Adventure
A few of my favorite things to do at Rancho la Puerta!
Monday, October 4th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, wellness | No Comments
It’s been about a month now since I left Rancho la Puerta and I’m having spa withdrawals! There were several reasons I chose the Ranch this year and one was to celebrate my 50th birthday during their 70th anniversary year. And it was time well spent as I participated in a Writing Workshop, enjoyed a week of healthy meals and reconnected to nature and different parts of myself and that was a big reason for going.
So, just a few of my favorite things from the Ranch.
First on the list has to do with fitness. So many options and there isn’t a way to do it all in a week, so you do what you can and for me it’s usually about doing something different. Per a previous post I mentioned my injury which kept me from some activities, however I loved Release & Mobilize with Denise. She’s one of my favorite instructors at the Ranch and this something that I continue to do at home. Using tennis balls on specific trigger points you can experience a deep release and that’s why it’s a favorite of mine. The description says that the goal is to decrease tightness and muscle spasms to create greater mobility and that is exactly what happens. I felt great when I left that class and continue to feel that release every morning when I do this at home.
Second on my list is the food. A vegetarian menu that is creative, colorful and nourishing. The granola is the best I’ve ever had so of course I brought some home with me. Fish is served about six times during the week and if you are a vegetarian you can choose an alternative entree if you don’t fish.
And another of my favorite things about the Ranch is the garden. I love walking through the garden and taking photos of the flowers, herbs and anything that catches my eye. It’s fragrant, colorful and nourishes my soul. I feel so healthy when I’m at the Ranch and know that I’m doing good things for my body, mind and soul.
My hope is that more people will experience Rancho la Puerta and other destination spas to improve their well-being and live a healthier and more enriching life. We all need to rejuvenate and reconnect to nature from time to time and this is one of the best ways to do just that.
Enjoy your journey!
Hands-on cooking at Rancho la Puerta’s La Cocina.
Sunday, September 12th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
If you’ve been following my blog, reading the articles and visiting other areas on MindfulAdventures.com then you know how I feel about destination spas and wellness. I also enjoy assisting/coaching others in finding the destination spa that’s best for their needs, whether they’re looking to jump start (or start) fitness, go hiking, meditate and more importantly nutrition. The bigger goal though is to help others integrate what they learned while away into their lifestyle at home.
One of the destination spas that I enjoy sharing with others is Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. You’ve seen some other recent posts here based on my latest adventure to the Ranch and I’m so grateful to have spent time at La Cocina que Canta. This is the Cooking School and Culinary Center at the Ranch and offers a sensory experience, which is nothing short of amazing.
For many, this could also be a life changing experience. I lost my husband due to complications of diabetes and although I did my best at the time with cooking healthy, this could have been (and I’d like to say would have been), a stronger catalyst for both of us to experience together. I wouldn’t call him a foodie, however we loved watching the Food Network and participating in a workshop with someone like Rick Bayless would have been memorable.
Getting back to the present and another Mindful Adventure brings me to my La Cucina experience. Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen was our visiting teacher and everything from the moment we gathered for our short ride to La Cucina to the organic garden tour to the main event of cooking and enjoying the fruits of our labor was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hope to enjoy often.
Our group (full at 16) that day had such a great time together and when I close my eyes I can smell the fragrant garden and just taste the sweetness of the just-picked tomatoes and herbs. I learned a lot that day, including how to properly chop chives (thank you Chef!).
This quote comes to mind:
“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food. But to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness.” – Hippocrates
I’d also like to mention how beautiful La Cucina is as the colorful hand-painted tiles and murals, the wrought iron gate and fireplaces set the mood for the class and the teaching kitchen is something that I think any of us would love to have in our own home.
Enjoy your journey!
I knew then what I know now! Another Mindful Adventure.
Monday, August 30th, 2010 | Adventure, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You’ve heard the saying, “If I knew then what I know now, I’d…” and you can fill in the rest with whatever you’re thinking. Well, this is a twist on that phrase.
I’ll come clean here and say that at a very early age I needed surgery and then again at twenty something, however everything worked out for the best and I was semi-happy (and physically active).
