Tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Malibu exudes natural splendor and a distinct sense of calm. It’s the perfect place for relaxation, one where you can discover or enhance your optimal way of life with a wellness retreat.

Between indulging in healthy California cuisine and unwinding at oceanfront havens like Malibu Beach Inn, here are a few of our favorite ways to balance mind, body, and soul in Malibu.

Beach Yoga

Wake up to a morning yoga class on Carbon Beach and start your day in Malibu with purpose and intention. Just steps from Malibu Beach Inn, the 50-minute, vinyasa-based classes focus on breath and smooth pacing to gently open the body. With the sand beneath your feet and Pacific blue filling your vision, an early practice will kick off your retreat and allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of Southern California.

Photo: Bruce Klumph

Acupuncture and Herbal Remedies

Whether you are hoping to have more energy or find relief from pain, Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs offers both traditional and science-based medicine for your wellness journey. Open the flow of energy in the body with an acupuncture session – which involves needling acupuncture points, known as meridians – or explore another traditional form of Chinese healing with herbal medicine prescribed in the form of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

Shopping for Crystals

Throughout history, ancient cultures around the world have used crystals as a source of healing power, and today crystals are sought out for everything from enhancing meditation practices to aligning the seven chakras. At Malibu Shaman, you will find an array of hand-chosen, one-of-a-kind crystals, along with metaphysical-focused books, candles, dreamcatchers, Native American drums, locally made shaman masks, and tarot cards.

Spa Treatments

Relaxation and health come together at Veronica Skin & Body Center. With more than 35 years of experience as a leading skincare expert, Veronica Barton-Schwartz offers wellness-minded treatments in a deluxe oceanfront spa suite at Malibu Beach Inn.

Indulge your skin with a hydrating Intraceutical Oxygen Facial, Veronica Gold Stem Cell Facial, or Epicuren Himalayan Superfruit Enzyme using extracts from pomegranate, goji, acai, noni, and cranberry. Then let your stress melt away with a Hot Stone Massage or Chinese-inspired Reflexology Massage.

Photo: Sebrin Elms

Meditation

A way of training the mind, meditation often results in incredible relaxation and has been said to provide short-term benefits like lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved blood circulation, less anxiety, and more feelings of well-being.

In Malibu, you can meditate almost anywhere – on one of the coast’s beautiful beaches like El Matador or in your guestroom with the balcony doors thrown open to catch the ocean breeze. If you are a beginner to meditation, sit or lie comfortably with your eyes closed. Breathe naturally, and focus on your breath and the movement of your body as you breathe.