design a commercially available float tank that people could have in their homes.  The first float center was opened, a five-tank center in Beverly Hills in 1979.

This center was met with immediate success and was emulated across the US.  Float centers started popping up in every major city, new manufacturers started to enter the market, and the industry as a whole began to make a name for itself. After 60 years of progress, the world of floating is becoming mainstream. Tranquil lighting, therapeutic music, two-way communication and lobby controls, aesthetically pleasing design, and a welcoming environment have led to a new beginning in the industry.

13353 Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90066 • 310.439.1972

More about floating!

Regenerate

floating lowers stress hormones, replenishes neurotransmitters, and releases endorphins, which induces ultra-deep relaxation and provides a zen-like afterglow that can last for days

Relax

effortlessly slip into meditative states, which has a plethora of proven benefits. you’ll feel intensely awake, yet extremely relaxed and clear-headed

Recharge

the womb-like environment provides a euphoric boost in energy, which is ideal for when we’re jet lagged, sleep deprived, or drained from a long work-week

Recover

greatly accelerate the body’s ability to heal itself from the effects of stress, intense workouts, late-nights, and overstimulation

buy Propranolol no prescription
http://noprescriptionrxbuyonline.com/cialis_super_active.html
cipro no prescription
Amoxil no prescription