The Pearl Laguna — Hotel in Laguna Beach

Outstanding experience! The absolute best in its class. I have been traveling annually from Florida to The Pearl for 8 years to mentally and physically reset my body. Many medical studies show the usefulness of this practice, and I feel fortunate that I am able to make this annual health focused pilgrimage. I happen to also practice traditional medicine and have a major in human nutrition's, so I'm fortunate to have access to traditional medical literature.

My reason for coming this year was to prepare for a major surgery. I needed to shed a couple of pounds, but most importantly decrease the stress-induced inflammation in my body that is the result of a very stressful career.

The clean and balanced vegetarian diet, mixed with yoga and a daily 3.5 hour hike followed by a daily 50 minute massage s is just what the doctor ordered.

When I returned Saturday to have my surgery on Monday, my surgeon was very pleased about my choice to prepare my body in this way.

My surgeon, who is a gifted surgeon in her own right, did an incredible job and 24 hours later, I feel strong, minimal to no pain and am in an incredible mental state. If you can, take time to destress your body. You will not regret it.

J

P.S. I am not into the spiritual side of yoga as my personal beliefs differ from a yoga spiritual focus. However, I am still able to make space for my quiet beliefs and focus on the physical, mental and spiritual (focusing on my beliefs) at The Pearl. So for those who are reluctant to participate in a yoga infused retreat, at the Pearl you are able to focus on the physical and mental benefits of yoga, the vegetarian cleanse, physical activities in nature and destressing the body by decreasing cortisol levels.

And by the way, the food is amazing. I already made Theresa's guacamole!!

All the Best on...

I had such a wonderful time at The Pearl and truly wish I could’ve stayed longer! A work friend recommended it to me, and to be honest, I was a little anxious going in—I’ve never done a retreat before or much solo traveling. I booked a shorter stay since they’ve recently introduced three- and four-day options, which I think is amazing for people who can’t take too much time away from work or daily life.

When I arrived, I felt a bit shy since I was the youngest there and most of the ladies had been to the retreat before. But both the group and the staff immediately made me feel so welcome. We were all trying a new program that week (instead of the usual hiking), so it actually felt like we were all in it together.

The food—or in my case, juices and soups since I came during their juice cleanse week—was incredible. The kitchen is right in the heart of the retreat, so you can peek in and see what’s being freshly prepared, which I loved. The staff making the meals were so kind and transparent.

Another highlight was the daily massages. At other retreats I’ve heard of, massages are extra or need to be booked separately. Here, they’re just part of the experience. I was also impressed by how personalized the program was for each guest. One woman in my group, a two-time cancer survivor, needed some extra support with movement, and the team created a modified plan for her so she could still fully participate while the rest of us went hiking. That level of care really stood out.

The rooms and amenities were also great—anything you needed, all you had to do was ask. Overall, it was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to book my next stay. I’m already telling my friends about The Pearl—it’s truly a...

Broken was how I felt. Plate smashed on the floor broken. Something you could conceivably glue back together but it would never be truly right or whole again. ||Everything hurt. My back, my knees, my hips. I’d joined a gym but wasn’t going. I bought organic vegetables and drank wine on my couch while they rotted in my refrigerator. I’d walk around my block but have to give into my seizing back after maybe 20 minutes. I was way too young to feel this crappy but people kept telling me “Oh go easy on yourself. You’re still grieving.” I appreciated the hall pass but also knew it was not in my best interest. We all lose people we love and we all need to keep going. ||I saw a little blurb about The Pearl in a pretty coffee table book in a spa waiting room. How I went home and booked a week there for myself shall remain a mystery- unless you believe in guardian angels. I do now because had I known what the program had in store for me, I would never have signed up. I would never have believed I could’ve done what I did there. ||So I don’t want to spoil it for whoever might see this tale by sharing details. If you need to wrap your most loving arms around your life and give yourself an honest to goodness mind & body reset then just go. Trust you are reading this for a reason. ||Because we all love statistics, I will tell you that I lost 9 pounds and 23 inches and am moving freely! I made some phenomenal new friends and am continuing to do so many little habits I learned in my week there it makes my head spin giddily. Just go. Don’t ask any questions. Just go. You deserve the gift of The Pearl. I...