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(Big Sur, California)

After multiple stops within a five mile stretch, we limited the remainder of yoga pauses to two- one in a vineyard and the other along a train track overlooking the ocean. Pismo Beach, known for its white sand beaches and clam chowder is where we decided to stop for the night and relieve our bodies from five hours of literal chair pose before my back began to take the shape of my reclined car seat. SeaVenture hotel is one of the few hotels right on the sand along the entirety of California’s coast! Stepping from inside the reception area into the sand, we couldn’t help it but take one last yoga pause for the day. As Chris got comfortable in headstand, surfers sauntered by holding their boards, fit couples ran past- with dog in tow, and laughing children wrestled in the waves. This was truly a California moment. Covered in sand, Chris and I ventured back into our cozy hotel, rinsed off and slipped into our private Jacuzzi on the deck, as our fireplace flickered inside. I feel like I am writing a cheesy romance novel. But truly, the evening was that perfect! 

Big Sur © Roger Vorheis

The next morning we only had to endure a few more hours of car chair pose before we pulled up to Post Ranch Inn. Had I not known its reputation as a celebrity retreat, I would have never guessed. The long non-descript driveway leading up to reception lacked the trappings of pomp and circumstance that might be expected when entering a luxury-laden resort like this. But that was refreshing. Okay, once we checked in and the Lexus came around to pick us up and take us to our room, I did laugh- to myself of course. We passed several free-standing abodes, some barely hanging onto the cliff sides (the coast houses and ocean rooms), others mingling within the trees (the treehouses) and at the very end of the dirt road was our home (for a few days)- a mountain side cottage with views of seemingly millions of trees, and even a few foxes, named Little. Despite its name, Little was not so little, especially not when you consider the patio that stretched along one entire side, hanging over the edge of the mountain. But the Grand Dame of the room was undeniably the bathtub. Though reminiscent of a combination between a Japanese soaking tub and natural spring rock formation, relaxing in the stone tub, peering across the treetops, not another structure in sight, was almost meditative enough to stand in for a full yoga session. I felt as though I was communing with nature. But how could I resist a class in the Inn’s yoga yurt?!

From Little, the Yurt was about a 10-minute walk or 3 minute shuttle ride in the Lexus. I opted for the walk. A winding, tree covered trail, that made me momentarily feel like I was lost in the woods, led me to the yoga yurt where 5 other guests were already situated, their mats each facing the middle in a circle formation. A few other stragglers rushed in, removed their trendy sunglasses and positioned themselves in prayer pose. Not more than 2 minutes into class, a familiar shrill shattered the silence. It was a cell phone. Its owner darted outside to take the call… and didn’t return. I guess those Hollywood types have a hard time allowing themselves an un-connected moment. Though  I can’t talk considering that after class I practically ran back to Little to check my own cell phone. Pathetic… I know. Regardless, I was hundreds of miles away from the chaos of home, and I certainly relished in every unburdened moment of freedom! To further unfurl my slowly stretching muscles, I slipped on a robe and strolled along the road to the spa, nestled between two treehouses, where I treated myself to a Big Sur Jade Stone Therapy. Combining the ancient healing properties of jade, which were actually found along the beaches of Big Sur, along with warm basalt river rocks, my taut muscles were kneaded to a less stressed state. To my surprise, cool marble enhanced the treatment, sporadically placed along my spine to relieve inflammation. When I opened my eyes and viewed the thousands of tree tops that stood below the window, my mind was in such a hazy state of bliss that I could have sworn I was dreaming.

Still radiating from the rocks, Chris and I headed for Sierra Mar, the hotel’s award winning restaurant, and gazed through the floor to ceiling windows upon the sky melting into the ocean. As the sun began to descend, the water looked like sea of sparkling sapphires, or maybe I was still out of it from the Jade massage. The innovative offerings, that change regularly according to climate, season, and sometimes simply the chef’s whim, were a mouthful of bright flavors. Against a backdrop of blue, the locally grown organic vegetables were vibrant with color. The fish was so fresh I felt as though I was on a fisher boat, eating the day’s catch just seconds after it was reeled in.

Yes, yoga certainly brings out the beauty in everything, but, at Post Ranch, the natural beauty vibrated from within every tree, each fox posing by a guest’s front door, and especially from the rustically elegant edifices the discretely dotted the property. If it is possible for a luxury hotel, filled with a celebrity clientele, to embody yoga, Post Ranch is that embodiment.

On the long haul back home, my knot-less body easily slipped into car chair pose (though I must admit, I did miss that Lexus SUV). My om-colored glasses remained on for the duration of the drive and long into the next week of, what would normally be, my chaotic life. It’s amazing how far a little yoga will go.

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Article and photos by:

Laurel W. House Laurel House is a freelance writer and the West Coast Editor for Fit Yoga. Laura is also the author of "The Gurus' Guide to Serenity" (HarperCollins) and co-author "Raise the Barre" (HarperCollins) Read more by Laurel at www.bylaurelhouse.com

photo by Nicole Katano

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