Haven of Wellbeing & Balance 

The large crystal singing bowl’s reverberating "dooong" sound proved more powerful than the voices of the children’s choir being performed a few hundred feet away. Yes, the hum from the singing bowl won. Indeed, this rhythmic sound therapy coupled with the warm herbalized oil being massaged deep into my

skin put a halting stop to any wandering thoughts or ambient noises. And as a newbie to the rejuvenation found in Ayurvedic Spa therapy, I had no idea this practice could truly leave me feeling THIS grounded and balanced. But, this came as no surprise to the silky hands of my therapist who performed the GANDHARVA (gaan-darva) therapy at the Chopra Center. When I expressed awe at the therapy’s soothing ability, she simply offered a glowing smile… the kind every therapist in the Chopra Center wears as they seemingly float through the day. Silly me to question the unique approach based on India’s 5000-year-old healing system of Ayurveda, that is, naturally, the power principle behind mind-body wellness.  Ayurveda is the natural healing system which combines specific herbs, oils and aromas to provide a unique mind-body type. 

Perhaps Deepak Chopra would call it "synchro-reality"- a state where your reality becomes perfectly synchronized to the purpose of the experience. Describe it as you will, the effectiveness of the Chopra Center’s practices and their philosophy have people traveling in droves to experience massage, meditation, and yoga classes or to participate in extended programs ranging from several days to several weeks. The best way to experience the Chopra Center is to allow yourself ample time to soak in the calm offered within the walls of their sanctuary. A zen meditation room offers pillows, comfy sofa chairs and inspirational sayings splashed across the walls. While a pre and post therapy relaxation room invites one to read, sip on tea or simply "be." And for those on an extended visit, such as the Perfect Health six or ten-day program, various activity rooms serve as the pinnacle of the pilgrim’s journey into a place of solace maximized by massage, meditation, yoga, Chakra balancing, Acupuncture, Reiki and more. Naturally, all activities are geared toward inner contentment through emotional and physical self-care.  The Mind-Body Medical Group is a popular part of the center where board-certified physicians combine both ancient healing traditions and Western medicine. Consultations for an assessment with one of the physicians is at the heart of the mind-body pioneers of the Chopra Center, Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D. Their efforts have helped millions of people discover healing through a wide variety of practices.

 Plus, with shared facilities at the adjoining Omni’s Spa at La Costa, all of this "feeling better" becomes as easy as uttering "om." The Omni Spa offers amenities suited for the most-seasoned of spa-lovers. There are separate areas for men and women, each with lovely relaxation rooms with plush sofas and individual lounging chairs fit for the perfect pre or post-massage nap.  The rooms are garnished with every dish of relaxation such as ginger and mango snacks along with nuts and orange or cucumber-infused water.

Many spa-goers find flipping through magazines while sipping on hot tea by the fireplace to be the perfect relaxation-activity before heading into the spacious steam room or sauna. And then of course there’s the women’s indoor jacuzzi with views to a flower-covered patio with a door that leads you to the co-ed courtyard. Once inside the courtyard, you’ll find a sanctuary of white-robed patrons frolicking around the pool, enjoying a leisurely lunch at the Spa Café or simply sunbathing by the fountain.  Many Chopra Center goers also stay at the Omni Resort La Costa as both are located on the same property and allow one to take full advantage of everything both facilities offer. The Omni Resort is an oasis of perfectly manicured gardens and fountains spanning 400 acres. It’s a golfer’s paradise with A+ rated courses and numerous tennis courts. And for families, the resort is ideal as it offers eight pools (even one with cool water slides and another for adults only- smart), along with both adult and kid-friendly activities. The village area inside the Omni Resort features shopping, restaurants, café and bar areas and even free s’mores served nightly by an outdoor fire pit. Oh, and there are feral bunnies who call the Omni home too. They sit on the grounds like fluffy statues delighting families who try to snap the perfect photo before they hop off into the bushes toward the Chopra Center… to do yoga. 

CHOPRA.COM and OMNILACOSTA.COM

2013 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, 92009 (888) 736-6895