Some getaways can feel so indulgent that you’re ready to detox the second you get home – or so exhausting that you feel like you need a vacation just to recuperate. Well, mindfulness is changing the way people travel…one breath at a time.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a long-time favorite getaway for those seeking natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and charming shops and art galleries. Now this coastal jewel is becoming known as a mindful destination with the launch of Mindful-by-the-Sea – tips, tools and exclusive retreats now available to visitors.

Mindful travel means you arrive fully present, enjoy your time more deeply, and bring that feeling home with you when you leave.

Here are five simple ways to be “Mindful-by-the-Sea”:

1.    Feel each step – Stroll down Ocean Avenue and venture onto Carmel’s white sand beach. Feel the sand between your toes, the sea breeze on your face, and the warmth of the sun on your skin.

2.    Take your time – You’re on vacation. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Perhaps you get a little lost as you wander through Carmel’s hidden courtyards and secret passageways. Let this space and time be fully yours.

3.    Savor the moment – Every meal brings opportunities for mindful eating, which allows you to truly taste your food. In everyday life, it’s hard to relax and savor every bite. But vacation is a perfect time to take your time and enjoy a fabulous meal at one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s     restaurants or explore different wine varietals and their unique aromas amid a walkable wine tasting tour.

4.    Relax and reset – Put away the devices and find the magic in your surroundings. From the wind-carved Cypress trees and peaceful hiking trails to the sounds of the waves and the feel of the ocean mist in the air, Carmel’s natural beauty is pure inspiration.                                      

5.    Explore your potential – Attend a Mindful-by-the-Sea retreat led by one of the world’s leading practitioners. Even beginners can learn to enjoy a deeper sense of relaxation, well-being, happiness in the moment, and peace of mind that can continue in your daily life.

Newcomers to mindfulness and seasoned meditators alike are welcome to attend the retreats, as the focus for all is on a “beginner’s mind,” where everyone brings their curiosity and gives the internal expert a break.

Book your spot at an upcoming Mindful-by-the-Sea Retreat:
•    March 7-9, 2018

More information on ways to be mindful when traveling can be found in the new Beginner’s Guide to Mindful-by-the-Sea, which is available exclusively to guests of Carmel hotels and inns. The guide’s simple tips and reminders will help you slip into natural relaxation instead of trying too hard to enjoy yourself. Find out more about these programs and book a reservation direct with a Carmel innkeeper on Visit Carmel’s official travel website at http://www.CarmelCalifornia.com.

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’s 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.

The Hofsas House celebrates Carmel's artistic legacy by offering guests its special “Get Artsy Package.” This package includes a stay in the Room 47 — the very room Maxine Albro painted! Mention the Hofsas House “Get Artsy” package with the code “HHArt” and receive a gourmet cheese tray and bottle of wine upon arrival.

Carmel continues to be an artist colony and attracts some of the world’s 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.

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its new Pin It To Win It contest! This January we are ready to be mindful. Post your favorite mindful spots or moments anytime throughout the month of January and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Simply:

•  Follow us on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse

•  Create a board titled: Being Mindful

•  Add a minimum of 5 mindful pictures of your mindful moments or locations with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways

•  Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

•  One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel.

•  Contest runs January  1st- January 31st. Winner to be announced February 5th