I’ve been a member of Travel Massive while I was in Atlanta and decided to join the group here in L.A as well. Much as I’d like to be a regular attendee, life takes over and the number of events I’ve been able to attend have been few and far between. This month’s event though was held a few blocks from where I live at posh co-working spot NeueHaus and I couldn’t miss it. Especially since the destination is Buellton, CA which is just about 2 hours’ drive from L.A and considered an underrated but promising area for wine lovers, city escapes and such.
 
I loved the cloth map bag attendees received at the entrance.  A great idea and a useful conversation starter as well. On the rooftop at NeueHaus, the event was set up such that wineries, breweries and distilleries had sampling stations where you could meet the makers behind these fantastic libations. I met a couple of interesting businesses and the images should cover a few – doubt I made the rounds to all to learn about their offerings.
 
The best part of the evening though – for me – was winning the grand prize via their Instagram contest onsite! I am now the happy chica who won the 2 night stay at their new Santa Ynez Marriott property along with a Bottlest winery tour and dinner as well as an area winery tour and ostrich farm visit. If you know me, you know how happy this makes me. Another travel adventure awaits. Stay tuned here to read all about that trip. Probably in a few months’ time!

Another fantastic event pulled off by the International Spa Association team! Attended as their guest for the first time last year and loved the experience. Was happy to be invited back again this year and got to try some of the treatments offered onsite by several spas and resorts. Not only is it a great experience meeting spa professionals in a casual setting but you are also in an event space and not at their workplace which gives you a whole other perspective on the folks that take care of your wellness and health, and the opportunity to converse with them at leisure, which might not necessarily be an option when you are at the specific spa or resort. Got to learn about new programs, treatments, industry trends and more. Read on!

The City of Beverly Hills launched their summer City of WELLTH campaign today at Alo Yoga in Beverly Hills to promote the city as a wellness and health destination for locals and travelers alike. WELLTH ambassador Christie Brinkley, author Jason Wachob, yoga teacher Caley Alyssa, chef Matthey Kenney, feng-shui expert Dana Claudat, founder of Bodyism James Duigan, and meditation expert Charlie Knowles were in attendance and spoke to guests on different aspects. 

Celebrated Japanese art creator Kohei Nawa visited The Broad recently for a limited engagement Spring preview and artist talk at the Oculus Hall arranged by Japan House LA. The place was packed and I can see why! Nawa’s artwork be it paintings, sculptures, performance-inspired pieces or others, go beyond the recognized Japanese themes of manga and anime to offer a new perspective altogether on contemporary art.

​No, I have not been but I would love to go, planning as we speak and hope I get to some time soon! Meanwhile though, the folks from the Western Australia Tourism Board hosted a few of us media professionals locally to share more about what’s happening in the area and what should be on your list...

Began the day with a casual yoga class hosted by Stacy Mccarthy of Yoga Namastacy onsite at the Cape Rey Carlsbad. This was originally planned for the outdoors but glad it got moved in – too cold brrrr! Local yoga studio prAna provided some comfy cool yoga gear for the trip too. Especially loved Stacy’s affirmations during the session and nice to have some personal instruction on variations of different poses again given my back issues.

Today was just choc a bloc of activities but started the day nice and early with a trip to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon where I kayaked for about an hour. Another friend paddle boarded – would like to try that sometime but unsure of my balance and core strength! The whole time kayaking I said to myself - How awesome to own a place here, just get up and head out on the water…serenity at its best. You can just sit there bobbing on the water in peace while you see crazy traffic up on the highway lol!

Set off for a road trip today, driving along the coast from L.A to Carlsbad, a coastal city in California about 2 hours from Hollywood and less than an hour from San Diego. You’ve probably heard about it because of Legoland and The Flower Fields but I also found out The Chopra Center is headquartered here (yes, of Deepak Chopra fame) and some seriously beautiful coastline as well. I’ve previously been driving here for some editorial work but this is the first time I’ve actually explored the area.