{"id":7200,"date":"2018-01-22T13:38:08","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T13:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=7200"},"modified":"2018-01-30T21:03:02","modified_gmt":"2018-01-30T21:03:02","slug":"a-visit-to-carmel-by-the-sea-leaves-travelers-healthier-recharged-and-inspired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/winter-2018\/a-visit-to-carmel-by-the-sea-leaves-travelers-healthier-recharged-and-inspired\/","title":{"rendered":"A Visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea Leaves Travelers Healthier, Recharged, and Inspired"},"content":{"rendered":"

D<\/span>reaming of dipping your toes in the Pacific and relishing what California has to offer? We recommend satisfying your dreams in the spot ranked among the best for being \u201cthe cutest,\u201d with \u201cthe best hikes in America,\u201d very \u201cdog-friendly beaches,\u201d \u201cthe happiest seaside town,\u201d and one with one of the \u201cbest beaches in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Where is this amazing destination that\u2019s perfect for the active traveler?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Carmel-by-the-Sea<\/a>.<\/h3>\n

Located on Carmel Bay, a Pacific Ocean bay in Central California, the village is 120 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles while being just 26 miles north of the celebrated Big Sur.<\/p>\n

This tiny one-square-mile village with a population of a little more than 3,500 enjoys moderately warm temperatures year-round, with an average high of 65 F and an average low of 48 F. September and October offer the best weather, with an average high of 72 F.<\/p>\n

Long known for its charm, the one-of-a-kind European-style village started as an artist colony and has no street addresses, mailboxes, streetlights, or parking meters. With more than 60 restaurants in one square mile, more than a dozen wine-tasting rooms, 80-plus art galleries, and hundreds of unique boutiques, Carmel <\/a>is perfect for wandering, dining, and shopping.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Perfect Spot for Running, Hiking, and Walking<\/h3>\n

Carmel has always been a runner\u2019s paradise, thanks to temperate year-round weather, optimal trail conditions, and a breathtaking variety of scenery. In fact, Carmel has long served as the finish line for the world-famous Big Sur International Marathon, held each April.\nVisitors who opt out of a marathon run may always discover Carmel-by-the-Sea\u2019s many scenic nooks and crannies\u2014and get fitter as they sightsee, thanks to a new handbook created by local Carmelites.<\/p>\n

The Locals\u2019 Guide to Scenic Runs, Hikes & Walks In & Around Carmel-by-the-Sea<\/a>, available for guests at Carmel-by-the-Sea hotels and visitor center, provides information on 23 scenic strolls and trails in an easy-to-navigate handbook. Ideas are here from a quick jog to an 18-mile recreational trail along Monterey Bay, plus scenic hikes and walks that overlook the stunning coastline and take you high into the mountains for panoramic views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Country Inns and Hotels for Rejuvenation<\/h3>\n

Carmel hotels and inns are noteworthy for what they are not. You’ll find no neon, national chains or conventioneers here\u2014just folks who are similarly experiencing the unique rejuvenation Carmel provides. Sitting as they do amidst oceans of flowers and Cypress, and bathed in Pacific breezes, the village’s hotels and inns provide an unparalleled sense of discovery. Each is the landing place for a wholly unique vacation with a host of Carmel hotel and inn special offers.<\/p>\n

For special package ideas, The Hofsas House Hotel<\/a>, a 38-room boutique family-owned inn in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, offers custom packages that appeal to a wide variety of guests, from art and wine lovers to dog owners, chocolate lovers and those looking for a relaxing spa experience.<\/p>\n

Get Artsy Package<\/h3>\n

For decades, Carmel, California has been a haven for artists, from authors, poets and actors to painters and sculptors. Today there are more than 80 art galleries within walking distance from the hotel. The Hofsas House is part of that artistic tradition and has been touched by one of the world\u2019s most famous artists. Did you know that artist Maxine Albro was commissioned by Donna Hofsas to paint the welcoming mural and the headboard featured in Room 47 of the Hofsas House? In the 1940s and 1950s, Maxine was living in Carmel and was friends with Donna. After the main four-story addition to the Hofsas House was completed in 1957, Donna asked Maxine to paint the mural and add other highlights to the front of the building to enhance the hotel’s Bavarian theme. Maxine also painted the three pictures now hanging in the lobby.<\/p>\n

The Hofsas House celebrates Carmel’s artistic legacy by offering guests its special \u201cGet Artsy Package.\u201d This package includes a stay in the Room 47 \u2014 the very room Maxine Albro painted! Mention the Hofsas House \u201cGet Artsy\u201d package with the code \u201cHHArt\u201d and receive a gourmet cheese tray and bottle of wine upon arrival.<\/p>\n

Carmel continues to be an artist colony and attracts some of the world\u2019s most famous artists, including painters, sculptors, and photographers. Hofsas House can help arrange a tour of Carmel’s art galleries and artists’ studios with Carmel Art Tours. Discover secret passageways, visit hand-picked galleries, both the internationally acclaimed and the hidden gems. There’s also an opportunity for a chance encounter with an artist at work in a Carmel studio. Cost is $25 per person, reservations are required, and participants meet for the tour at Carmel Visitors Center. Info at www.carmelarttours.com, 800-979-3370.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County. Photo: Visit California.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Fitness and Nutrition Retreat<\/h3>\n

\u201cAmerica\u2019s Coach\u201d and Runner\u2019s World columnist Jeff Galloway just held the first in a series of fitness and nutrition retreats in Carmel-by-the-Sea\u2014in conjunction with registered dietitian and television host Carissa Bealert\u2014with two more upcoming retreats on the calendar (visit CarmelCalifornia.com\/Exclusive-Retreats<\/a> for details):<\/p>\n