Life has been challenging over the last twenty or so years, however now I see that the challenges have made me stronger and led me to set the bar higher on my journey. I am fearless and tenacious in many ways and now is one of those times where that earlier thought has come back to me. “I knew then what I know now!” And for me, it’s all connected to fitness and where I am right now……in my life and geographically, so basically another Mindful Adventure.
I’m currently at Rancho la Puerta, the “World’s Best Destination Spa” as announced in the Travel and Leisure 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ poll.
It’s been five years (too long) since I’ve been here and Rancho la Puerta is as beautiful as ever, however this time it’s a struggle participating in many of the activities due to an injury I sustained about a year ago. I won’t go into that, however the thought that keeps replaying for me is that fitness needed to be a focus in my life and I let some of the other challenges get me off track.
That’s where, “I knew then what I know now!” comes in. It was my innate wisdom calling out to me so many years ago to make fitness more of a priority in my life and as I sit here and reflect on my life, I realize that it was a missed opportunity on so many levels. For one, I’d be feeling better right now (and may not have been injured last year) and able to participate in what I really want to do like Latin Dance, Zumba, Advanced Hiking and maybe even Sand Volleyball. And this thought is about more than going into the fitness field, it’s about “knowing” what my body needed to be at its optimum best and paying attention to it no matter what.
Here’s my point…..we all have that “innate wisdom” within, basically our intuition, and sometimes we don’t trust it and that’s the lesson in all of this.
If there’s something that’s calling out to you, whether it’s going back to school, a change in career, exercising more, eating healthier, etc., pay attention. It’s your inner voice giving you hints about your journey. Be mindful of what’s on your heart and what feels good to you. Sure, it may seem a little scary “going against” the current, however maybe you just need to adjust the sails.
Lao Tzu’s quote, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step,” has been my guide. Remember that when you have an idea about a different path. Pay attention and choose what’s best for you. Step by step is how you reach your destination!
Enjoy your journey!
Summer at The Golden Door – Opportunity is knocking!
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 | Adventure, California Spas, Destination Spas, Golden Door Escondido, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
If you’re familiar with the original Golden Door Spa in Escondido, CA then you know it’s one of the best destination spas in the world. Forty guests per week find out how to live a more healthy, peaceful and joyful life and for the last 50 plus years, it has been the gold standard for destination spas. At the usual rate of about $7500 per week (per person), it’s certainly at the high end as far as spas go. And, people have been returning time and time again because of the experience, the care they receive and for various reasons during different times in their life.
Here’s the Big News –
This summer, and for the first time I’ve ever seen, the Golden Door Spa is offering two weeks (choose either August 1 – 8 or August 15 – 22) for a Two-for-One rate. So instead of $7495 per person, the rate is $3747.50 (plus tax) per person for the Sunday-Sunday, 7-night stay. And all of the services and amenities are included. Several massages during the week, skin care, hair consultation, herbal wraps and so much more.
Personalize your stay to transform your life.
If you want to focus on fitness, you can work with one of the top fitness trainers in the country. The food is amazing, and Chef Dean Rucker is a genius with his spa-cuisine. Hiking in the morning, classes during the day, lectures in the evening and a nurturing environment that promotes healing and relaxation.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Golden Door Spa, the original in Escondido, CA – here’s your opportunity.
Who will you re-discover beyond the Golden Door?
Space is limited (remember, 40 guests is the maximum for this one of a kind destination spa).
If you’d like more insight on the Golden Door Spa experience, feel free to e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com or go to www.goldendoor.com and let them know you saw this on MindfulAdventures.com
If you’re a CPA, consider a SPA! The Antidote to Stress.
Thursday, April 15th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Red Mountain Spa, healthy living | No Comments
You’ve made it to April 15 and now it’s time to take some time for you. Relax and Rejuvenate!
You deserve a relaxing getaway and time to just unwind and put tax season behind you. There are so many options for either a few nights or a longer stay. Release the stress with an invigorating fitness class, an adventurous hike or a much-awaited game of golf.
And then spend time at the spa and experience something like the Red Mountain Revitalizer (at Red Mountain Spa in St. George, UT). This 75-minute service will allow you to drift away and experience total relaxation. It includes a scalp massage, hair cleanse and condition, followed by a facial cleansing, full-body exfoliation and massage. Total indulgence that is well deserved. Afterall, it’s time to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body.
