I attended my premiere Qi Gong session, where I found myself mimicking the characteristics of a deer for the first time. The purpose of this exercise is to enhance vitality and blood flow via meticulously planned movements. I stood with my feet apart equivalent to my shoulder-width, and my knees slightly bent. By inhaling in a measured manner and raising my loosely clenched hands to the level of my head, I remained static until I heard our guide, Rachel say “Antlers!” I then extended my fingers in a star-like pattern, replicating a stag as closely as possible before starting the process anew. This was my introductory experience of California.
My spouse Laura and I were newcomers at Yoga Soup, a widely acclaimed studio in Santa Barbara. The place brims with a sense of community spirit, though we, as first-timers, were instantly embraced as if we were long-time pals, which felt somewhat intense. “May I embrace you? You appear as though you could use a warm hug”.
Laura seemed to fit in effortlessly, but I was on unfamiliar ground. Nevertheless, our purpose for visiting was to explore Santa Barbara’s well-being traditions, which I typically reject as absurd but am trying to remain receptive towards. The belief that tranquility and satisfaction are within easy grasp and not just ambitious goals, is a significant component of the culture here. This ideology showcases a blend of natural allure and an emphasis on mental health and physical well-being.
The activities advertised on the community board, such as a future communal singing circle and a class focused on rejuvenating your fascial pathways, weren’t particularly reassuring. At the same time, a guy with impressive abs, shirtless, his beard trailing down to his chest and nonchalantly playing a guitar in the corner.
Our local friend Karna recommended we try aural acupuncture and Qi Gong, both of which Rachel has been practicing religiously for years, as a healthier alternative to her earlier lifestyle of constant partying and excesses. The routine involves carrying out flowing body movements and regulated breathing for 40 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of acupuncture centered on addressing particular mental health problems. In my case, it was persistent worry and the occasional inability to sleep, aspects I had come to terms with as just being part of life. However, Rachel firmly believed that such traits had no place in a sound body and mind.
Santa Barbara, situated between the ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, has been a refuge for America’s affluent looking for a blend of luxury and relaxed ambiance for over 100 years. Famously referred to as the “American Riviera”, its inhabitants are known for their radiant health, picturesque smiles, and aptitude for outdoor pursuits. The town promotes sustainable living, physical wellness, and mindfulness, all set against the stunning coastal scenery.
Nestled about 10km east of downtown is The Sacred Space in Summerland, a spiritual hub embracing all faiths, and enticing with the scent of sage. As you step inside, you’re greeted by cheerful Buddhas, Hindu artistry, and various religious artifacts safely harbored in an antique Burmese treasure chest. From butterfly wings to Native American dream catchers, ethically sourced and beautifully displayed, The Sacred Space welcomes all beliefs.
As the shop proprietor, Amy Cooper notes, it’s less about the specifics of any religion but creating a space where you feel secure and connected to your community.
Adjacent to the man-made beauty is the equally inspiring natural charm of the lush tropical bamboo garden. Meandering through the garden is a path of white stone, guiding visitors past architectural stones, exotic lanterns, aged Buddha figures and ponds brimming with koi and lilies.
Nestled within the garden are structures constructed of Balinese hardwood, providing a serene spot to unwind and sip complimentary tea. In the surrounding tranquility, visitors will find subtle waves of peace enveloping them.
However, the appeal of Santa Barbara and establishments like The Sacred Space isn’t merely spiritual. Californians do enjoy aesthetics and the joy of ownership. Not far from The Sacred Space is Fort & Field, a store filled with aesthetically pleasing and cost-intensive home essentials that cater to the refined lifestyle preference. It’s a hit among the local sophisticated hippie crowd, including renowned figure Gwyneth Paltrow.
The California coast, particularly the region of this narrative, is a highly coveted area to inhabit among the United States elite, which includes the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah, Ariana Grande, and Pink, not forgetting Harry and Meghan with their sizable property in Montecito’s private estate, perched on the hills with a spectacular view over Santa Barbara. Unfortunately, it is off-limits for visitors, but the company Sky High Helicopters provides an aerial perspective of the city, coastline, and these luxurious residences. Viewing from above, we can dream about the properties we’d own if we were wealthy and leading vastly different lives.
During our stay, we lodge in the historic Santa Barbara Inn, a Spanish Colonial-style establishment, with its bright white walls and striking red terracotta roof, favourably located near the beach and within leisurely walking distance of the city centre. The rooms are generously sized and well-furnished, featuring a cosy pool for those not keen on venturing to the adjacent ocean.
The main thoroughfare in Santa Barbara, State Street, has been mostly turned into a pedestrian area due to the pandemic. Every Wednesday evening, organised dances take place in the middle of the street, where we observe locals engaging in some frisky salsa dancing, too timid to partake ourselves.
