There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with spontaneous adventures, and my recent trips have perfectly embodied this spirit. I’ve discovered a profound joy in embracing spur-of-the-moment travel, even if it’s just a short two-hour flight away. My latest escapade to Los Angeles was precisely that – a whirlwind journey that reignited my passion for exploration and wellness.
Having last visited Hollywood’s iconic Universal Studios nearly twelve years ago, the prospect of returning to LA was incredibly exciting. This trip promised not only a nostalgic return but also a fresh perspective, eager to dive into the city’s renowned juice bars, navigate its legendary traffic, and reconnect with cherished friends. It was an invitation to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Southern California, blending personal connections with new experiences.
The catalyst for this spontaneous LA trip arrived via an email from Ritual, extending an invitation to their upcoming wellness talk. The event featured renowned integrative practitioner and osteopath, Vicky Vlachonis, speaking at the exclusive Soho House in West Hollywood. Vicky, known for her work with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, was set to discuss uncovering the true source of pain and living a passionate life through nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic wellness modalities. Her approach resonated deeply with my personal philosophy, immediately capturing my interest.
My skepticism towards conventional Western Medicine stems from its predominant reliance on pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions to address symptoms. It’s a common scenario: a doctor quickly dispenses prescriptions without thoroughly investigating the underlying or root cause of a patient’s ailments. This “symptom-first” approach often overlooks the body’s interconnected systems and the potential for preventative care. I firmly advocate for a proactive stance on health, believing in disease prevention from the outset and employing natural, holistic methods to manage and resolve health concerns. This philosophy aligns perfectly with integrative health and medicine, where the relationship between clinician and patient is paramount, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just the disease. It’s a paradigm shift that empowers individuals to take an active role in their well-being, exploring lifestyle, diet, and mental health as crucial components of healing.
This enticing invitation quickly transformed into the perfect excuse for a rapid trip to LA. Landing at LAX, I was promptly greeted by my friend, Kennedy. Our first stop? Soul Cycle. This isn’t just a cycling class; it’s a high-energy party on a bike, set to pulsating music with instructors who feel more like motivational coaches. The experience was absolutely exhilarating – a challenging workout unlike anything I was accustomed to. Wearing my Garmin Vivosmart HR watch, I was astonished to see I’d burned a remarkable 600 calories in just 45 minutes. It was an intense, yet incredibly satisfying workout that perfectly encapsulated LA’s dynamic fitness scene and set an energetic tone for the rest of the trip.
After our adrenaline-fueled Soul Cycle session, we headed back to Kennedy’s apartment to refresh and get ready for lunch at THE Blvd restaurant, nestled within the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The sheer elegance of the establishment was a delightful surprise. The restaurant had just undergone a month-long renovation, complete with a complete menu revamp, and I felt incredibly fortunate to be in town the day after its grand reopening. This exclusive timing offered a unique opportunity to experience their fresh culinary vision.
[A stunning view from our table in THE Blvd restaurant at The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel]
Let me preface this by saying I am certainly not a Frequent Fancy Restaurant Flyer, so dining at THE Blvd was an extraordinary experience for me. The service was impeccable, anticipating every need with grace and professionalism. The atmosphere exuded an elegant charm, making every moment feel special. And the food – it was truly exceptional. To start, we shared two exquisite salads: the vibrant Roasted Beet Salad and the flavorful Roasted Cauliflower and Curried Garbanzo Bean Salad. Each bite was a burst of fresh, innovative flavors. I would never have imagined the delightful synergy of grapefruit, pistachios, roasted beets, pomegranate seeds, and avocado puree in one dish, but it worked in perfect harmony, creating a truly memorable appetizer.
