Waterfront Wellness: How to Reflect, Relax, and Recharge in Oceanside
SMELL THE SEA AND FEEL THE SKY. LET YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT FLY. —VAN MORRISON
By Jenny Adams
No matter who you are or what your circumstances are, you’re likely due for some time to rest, reflect, relax, and recharge. Whichever R&R combo you’re looking for, Oceanside is an ideal getaway choice: With plenty of sun, sea, and sand, it’s a place that lets you fully unwind, indulge, explore, and more — the perfect restorative weekend.
The sense of wellbeing starts in your room or suite at Mission Pacific, where casual yet refined Southern California style envelops you in plush bedding, spa-inspired baths, private balconies, and original artwork curated by the Oceanside Museum of Art. Just steps away: a three-mile stretch of beach and the Pacific Ocean.
From this soothing sanctuary, it’s easy to experience Oceanside’s wellness offerings, whether you prefer to retreat in solitude or actively participate in the natural world around you.
REFLECT
There’s a reason we are drawn to the sea beyond the simple pleasures of sandcastles and suntans. Since ancient times, the ocean has attracted humans, revered not only for the awesome power of wind and water but also for its ability to stir something deeper within us.
Make the most of your proximity to the Pacific by beginning each morning with a leisurely stroll on the beach. Take deep breaths. Stretch each muscle. Inhale. Exhale. The soothing waves invoke a meditative state, and the world’s worries melt away as you bury your toes in the sand.
Of course, you can stay here to do your daily yoga practice or journaling, but other Oceanside destinations also encourage you to turn inward.
Five miles away from Mission Pacific, the tranquil Mission San Luis Rey is home to a welcoming community of Franciscan Friars. Founded in 1798 and the largest of California’s 21 missions, the architecturally stunning building is open daily to the public. Wander through the inviting grounds, complete with a museum and chapel, on a self-guided tour before spending time in the well-kept gardens for a moment of meditation and reflection.
Prefer a moving meditation to make that mind-body connection? Head right next door to The Seabird Resort for a complimentary 1-hour morning yoga class led by rotating local instructors in OMA West at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays.
RELAX
You can certainly turn your Mission Pacific room into a spa-like sanctuary by soaking in the spacious tub or drinking in the ocean view from your private balcony. But if you’re craving deep relaxation, visit Sunny’s Spa at The Seabird Resort. Opt for a classic deep-tissue or Swedish massage, which helps loosen tired muscles and calm the mind. Or try one of the spa’s innovative treatments, such as the Vagus Nerve Massage, which targets the longest nerve in our bodies to help core functions like digestion, stress response, and sleep patterns.
Along with individual treatments, Sunny’s Spa also provides full-body packages, like The Soul Ritual (105 minutes), where one can select an accompanying aromatherapeutic scent blend — like the Wake-Up blend of lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary or the Let Go combo of bergamot, clary sage, and chamomile — to help rev up or calm down. If the office followed you to the beach vacation, The Soul Ritual is the cure.
RECHARGE
Oceanside offers plenty to pique your interest, from refreshing outdoor activities to enticing meals, so you end your stay not just feeling relaxed but reinvigorated.
Walking, running, and cycling trails throughout Oceanside and the surrounding area offer varied settings to get your heart pumping. Don’t have your own bike or prefer a more leisurely approach? Pick up a rental bike — standard or electric — from our partner Pedego right at the hotel. Feel best when you’re one with the water instead? Oceanside is known for its highly surfable swells and offers a number of beaches perfect for catching a wave. Whether you want to try surfing for the first time or level up your skills, you can reserve a group or private surf lesson with a local pro.
After being flooded with endorphins, head back to the hotel for a restorative meal. Our chefs prepare the freshest produce and ingredients for every menu we offer, whether it’s room service or delicious Baja-inspired dishes to share up on The Rooftop Bar. Savor inspiring flavors and inspired signature cocktails, looking out over the Pacific as the sun goes down. Wellness is about balance, after all!
Ready to plan your stay and experience all the coastal wellbeing opportunities Oceanside offers? Book a Sanctuary Studio Suite for two nights or more and get a $100 daily food and beverage credit with our Suite Dreams package.
