How do you unwind?

 

So I ask you: What do you do to relax? Do you ever take the time to get away from it all? 
After a few stressful months (moving, settling in a new place, career change, etc…) my sweetie and I decided to spend a weekend away at the Pura Vida Spa Resort in Dahlonega, GA . Chuck went for the yoga and meditation classes sponsored by Hope’s Yoga Atlanta; I went for the spa treatments and time to relax on the porch with a good book.  

Pura Vida Spa Resort, Dahlonega, Georgia

Our destination for the weekend was only about an hour drive from where we live. As we drove through the rolling hills, I saw a beautiful hawk floating on the updrafts coming up the hill. The hawk glided across the valley making navigational adjustments with only the slightest tilt of its wings taking advantage of the breeze.  It seemed that the he was totally at peace and relaxed. At that moment I felt it was a sure sign that the next few days would be effortlessly serene. 

Pura Vida Spa Resort, Dahlonega, Georgia

The main reason for our brief getaway was to take some time to unwind, reflect, and relax. And relax we did. In a matter of just over 36 hours I had experienced my first meditation session, met several new people participating in the yoga classes, dined on healthy spa cuisine (a bit bland in my opinion), had a facial, spent several hours reading and enjoying the fabulous view from the front porch, and enjoyed a bonfire in the woods.  Nothing to worry about except making sure we were on time for our next meal. Priceless.

Where I spent most of my time, relaxing on the porch.

The lovely sitting room you enter from the front porch.

The weekend weather was perfect, a bit brisk in the morning and low 70’s during the day.  While my sweetie was taking a yoga class and a meditation walk in the woods to concentrate on the mind-body connection, I went into town and did a little antiquing around the historic town square to concentrate on the mind-pocketbook connection. We each got to relax in our own way. Perfect!

During our stay I couldn't help but think of how valuable these types of mini vacations are to relieve the stresses of everyday life. We needed it, that's for sure! I'd definitely go back. In fact, perhaps we'll make it a bi-annual event.

Please share any suggestions you might have on future spa weekend locations. Just click on word "comments" below and enter your thoughts.

Cheers!