I’m always searching for cool, new ways and places to workout and have an “experience.” You know, not just a regular old workout, but something exciting and interesting.
That’s how I roll – gotta keep it entertaining!
I was intrigued by the phenomenal yoga studio at Rancho Valencia, so I headed over there to check it out. Full disclosure – I took the yoga class complimentary of Rancho Valencia. Thank you!
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Rancho Valencia is a beautiful (understatement) resort and spa in Rancho Santa Fe. I had never been there and was excited to check it out.
Most resorts don’t have a very good group fitness or yoga offering, so I was a little (ok – a lot) skeptical going in, but I HAD to see their new studio. I've attached a photo from their web site. Gorgeous!
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They offer yoga and other group fitness classes, such as spinning, as part of the Wellness Program, but you need to be a resort guest, visiting the spa or have a membership. No drop ins – bummer. The specialness of the studio is, in part, because of that though.
It’s very intimate – and, no, that’s not a diversionary word for “small.” It’s truly special and intimate.
No expense has been spared in this gorgeous studio. The design is phenomenal and the equipment is top-notch – including Lululemon mats. And they have a refrigerator in the studio filled with cold bottled water – nice touch!
Again, I didn’t expect much from the class. I’ve gone to so many classes at resorts and hotels and am almost always disappointed.You should hear me rant about the dangerous and dirty (yes, truly gritty dirty) yoga instructor we had at a high-end resort in Mexico! Terrible.
Anyhoo – I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled with Emily, the teacher at Rancho Valencia! This girl rocks. She has a gentle, calming demeanor and is very easy to follow. Her verbal cues are great and her flow was super fun. We did a cool “surfing” side-to-side move that I loved.
Plus she taught me an entirely new way to get into a headstand that was way easier that what I was doing before. LOVE THAT!
When we were done with practice, there was a try with fresh-pressed green juice on it. That was my dream come true! Mind. Blown. KA-POW! I’m still talking about this.
Bottom line is that this yoga studio is the most beautiful I have ever been to – so far (consider that foreshadowing for an adventure I’m planning) and the teacher, Emily, was a top-notch yogini.
While I didn’t stay at the resort or partake in a spa treatment, I imagine Rancho Valencia would be a truly magical place to have a yoga retreat just based upon my experience with this one class. Everything was incredibly well thought out and executed perfectly!
It would be so fun to have a spa day with girlfriends – yoga class, hanging by the spa pool, massages!
Or a few days at the resort, partaking in the spa and yoga every day. Sounds pretty sweet, right?!
I want to go back!
And I’m scoping out the restaurants there to indulge the foodie side of me. Veladora is their upscale dining restaurant and the food looks fresh and beautiful. The Pony Room is their more casual option and the craft cocktails are calling my name. If the restaurants are given the same attention and care as their wellness program, I’m sure they will rock. I’ll keep ya updated if I go!
