12 Mar Rancho Valencia…One of the BEST Resort Spa’s around!
What does the Rancho Valencia five-star resort and spa have in common with…”snails”?
I have been known to get into my work mode and “don’t bother me or I will bite your head off” mode once in a blue moon.
Ok, truth be told, it happens a LOT more than I would care to admit…especially lately.
Relaxed, calm, and laid back are not exactly words that people would typically use to describe me, as I am always on a mission, in a hurry, or following an agenda.
I ALWAYS have a purpose or a point as to why I am doing something. It is very typical for me to be rushed, occasionally even late, and juggling several projects at a time. Doing less is hard for me, and I tend to always end up saying YES a bit too much. But hey, that is how I am wired.
I preach taking care of our bodies and I DO do that when it comes to working out and nutrition, but there is that super important part that I tend to neglect… that “stress” part.
After spending a few days in Los Angeles filming my 3 new DVD’s back to back to back, my fiance and daughter were getting concerned about my state-of-stess, and I was starting to feel like a hypocrite.
My body ached.
Seriously, after rehearsing everyday for 6 weeks and then shooting workouts for 8 hours straight two days in a row will do that to you!
My head was spinning, I felt behind on my “normal work” and being present and relaxed seemed like an impossibility.
I was snapping at everyone, forgetting things, and feeling overwhelmed. She isn’t kidding! It will be funny if she sees I added this…or maybe not! lol – Brooks, the fiance (umm I saw this Brooks lol)
And then it happened… I was invited to do a “stay cation” in my own backyard at the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa.
I had a million thoughts as to why I “shouldn’t do it”:
- I was behind on work emails
- I had not unpacked from my LA filming
- I had promised my daughter no agenda
- I didn’t feel I had the time
But in the end, I decided to spend the weekend at Rancho Valencia.
Arriving at our Private Villa
Holy cow…just by walking into our private villa, it is as if all the stress literally melted away.
I am a firm believer in creating peaceful environments and have attempted to do so with my living and work space but life gets in the way.
Toys, work, clothes, “things” pile up and somehow that relaxing ambiance we create (because we know it is important) gets taken over by life. Walking into our 1300 sqft private villa instantly reminded me how important environment, decor, and ambiance can be.
Waking up to Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Night one was peaceful, relaxing and comfy (their beds OMG) but waking up with THIS delivered fresh to our door was INCREDIBLE…
Planking outside the Rancho Valencia Gym! What a view!
The gym was beautiful, but the entire grounds at Rancho Valencia are even MORE spectacular. I started day one with an indoor workout, but quickly took it outside to their beautiful grounds
Namaste! Me and my daughter enjoying the private jacuzzis in our mini Rancho Valencia Villa
Can you believe that many of the Villas there have their own PRIVATE outdoor Jacuzzi’s?!?!? CRAZY!
It rained a lot of the time we were there (see, it does rain in SoCal) but my 7 year old and I were totally content hanging out in our suite ordering room service (the food was unbelievable) and doing a little pose down in our private jacuzzi!
And remember what I said about that food?
The Rancho Valencia Breakfasts were incredible! White Spinach Fritata right here… pure PERFECTION!!
Day two Rancho Valencia Breakfast
Smoked salmon, capers, mixed berries and fresh squeezed OJ… WOWZERS!
Pancakes!
Even my daughter was super into the Rancho Valencia Breakfast! PANCAKES!
And can you believe they let all guests drive a Porsche NO CHARGE!
Ummmm YES- this is ME in my DREAM CAR! If you stay there, you have to take advantage of the Rancho Valencia Porsche Experience!
They have a 911 Carerra cabriolet, Cayenne GTS, and a Panamera…so you can experience sports car, sports SUV, or sports sedan…or ALL three if you want!
Along those lines, did I mention the SERVICE is impeccable?!?!? From checking in, to valet, to housekeeping, to any and every person you come in contact with, it is JUST AMAZING!!! If people were that nice and helpful everywhere you went, the world would be a MUCH better place!!
My view and my green juice
Oh- and let’s talk about their YOGA PAVILION! CRAZY! You walk in, you are INSTANTLY in Zen Yoga mode. The view, the ambiance…just perfect! Get this, we were all brought healthy green juice right after class!
There is a big infinity edge pool surrounding the yoga pavilion that has an ‘island’ in the middle. Sooooo relaxing and soothing. I can’t wait to go back!
What is it about Kids and Snails?
The craziest part of the whole trip was a major lesson I learned.
In the midst of staying at this beautiful resort with endless things to do, places to walk, spa treatments to experience, food to dine on, and amazing beverages to sip…the ONE thing my 7 year old was most fascinated with?
You guessed it…the SNAILS!
We spent at least an hour each day admiring and playing with the snails on the ground. What fascinated me most was how “relaxed” I had become and how present I was able to be with the most important part of my life…my family.
In the end…working is good. BUT, there has to be balance. Taking time to smell the roses play with snails with your daughter can be just the thing you need to get present and focus on what is REALLY important…the quality relationships in your life.
Be Happy… Be Healthy… Be Fit!
-Natalie Jill
Want to learn more about the 5 star Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa? Go HERE
If you think that you have a place that can match this in relaxation contact me HERE 🙂