See more top destination spas for your journey and take some time now for you!
Mindful Music – The Music of the GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 | Adventure, Healing Music, healthy living | No Comments
I love music and when I’m working and writing I tend to listen to instrumental music with a relaxing and inspirational vibe, something like you’d listen to in a spa. When I first heard this CD by Emmy award-winning composer, Gary Remal Malkin, it touched me on so many levels and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful works I’ve heard. It evoked feelings of sorrow to joy to gratitude to that of purpose. The music offers an inspiring mix that could change your day from that of doubt to determination and faith. That’s a bold statement, I know, however it’s how I feel and that’s the point – it touches the depths of your soul and unleashes so many feelings. Although all of the selections are amazing, some of the tracks capture your attention even when you’re deep in thought or your work.
“It evoked feelings of sorrow to joy to gratitude to that of purpose. The music offers an inspiring mix that could change your day from that of doubt to determination and faith.”
The music tugs at your heart and grabs your attention, especially track #5, A Time Ago. It draws you in to a simpler time and touches your soul to a point that you must stop what you’re doing, close your eyes and feel the music even more deeply. The piano is so beautiful in this piece. As you listen to this track, you may connect or reconnect to ‘A Time Ago’ in your own life.
Trail of Tears, track #7, is another favorite due to the flute and sounds of nature in the background. So many visuals come to mind such as what this could mean in the mountains or even the desert, the animals and perhaps those that blazed trails years ago in the Great Smoky Mountains. The thunder, the storm, and the ghostlike sounds of this track make it so recognizable and when the next layer of instrumentation blends in, it takes the listener to their next level allowing us to connect to our authentic self.
Each track energizes me, inspires me or allows me to go back to another time and reflect. One other track to note is #11, The Courage to Dream. I always know when this one comes on as it pulls on my heart strings and I’m flooded with the memories that have brought me to my current state of being. As the music continues, it reminds me of the story of my heart and all the dreams yet to be fulfilled. The courage to get through past challenges and the faith to continue searching; it’s like a door opening and leading you to a new beginning. Then, toward the end of the track as the music builds, there’s a vision of a cowboy returning to his ranch or perhaps a loved one returning home.
The entire body of work on this CD is moving and just beautiful. It has the power to move you from where you are to where you want to be: body, mind and soul. It can spark creativity and inspire the listener in so many ways.
– Donna Adinolfi
Dear Donna Column page added to Mindful Adventures blog
Friday, March 12th, 2010 | Adventure, Dear Donna Column, Destination Spas, healthy living | No Comments
The Dear Donna Column is back and appears as a page on the Mindful Adventures blog – (and seeking another publication and syndication!).
Write to Dear Donna about destination spa vacations, spas, spa etiquette, healthy products and services and wellness. Learn from others or send in one of your own. One question (and answer) will appear weekly.
E-mail Donna your question at: donna@mindfuladventures.com
Happy Travels!
Springtime Savings at Rancho la Puerta
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living | No Comments
If you’ve been to Rancho la Puerta, then you have a pretty good idea of how even more amazing it is to be there during the Spring. Flora and fauna in bloom, warmer days, and that great feeling you get when you’re active outdoors. And to add to the excitement, Rancho la Puerta is offering 10% savings on their Ranchera and Hacienda room types and 20% savings on their Villas. The best value is the Jr. Villa and my favorite area of Villa Sol. I have such great memories of being at Rancho la Puerta. Invigorating days and relaxing evenings. Butterflies in flight, long strolls by the vineyards and the warmth of the afternoon sun remind me of being mindful and living in the moment.
My favorite hike is the Organic hike and I often think about getting to the top of that hill and walking through the garden. For me, it was like the ‘Wizard of Oz’ when it went from black and white to color. The beauty of that area is something to see, especially after this harsh winter. It also reminds me of patience and the knowing that any seeds that we plant, and yes, this is a metaphor for life as well, will bud and flourish given nourishment, patience and time.
So, if you’re looking for something different to do this spring or want to return to an old favorite, take a look at Rancho la Puerta - it may be what you’ve been looking for.
E-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com with any questions or assistance. I’ll even give you a spa gift when you make your reservation with me.