[The artfully presented Roasted Beet Salad at THE Blvd Beverly Wilshire]
For our main courses, we both opted for the Mediterranean Flatbread, a delightful creation generously topped with an abundance of roasted vegetables, creamy goat cheese, rich extra virgin olive oil, and fragrant fresh basil. I’ve savored countless flatbreads in my time, but this one effortlessly catapulted to the very top of my favorites list. It was remarkably light yet intensely flavorful, boasting a vivid array of colors that made it as appealing to the eye as it was to the palate. I deeply appreciate THE Blvd’s commitment to the Farm To Table philosophy, sourcing fresh produce, high-quality meats, and fresh fish from local indigenous farms and markets. This dedication not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also actively supports the local community, enhancing the overall dining experience with a sense of connection and sustainability.
[The exquisitely vibrant Mediterranean Flatbread at THE Blvd Beverly Wilshire]
Just as Kennedy and I were about to request the check, feeling completely satisfied with our flatbreads, Executive Pastry Chef Chris Ford made a surprise appearance. He arrived with a magnificent glass box, presenting six exquisitely decorative desserts. Chef Ford introduced himself, offering a detailed and passionate description of their new seasonal dessert selection. Though we were quite full, I couldn’t resist. I asked our server to choose two desserts from the box for us to sample. While their specific dessert selections might not be readily available online, I offer one crucial piece of advice for anyone visiting THE Blvd: you absolutely must try the green avocado dome! Its creamy exterior cleverly conceals the most decadent, surprising chocolatey center, a true testament to the chef’s innovative genius.
[A tantalizing seasonal selection of desserts at THE Blvd]
Following our indulgent lunch, Kennedy dropped me off at Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a vibrant stretch renowned for its unique boutiques and trendy shops in Venice, California. Strolling along, I passed by The Butcher’s Daughter, a favorite breakfast spot from a previous New York trip, along with a myriad of other charming establishments. The eclectic mix of artisanal shops, art galleries, and cafes creates an energetic, creative atmosphere that’s distinctly Californian. I wished I had another morning to spare to fully explore the culinary delights and unique offerings of this bustling neighborhood.
[A glimpse inside The Butcher’s Daughter, Venice, CA]
That evening, Kennedy and I made the executive decision to attend a Pilates reformer class at Studio MDR. For anyone who hasn’t experienced this dynamic form of Pilates, I wholeheartedly recommend it! The instructor was absolutely phenomenal, guiding us through a series of challenging movements that had us breaking a sweat almost immediately. Having no idea what to expect, I was genuinely shocked by the intensity of the workout. My legs were certainly shaky, a condition I jokingly attributed to my very first Soul Cycle class earlier that morning! Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly effective workout that targets and strengthens muscles many of us don’t typically engage. The experience was so motivating that it inspired me to seek out similar classes back home in Washington.
Café Gratitude, a celebrated plant-based restaurant, was an obvious and essential stop on my LA culinary itinerary. Its popularity on Instagram meant I already felt familiar with its mouthwatering menu through countless photos. I ordered “The Magical” – a masterpiece featuring house-made black bean patties, fresh tomato, red onion (I opted to hold the chipotle ketchup), a creamy cashew macadamia cheddar, all nestled in a gluten-free amaranth and millet bun, and served with perfectly roasted garnet yams. Each component was heavenly. The bun was wonderfully delicious, and all the flavors harmonized beautifully, creating a truly memorable and satisfying meal that epitomized healthy indulgence.
The next morning, I embarked on a 40-minute Uber ride to Erewhon in Beverly Hills. Describing Erewhon as just a “grocery store” simply doesn’t do it justice; it’s an experience unto itself, a refined, condensed version of Whole Foods but with an even more curated selection of premium, organic, and often unique health foods. For someone like me, who doesn’t have access to such an oasis in good ol’ Washington, it was truly unreal. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about high-quality, health-conscious provisions.
There, I met up with one of my Instagram foodie friends, @eatcleanla, and we instantly connected. It’s truly amazing how social media, particularly through my food account, has facilitated meeting such a diverse and wonderful group of people. Those who can bond over the perfect aisle selections at a grocery store are truly my kind of people!
