When you go to my home website, you see a rock that says “balance” and my oldest son’s feet surrounding that rock when he was a teenager. That was several decades ago, but I have kept that rock there to remind myself that my rock is balance, and when I fall out of that, I suffer.

I LOVE to work, and I think that’s because I love what I do rather than having it come from some shadow space of low self-worth. Because I love it, I can overdo it, sort of like what I am doing now by launching two blogs (this blog about finding out how spa life can help you find your balance, a Tasting Life blog all about food, wine, adventure – and moving into the final stages of SHINE, my first book that really shines who I am and how I stay in balance (December, 2020). As a writer, I’m in the happiest of places just sitting in my red chair, my water feature gurgling in the background, Cinnamon Chai candles (2) wafting through my office, Orange and Lemon essence mixing with it. At heart I’m a mermaid, and I’m the happiest in my cave when I dive deep into what I’m learning, like this blog thing. I love making new blogger friends, learning all sorts of new skills, and really appreciate the love from Heather and Pete in this amazing blog training program that is unbelievably thorough! If you’ve ever wanted to blog, start here, and be my blogging buddy. So fun!

Disclaimer: I’ll put links in here that at times lead you to something I love that you can buy. It doesn’t cost you any extra, some times less, and I get a small commission which allows me to spend more time writing these types of stories. Other times, links are just to something I’m referring to in case you like to go deep like I do.

But here’s the thing. Because I love it so much, I can happily go for 14 hours without meditating, exercising, doing my daily rituals, talking to anyone and, well, that’s what we call out of balance – just like this text-heavy post is so far. To find balance, I turn to the spa lifestyle. Give me mineral springs or give me death!

We found this place while exploring property in Central California as a potential future home. San Luis Obispo has a special place in my heart as my mom and dad both went to college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. My mom was chosen for the Cal Poly royalty and for that they took this picture which I so love. Unfortunately, she ran out of money and had to leave college to get a job.

Already, I love the area, but when we found Sycamore, I discovered a new favorite. We landed there at the end of a 21 Day Wine/Spa Tour this past September in Covid Season, and felt like we needed a 21 Day Detox! The balance we needed was to give our bodies healthy foods, long walks, mineral spring soaks, and outdoor massages by the pool.

If you’re used to the spa lifestyle, you know mineral springs come in many shapes and sizes, and are often found at clothing optional retreat centers. I happen to love those, but not everybody is comfortable in that environment. Sycamore is awesome for that because the private tubs are enclosed on the sides but open to the canopy of trees above. You can comfortably go suit-free, and get a 30 minute soak included in your massage.

After you soak, you robe up, and wait here in the waiting room. You can grab a cold water from the refrigerator (hydrate after soak and massage!) and get ready for healing hands.

If you read my couples massage blog, you know that we follow the 80/20 rule. This was our 80 and we went on our own. During Covid Season, all massage is done under careful protocol, and always outside. I discovered some practitioners wear gloves (yuk) and some don’t. They always sterilize hands before and after. It’s pretty fascinating to see how each different place puts protocol into place to protect people. My personal massage therapist Carrie even has a built in face mask to the table that doesn’t suffocate you (one of her clients made as a kindness gesture) and a machine that cleans dollars and cellphones! Isn’t that awesome? Those cellphones are little germ carriers, but who knows where the dollars have been?

I was so excited to get to the massage part I forgot to take a before picture. My bad. But you get the idea.

In our post massage therapy debriefing meeting, I found out Mike’s therapist did wear gloves which he found distracting because it was hot outside and he was worried about her hands sweating. Still, both massages passed the test. Pre-Covid season, the massages we got here were fantastic. The length is shorter in Covid, but outside of that, you have the traditional 60 or 90 minute options. (I mean, go for the 90 since you have to get undressed and everything.)

Now, what to do after the massage? During non-Covid Season, there’s the pool, but that’s closed to make room for the massages right now. A great second option is go back to your room where they have HUGE oversized jetted jacuzzis that you can (a) have them filled up for you or (b) fill them up yourself straight from the springs. I love this. Like hot springs on call. Not all rooms have those so be aware of that.

If you’re hungry, you’re in for some delicious (and healthy!) food at the Gardens of Avila restaurant. We fell in love with our server Carlos who was very proud of the fresh juice bar and his delicious lattes. We were very proud, too.

There are two parts to this restaurant, the front and the back. In the front, you also have the option of indoor seating with an open air flare. There’s a garden in the front with outdoor seating. In the back, a water feature with cool sounds echoing throughout and beautiful plant life. The ambiance is relaxing, and the high rock walls make you feel like you’re getting a big hug.

Now, it’s all about balance, remember? So to find balance after our breakfast, we took a walk to see the gardens where some of our breakfast had come from. They call it a new wine/beer garden, but as we were detoxing, we just walked over and enjoyed the magic of flowers.

While our time here is more of a destination spa experience, locals get specials on pricing. Starting this January, there is a nifty fifty special for 50 and overs. Book massages in advance as they fill up if you plan to go here. That’s just a good idea anywhere. Thanks, Sycamore Springs, for celebrating that fifty is nifty.

Finally, I look for places to find balance that offer a place to exercise my body. Sycamore has a great walk down to Avila Beach through the forest which is enchanting. For this mermaid, that’s just the cherry on top.

Come follow me for more portals into your own balanced lifestyle and self-care here.