To your health and wellness!
Top 10 *Really Last Minute* Ideas for Valentine’s Day!
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 | Adventure, Canyon Ranch, Miraval Spa, Red Mountain Spa | 4 Comments
For many, Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year. We lavish our loved ones with gifts of chocolate, lingerie, jewelry, or a romantic dinner. And there may also be a weekend getaway involved or a romantic couples massage. All continue to be sought after and certainly any gal (or guy) looks forward to the the 14th of February.
Below is Mindful Adventures Top 10 list for ‘Really Last Minute’ ideas forValentine’s Day…some travel, some spa, diamonds, dinner and love, always love! And, they’re useful for any other special day where you want to show your loved one how much you care. (** Move way down for a bonus idea!)
1. A Destination Spa: Yes, this is number one because there’s so much wrapped into a place such as this.
Heart Healthy dining, Heart pumping Fitness, an intimate Couples Massage, and so many other activities you can do together. Some destination spas offer sessions to enhance and deepen your relationship and intimacy. And, the best part of this heart-felt gift is that it can be given on Valentine’s Day and taken when you’re both available to travel, either way, it’s sure to be a gift that will last long after February 14th.
Here are a few to consider:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ
Red Mountain Resort & Spa in St. George, Utah
Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ
2. Wine or an evening at a Wine Bar - There are so many great wines available from around the world and an evening at a Wine Bar where you can enjoy a ‘Flight’ of wines is so much fun and romantic as well. Anything two people can do together can be romantic! One of my personal favorites is Cline’s Cashmere and I love it because it’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre and is so smooth and luxurious. It offers a long finish and you can pick up the lingering flavors of cherries and chocolate. Cline Cellars also sponsors Breast Cancer Network of Strength.
3. FlexFlops – For those of you not in the know yet about this fabulous item, here’s the skinny. They’re compact footwear! Whether you’re going for a pedicure and want to use your own flip-flops, or you’re traveling to your favorite wellness spa and don’t want to walk barefoot going through airport security (yes, practical as well), or just want a cute gift (for Valentine’s Day), this is something that will be appreciated. It’s one of those Aha! gifts. They also come with a matching pouch and different designs are available.
4. Dark Chocolate – Yes, well, chocolate is always going to be on any Top 10 gift list I do due to the health benefits. Dark chocolate, with higher cocoa levels, is best due to the phytochemicals so it’s heart healthy! If you’re going to give chocolate (or buy for yourself), make it dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is so luscious, silky and smooth when it melts in your mouth and you’re doing something good for yourself…even one piece of dark chocolate a day can be beneficial. A couple that I like include Bissinger and Ghiradelli Chocolates. (Check back here soon for more Dark Chocolate ideas!)
5. Golf and Spa – These just go together. And this list isn’t just about what to give the guy in your life, it’s about what to give your gal and with Golf and Spa, you’ll both be happy (see, this can go either way…who is the golfer, perhaps both of you!) . This part of the list could get rather long with all of the locations I’d love to include, so here are just a couple (more to come soon on this topic).
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is offering golfers a chance to improve their game (and who isn’t looking for golf-improvement). This event is being held March 27th – 28th, 2010. It’s a two-day golf program an includes room accommodations, golf school and lunch. It’s being led by Jeff Johnson, the Director of Instruction, PGA Tour mental coach and author of Zen Golf and Dr. Joe Parent.
And for an east coast option, consider the Kiawah Resort at Kiawah Island in South Carolina (a few miles from Charleston, SC). Nothing could be finer, than going to Carolina! And, if you’re considering something for Valentine’s weekend, there are a few packages to consider including The Beach and Breakfast Romance Package ($289 per night) includes luxury accommodations, rose petal turndown service, and breakfast for two. If you’d like to travel later, than consider giving on Valetine’s weekend and enjoying later. This resort is one of our country’s top resorts and has five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course (soon to be host of the 2012 PGA championships) and a top-rated spa (par for the course!). 