Located off State Street, the Cat Therapy provides an unusual form of relaxation, wherein visitors sit on cushions, hoping for wandering kittens’ attentions. Even I, not a usual cat enthusiast, can’t deny the calming effect of a kitten purring to sleep in my lap, a relaxation-inducing scenario apparently owing to the release of the hormone oxytocin, which aids bonding and stress alleviation.
Santa Barbara offers a wide range of wellness activities beyond kittens and crystal healing. The city has enthusiastically adopted the Locavore movement, meaning nearly all edible offerings come from small-scale organic farms, inspiring stories, and solid business plans. Celebrities even participate, such as Pop Star Pink who produces her high-quality organic wine, labelled Two Wolves, in the Santa Ynez Valley.
At the charming San Ysidro Ranch, the fruits, vegetables, and herbs are freshly harvested from their on-site garden. This environmentally-friendly approach is supplemented by the location’s rich history of attracting celebrities. Spread over 550 verdant acres with 38 opulent bungalows, the ranch once hosted Winston Churchill and was the choice venue for Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh’s wedding. It’s even where JFK and Jackie O spent their honeymoon.
We spent our evening dining on a terrace, enhanced with the fragrant scent of lavender and jasmine under a bougainvillea canopy. Laura opted for steak Diane, flambeed at our table, while I savored the miso-glazed black cod. The only item from outside the local area was a prestigious bottle of Hallstein water from Austria, acclaimed for being the finest artisanal spring water abundant in replenishing minerals, which was served chilled.
Though it could be argued that the health advantages of consuming pricey bottled water were neutralised during our afternoon tea visit to the Belmond El Encanto. This breathtaking retreat, a haven to Golden Age luminaries like Carole Lombard and Clarke Gable, boasts impeccably restored California Craftsman-style bungalows nestled amongst eucalyptus trees and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Afternoon tea, a luxurious event comprised of scrumptious savoury delicacies like New England lobster and exquisitely crafted pastries, including a divine lavender lemon pavlova, washed down with a variety of tea, Santa Barbara’s current fascination.
However, it isn’t just any regular tea. The speciality here is astrological infusions, a selection of teas mixed according to your zodiac sign. Being an Aries, I was served black tea evoking “fresh blackberry, sublime citrus and sweet floral rose”, while Laura, a Capricorn, selected oolong tea with “flavors of sweet maple and uplifting citrus”. While I don’t put much faith in the theory behind it, I can’t deny that the tea was delicious and the setting was even more delightful.
There’s no denying that the stunning weather and the idyllic surroundings play a part, yet after a handful of days, my overall hesitant stance towards wellness therapies has greatly softened. Fending off the bright optimism of Santa Barbara proves to be a near-impossible task, and attempting to keep resistance becomes rather petulant after a time.
It is somewhat effortless to wave off the wealth-ridden Californian wellness craze as sheer egotistical behaviour, or to perceive the notion of us enduring a ceaseless healing process as a self-centred waste of time. Nonetheless, why should mental anguish such as stress, insomnia, or widespread unease be so customised that I merely view them as certain realities of existence? Upon our departure from The Sacred Space, Amy suggests we pick a ‘daily ponder’ from a jar by the counter. My chosen thought announces: “The distinction between sorrow and joy is dictated by where we place our focus.”
Such ideologies crossed my mind in the course of my Qi Gong and acupuncture session. Lying there, with pins lodged in my ears, I am struck by a peculiar sensation of dissolving into my very being, sensing my lower lip fall from my teeth as I near a state of pure, unruffled relaxation, a feeling that has eluded me for a very long period.
Prior to our departure from Santa Barbara, returning to Los Angeles, and finally home, my companion Karna leaves me a petite token in our hotel reception. It takes form as a T-shirt, emblazoned with Michelangelo’s supposed final muttered words before his passing at 87 years old: “Ancora Imparo” – The learning continues.
Places Visited:
– Yoga Soup (28 Parker Way; yogasoup.com) for drop-in classes, at $25 per session.
– The Sacred Space (2594 Lillie Ave, Summerland; thesacredspace.com)
– Sky High Helicopters (skyhighhelicopters.com) from $119 per person.
– Santa Barbara Inn (901 E Cabrillo Blvd; santabarbarainn.com), lodging starting at $375, with no additional resort fee.
– Cat Therapy (1213 State St, Suite I; cattherapysb.com)
– San Ysidro Ranch (900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito; sanysidroranch.com), with main dishes at the Stonehouse Restaurant priced between $26-$36.
– Belmond En Encanto (800 Alvarado Pl; belmond.com) offering afternoon tea at $95 per person.