Best Wellness Activities To Do In L.A.

With Gwyneth Paltrow’s hotly-debated Netflix series “The Goop Lab” hitting our screens, we’ve all seen Hollywood actress and Goop founder exploring controversial alternative wellness activities. But cold exposure therapy and hallucinogenic mushrooms aside, we wanted to share a list of the best tried-and-true health and wellness practices Los Angeles has to offer. 

Los Angeles has long been regarded as a mecca for health & wellness, being the birthplace of many fitness trends that have taken the world by storm. Although times and trends have changed since the Hollywood stars began practicing yoga in the late 40s, one thing remains true – L.A. is the perfect place for those looking to immerse themselves in a haven of outdoor and indoor wellness activities. From personal flexologists, intensive boot camps and relaxing sound bath meditations, treat yourself to #SelfCareSunday all year round with these experiences to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. 

Please see below for a guide to the best wellness activities to do in L.A.

• Teleport back to the ‘70s and have a groovy time! Located in Studio City, adventure awaits at The Garland with Beverly’s Bootcamp. Spend the afternoon exploring the best hiking trails the city has to offer then relax with an in-room massage for two. The package includes a one-night stay with premium accommodations, a complimentary late check-out, breakfast for two, an L.A. hiking guide, and more. 

• Embark on a 3-day meditation and relationship retreat on 28 February – 1 March at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, one of L.A.’s oldest private clubs. Join mediation teacher and relationship counselor George Haas for an immersive retreat that welcomes singles and couples and learn how to have healthier and happier relationships. The program includes four mediation sessions, dinner on Friday, and breakfast and lunch on the last two days of the retreat.

• Indulge yourself at the Intercontinental DTLA with the Wellness with Attitude package— a twist on the traditional wellness experience with a touch of L.A. luxury. Enjoy a deluxe overnight stay with a complimentary class at popular boutique fitness center Attitude Fitness, a body fat composition test, and a reserved outdoor private poolside cabana with fresh fruit and pressed juices.

• Invest in rest and relaxation this new year at the Hotel Figueroa with the Self-Care package. The nurturing package includes an organic Brujita Green Collection skincare kit— which is designed exclusively for hotel guests, handmade chocolate by acclaimed L.A. based Valerie Confections, and a customised restorative 60-minute in-room massage by Be Well. 

• Perfect for health-conscious travellers, The Bonne Vie Wellness package at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles will help you start the new year with strength and serenity. Focusing on mental and physical health and spiritual wellness, the two night stay in a wellness room or suite features a 50-minute Surrender Massage for two, a group helipad yoga session, group meditation, truffles by plant-based celebrity chef Matthew Kenney, a copy of New York Times bestselling author Kimberly Snyder’s newest book, “Recipes for Your Perfectly Imperfect Life”, and a sleep kit from Pasadena-based skincare company Lather.

• Stop by StretchLab and improve your flexibility with deep stretches that focus on major muscle groups that are sure to alleviate tightness and muscle pain from daily office work or intense workouts. With the help of a personal certified flexologist (stretch therapist), you’ll be able to gain a wider range of motion in no time! 

• At the forefront of mental wellness, Therapy Lab, a new mental wellness concept, has opened in Downtown Los Angeles. Therapy Lab offers time-limited therapy treatments designed to address clients’ needs and goals within a recommended number of sessions designed just for you.

• Find a peaceful oasis in one of the world’s busiest cities at The Den Meditation, where a sound bath filled with vibrations of crystal singing bowls, gongs, flutes, wind chimes and more will wash over you in a meditative experience unlike anything else!

• Those looking for a different cup of tea can try an intimate tea serving at the AY^AM that features two types of brewing practices: Bowl Tea and a Traditional Gong Fu Cha ceremony. Clear your mind and open your heart in this one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to connect to nature, yourself, and the world.    

• Step into the new year on the right foot at some of L.A.’s favorite hiking trails and surround yourself with nature, fresh air, and spectacular views! Hit the famous Griffith Park Trails or spot a celebrity or two at Runyon Canyon. Visit the Eaton Canyon trail at the 190-acre nature preserve that leads to a 40-foot waterfall! For a more intense workout, trek the 4.7-mile Crags Road Trail at Malibu Creek State Park. See our hiking guide for more trails. 

• Looking to disconnect and pamper yourself the L.A. way? Visit the high-end spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles for a luscious champagne scrub and shimmer body treatment that’ll leave you with a smooth complexion. Open 24 hours a day the four-story traditional Korean spa Wi Spa offers everything from facials to mineral saunas. Indulge in the spa ritual at the Ole Henriksen spa with wet room soaks, cucumber eye masks, and deep tissue massages. For more spas see our guide.