6. Romantic Dinner for Two - Amore! And, Ristorante Cafe Cortina in Farmington Hills, Michigan says it best. This is by far one of the best Italian restaurants in the country (not only my opinion, also in LA CUCINA ITALIANA magazine and Food Network’s Best of…Pasta). The Risotto I enjoyed (devoured) was amazing…the best I ever had. An intimate dinner at Cafe Cortina is like dining in Rome, Italy and they get 5 stars from me (Thanks to Adrian, the owner, and his team!)! If you’re not in Michigan, take a look at their online market (not the same, but an option until you’re in Michigan!). And, when you can get to Michigan, this is a must-do dining event. Bellisimo!
7. “I Love You” stones - If you’re looking for something unique, this is a great idea. I came across them while looking at Red Envelope (cool gifts that are unique and personal) and I think they’re great. Who wouldn’t love finding this in their pocket or under the pillow. One side says “I love you” and the other side has a saying such as, “…for always getting my jokes,” “…for being so giving,” “…for your honesty,” and more. As of this writing, they’re not available for delivery until March 19, 2010, however I just had to include them. They’re great for a birthday or anniversary as well.
8. Diamonds are (still) a Girls Best Friend! – There had to be something with Diamonds included here and this is a simple and beautiful piece of jewelry (and affordable). It’s also from Red Envelope and it’s the Diamond Heart Necklace. It’s a sterling silver heart pendant and is channel-set with 33 full-cut diamonds. 
9. Dinner at Home! – With temperatures as cold as they’ve been and record high amounts of
snow in the mid-Atlantic, perhaps dinner at home is sounding even better for this Valentine’s Day. Spend less time on making dinner and more time enjoying it by getting most of the ingredients delivered. Check out Al Dente pasta options and their Wine and Connoisseur basket. It includes 3 bags of Al Dente pasta, 2 jars of Sauce and more. Add your favorite bottle of wine (see # 3 above for an idea), a loaf of Italian bread, and a your favorite music (perhaps Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza).
10. Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart Concert – Their music is beautiful, inspiring, full of hope and touches your heart in so many ways. There’s a feeling you get when you listen to Celtic Woman sing and going to one of their concerts is truly awe-inspiring as their melodic songs touch your soul and open your spirit to feel more love. It’s how I can best describe how their music touches me. They’re currently touring the United States and there are many opportunities to experience their music. Listen!
Final notes: I hope you find something helpful on Mindful Adventures Experiential List of Valentine’s Day ideas for your significant other, family member or for yourself. Share your love and Happy Valentine’s Day!
You found it!
11. A couples massage (or solo massage) – There’s still time to get an appointment for Saturday, Feb. 14 at many day spas (as well as resorts). Check with your favorite spa and if you don’t have one, find one and take time to relax and rejuvenate. If you’re in southeastern Virginia, check out JonBre’ European Spa; if you’re in New York City, check out the spa at Mandarin Oriental Spa; if you’re in Utah, check out Golden Door at Dakota Mountain Lodge and if you’re in Sedona, AZ, check out Mii Amo Spa (at Enchanment Resort). These are just a few from east to west. For an extensive list, visit ISPA (International Spa Association).
Soar above the Desert at Miraval Spa.
Friday, February 5th, 2010 | Adventure, Challenge Course, Miraval Spa, Zipline | No Comments
Have you heard about the new Zipline at Miraval Resort and Spa? It’s the only destination spa with a Zipline and it’s gaining popularity for Miraval’s guests (and those seeking a more mindful adventure in their life).
Miraval guests can take in amazing views from the 40-foot high platform as they soar across 1400 feet of desert terrain. “It’s the best view of Miraval,” said Coral, who was on her fifth Miraval adventure. “What a thrill! I wanted to go again.”
A new addition to Miraval Spa’s Challenge Course Activities, the Zipline is more than a thrill for some adventure seekers, it’s about personal development as well. Miraval offers a nurturing environment for guests to face fears and self-doubt and this is one experience that enables guests to realize their courageous ability to overcome challenges and to trust.
The Zipline also reflects Miraval’s philosophy about Mindfulness. Nothing matters except for the present moment, especially as you’re safely harnessed and soaring above the desert.
Break free of the ties that bind you and consider one of the activities at Miraval Spa.
Did you know?
Miraval Spa is offering a 5-th night* free promotion
through 2010. It’s the best value for a Miraval Spa adventure.
* Applies to Deluxe Room category or higher.
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