[A snapshot from my visit to Erewhon, a haven for health and wellness enthusiasts]
From Erewhon, I took another Uber directly to the Soho House in West Hollywood, ensuring I wouldn’t miss the highly anticipated health and wellness talk by Vicky Vlachonis. As I stepped into the building, an immediate sense of exclusivity enveloped me. The thought that celebrities frequented these very halls, and now I was standing inside, felt wonderfully surreal for a girl raised in Washington.
Have you ever encountered someone so incredibly radiant that everyone in the room is captivated by their presence? Vicky Vlachonis was precisely that individual. Beyond her striking beauty, her warmth and genuine enthusiasm were palpable. When she greeted you, it felt as though you were an old friend she was overjoyed to see again. I could have effortlessly listened to her speak for hours. Her intelligence shone through every word, and it was evident she possessed a wealth of stories and insights to share. I found myself absolutely enthralled, eager to absorb more of her wisdom and hoping for another opportunity to hear her speak.
[A memorable moment captured at Soho House West Hollywood with the inspiring Vicky Vlachonis]
After the enlightening wellness talk concluded, I took an Uber to Santa Monica, home to the NOMVA office where Kennedy works. This visit provided a fantastic opportunity to meet the NOMVA team and learn more about their innovative products. NOMVA packs are brilliant blends of whole, organic fruits and vegetables combined with beneficial probiotics. I’ve become quite obsessed with their convenient and nutritious packs and genuinely wish they were sold in my area back home.
Leaving the office, I headed south to Hermosa Beach for a heartwarming reunion with my very good college roommate and best friend, who now resides in California. We had the perfect afternoon: enjoying a delightful lunch, taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic beach, and simply catching up. It was a cherished moment of friendship and relaxation amidst my bustling itinerary.
That evening, my friend dropped me off at The Point in El Segundo, where another highly anticipated restaurant on my list awaited: True Food Kitchen. Oh my goodness – another absolute winner for sure! I honestly could have eaten every single meal here during my stay; it was consistently delicious. I ordered the Ancient Grains bowl, a flavorful medley featuring miso-glazed sweet potato, turmeric, charred onion, crisp snow peas, grilled Portobello mushrooms, creamy avocado, hemp seeds, and tofu. There wasn’t a single bite left when I finished – well, perhaps a few, as I knew I needed to save just a little room for a treat from Pressed Juicery Freeze, conveniently located right next door.
[The incredibly satisfying Ancient Grains Bowl with tofu at True Food Kitchen]
Pressed Juicery offers a revolutionary concept: a healthy soft-serve dessert made entirely from whole fruits, nuts, and vegetables. You might be thinking it sounds a bit “funky,” but let me assure you, it is anything but! It’s completely satisfying and surprisingly delicious, allowing you to load up on a wide array of toppings, including chocolate chips, coconut flakes, sea salt, fresh berries, and various sauces. Discovering “the freeze” and True Food Kitchen truly enhanced my trip, adding incredible healthy culinary highlights to my Los Angeles adventure.
Sadly, this marked my final night in California, with an early morning flight awaiting me. Before we retired for the night, Kennedy enthusiastically mentioned her desire for me to put her through one of my circuit workouts the next morning – and it was on! This prospect filled me with excitement, as I likely wouldn’t have woken myself up so early otherwise. I genuinely thrive when surrounded by people who motivate me and share my passion for similar activities. It was the perfect, invigorating way to conclude an unforgettable trip.
Let’s just say that the next morning, both of us were absolutely drenched in sweat! It was leg day, my favorite, and I’m pretty sure we were still feeling the soreness from our two previous workouts earlier in the trip. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic, energizing start to my day before settling onto a plane for a two-hour flight back home. My Los Angeles trip was an incredible, jam-packed adventure filled with wellness discoveries, culinary delights, fitness challenges, and invaluable reconnections. I already find myself yearning for my next visit to this vibrant city!