\u2022 March 15\u201318, 2018\n\u2022 April 5\u20138, 2018<\/p>\n

While high-mileage runners can expect to get an edge on their training, Galloway says many retreat attendees are beginners who are looking to jump-start a healthy new routine:<\/p>\n

People want to come to Carmel to experience all it has to offer, and that includes knowing exactly where to exercise while they\u2019re here. But they also want to improve their fitness long-term and reach the goals they\u2019ve set for themselves, and a weekend retreat allows them to recharge their exercise batteries, soak up the energy of other like-minded people, and leave with a renewed sense of commitment to their health.<\/p>\n

The retreat is perfect for visitors looking for a structured itinerary with plenty of free time built in. But for those wanting to set their own schedule, a typical day might start with a stroll along Carmel Beach, a cup of fresh-roasted coffee in hand, watching local surfers catch waves and dogs frolic off leash.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Carmel-by-the-Sea Becomes Mindful-by-the-Sea<\/h3>\n

This coastal jewel is becoming also known as a \u201cmindful destination\u201d with the launch of Mindful-by-the-Sea. \u201cMindfulness\u201d is a wellness program inspired by the popular practice that TIME magazine calls \u201cthe new science of health and happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visit Carmel, the destination-marketing organization for Carmel-by-the-Sea, launched Mindful-by-the-Sea to offer tips, tools, and retreats in partnership with world-renowned teacher Dr. Rich Fernandez and Mindful magazine. Mindful-by-the-Sea will help visitors to arrive fully, be more present while here, and take away that feeling when they leave.<\/p>\n

Carmel is the perfect setting to relax and let go for a more mindful travel experience. To help visitors learn more about mindfulness, Visit Carmel developed the Beginner\u2019s Guide to Mindful-by-the-Sea with Mindful magazine, which encourages visitors to explore and experience the practices of mindfulness for a more fulfilling getaway and return to daily life.<\/p>\n

The guide is available exclusively to guests of Carmel hotels and inns, providing useful tips and tools. This includes how to be completely present\u2014with every one of your senses\u2014during your vacation and ways to take mini-breaks to refresh your body and mind throughout the day.<\/p>\n

The guide\u2019s simple tips and reminders will help you slip into natural relaxation instead of trying too hard to enjoy yourself. More enhanced information and instruction can be found at CarmelCalifornia.com\/Mindful with additional links to custom pages at Mindful.org.<\/p>\n

Mindful-by-the-Sea Retreats<\/h3>\n

Central to the Mindful-by-the-Sea program are retreats led by one of the world\u2019s leading mindfulness practitioners Dr. Rich Fernandez, CEO of Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI). Rich co-developed SIYLI at Google. It is today\u2019s leading program that teaches tools for focus, self-awareness, and resilience. Backed by world experts in neuroscience, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, SIYLI has already changed thousands of lives in more than 100 cities around the world.<\/p>\n

Rich says:<\/p>\n

I have been fortunate to meditate and teach mindfulness in some of the most beautiful places in the world. But Carmel is home to one of my absolute favorite spots at Point Lobos. So I am thrilled to lead a series of retreats in Carmel-by-the-Sea and to bring the mindfulness experience to visitors. We will be exploring a range of practices that will help participants enjoy a deeper sense of relaxation, well-being, and happiness in the moment, and peace of mind that can continue in their daily life.<\/p>\n

The benefits of meditation\u2014from a better mood to better sleep to better health\u2014are hard to deny and make the case for developing mindfulness practices at home and away.<\/p>\n

Newcomers to mindfulness and seasoned meditators alike are welcome to attend. The focus for everything will be a \u201cbeginner\u2019s mind,\u201d where everyone brings their curiosity and gives the internal expert a break. The three-day schedule includes an evening welcome session, a full day of practice, and a final morning session. Retreats will be held at the Sunset Center in the heart of Carmel, just blocks from the ocean, both sitting inside and walking in nature.<\/p>\n

Scheduled Mindful-by-the-Sea Retreat date:\n\u2022 March 7\u20139, 2018<\/p>\n

Registration and details can be found at CarmelCalifornia.com\/Mindful<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Film, Music, Car Shows, and More<\/h3>\n

There are always unique and fun events going on throughout the year. Here is a sampling:<\/p>\n

\u2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.\u00a0<\/a>\n\u2022 Carmel International Film Festival.<\/a>\n\u2022 Carmel Bach Festival<\/a>.\n\u2022 Monterey Car Week and Concours d\u2019Elegance<\/a>.\n\u2022 Carmel Sandcastle Building Contest<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Carmel Is for Foodies<\/h3>\n

Carmel is experiencing a culinary renaissance with eclectic restaurants (no chains) that span the gustatory globe from Mediterranean to Asian, French, Italian, Spanish, Cuban, Greek, and much more. All told, there are nearly 70 coffeehouses, bakeries, pubs, bistros, and restaurants. They serve a bounty of international and regional cuisines, use fresh produce grown locally in Salinas Valley and fresh seafood from Monterey Bay, and also serve award-winning Monterey County wines.<\/p>\n

Some getaways can feel so indulgent that you\u2019re ready to detox the second you get home \u2014 or so exhausting that you feel like you need a vacation just to recuperate. But a trip to Carmel is an opportunity to unplug and restore in a premier scenic setting unlike anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n

The Book Direct feature on the Visit Carmel<\/a> website\u00a0 allows travelers to quickly and conveniently make reservations, at special rates, directly with the lodging establishments.<\/p>\n

For More Information:\nVisit Carmel\u00a0<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Breathtaking jewel for active travelers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7285,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[88,90],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-winter-2018","category-winter-2018-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7200"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7287,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7200\/revisions\/7287"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}