Arguably one of the most valid points about Los Angeles is that it has continued to be synonymous with the word “wellness”. Wellness culture as we know it today has made its home in sunny LA planting seeds of Goopness and Moon Dustery along the way.With an abundance of fresh produce and natural sunshine, it’s hard not to lean in to LA’s wellness culture. Other parts of the nation may scoff at this heath-crazed city but we find that if you just embrace it, it will quickly grow to become one of your favorite parts about being here. Here’s our list of favorites shops, juiceries, studios and the like to help you dip into the scene.
Drink
Created in 2011 by culinary chef Amanda Chantal Bacon, Moon Juice has quickly become one of the most iconic wellness shops in LA. Moon Juice sells everything for a holistic lifestyle ranging from their signature Moon Dust® adaptogenic blends to cold-pressed juices, milks and tonics. It’s hard to walk into a Moon Juice shop and not want to try everything. With names like “Blue Moon Protein” and “Golden Serene” – there’s something cosmic for everyone. We recommend any of their delicious pantry snacks or milks.
Nestled on a quiet street in Los Feliz is the Punchbowl, a raw vegan smoothie shop serving up exotic ingredients. The staff is beyond friendly – to the point where you feel like setting up shop for a few hours at a time and just chatting. The shop features delicate ingredients such as primrose oil, dandelion, rose ormus and turmeric. Everything here is a delight, but our personal favorite is the Rita Hayword. Named after the scarlet Hollywood starlet and featuring Evening Primrose Oil, Strawberry, Rosewater, Coconut Yogurt, Raw Honey, Almond Milk, Coconut Meat. As divine as miss Hayworth herself.
Eat
Blink when you’re walking past Baroo and you just might miss it. Hidden behind an unmarked storefront in the middle of a strip mall in East Hollywood is where you’ll find it. Probably one of LA’s greatest hidden treasures, despite being in the top 10 on Jonathan Gold’s top 101 restaurants in LA. Seoul native, Chef Kwang Uh delivers on umami-packed Asian-inspired dishes bursting with flavor and freshness. Despite it’s small interior, we recommend bringing a friend or two and splitting a few different dishes. You truly can’t go wrong here.
This plant-based Mexican restaurant is creating dishes as stunning as the décor. The restaurant’s bio says it all and we’re hooked. “We first conceived the idea of Gracias Madre while visiting the families of our employees in Mexico. We wanted to both; offer organic Mexican food to the communities we serve as well as honor the mothers who work tirelessly in the kitchens of Mexico and often live without their husbands and children while they work side by side with us in California. Inspired by some of the recipes of these families and the love of their mothers, Gracias Madre serves organic, farm fresh, locally sourced food, full of flavor and love.”
Do
Ah, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Perhaps one of the most unique and overlooked gems of LA. This quiet meditative center is set on a beautiful lake equipped with swans, waterfalls and quiet spaces for reflection. It is both a temple and a retreat center offering the teachings of Yogananda, but is open and free to the public. We love walk around on a Saturday for a little quiet time. It’s just a few blocks from beautiful beaches and hiking in Malibu – so you might as well make a day of it.
This Korean day spa is not like any day spa you’ve been to. Based on the Asian tradition of using the bath to cleanse the soul, Olympic Spa offers an array of treatments and encourages not just a few hours, but a whole day at the spa. All of their treatments are natural and pure. The spa features a jade laden steam sauna, hot “mugwort” tea pool, and a Himalayan mineral sauna. Oh, and this place is for ladies only so make sure to bring your girls.
Shop
A one-stop-shop for all this cosmic, witchy and rad. We’re obsessed with Spellbound Sky and their assortment of occult items. Potions, crystals, minerals, essential oils & meditation aids are some of the offerings here. Even if you’re “not into this stuff”, you can’t help be attracted to the stunning array of colors and textures here.
