Recovering from the Post-Holiday Blues

The Holidays were a whirlwind of planning, parties and people and it can feel a little sad after all the gifts are unwrapped, the parties are all over and everyone goes home. You're left to clean everything up and get ready to go back to work and the same old routine. We have some ideas for undoing the holiday stress and making the transition from vacation back to reality a little easier. 

1. Get a massage and facial. OK, we know this isn't a new idea, but the location is. You worked hard over the holidays; preparing meals, decorating and entertaining and you deserve to splurge on yourself for a change at the Hotel Bel Air's new Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie. This is pampering at it's finest with seven treatment rooms, including a couple's retreat with private patio, a mosaic steam and comfortable and stylish relaxation areas. 

2. Go on a yoga retreat. Take a few extra days off to rejuvenate in a gorgeous and chic setting at The Parker Palms Springs Resort. YogaWorks is partnering with The Parker to create an ongoing series of Mini Yoga Retreats. Every month for all of 2012, YogaWorks will be sending some of their best instructors to The Parker. The first retreat goes from January 9 - January 11. 

If you're up for some post-holiday travel, YogaWorks offers New Year's retreats in several amazing locations all over the world. Explore India with Erika Trice (January 21 - February 3) or Restore and Renew Yoga Retreat with Chad Hamrin on the big island of Hawaii (January 28 - February 4).

Flower garlands in India. Photo used under Creative Commons by Huitze.

3. Incorporate some fresh new decor. If you're taking down all of your holiday decor, be sure to replace it with a few new and fresh designer items and of course fresh flowers from tic-tock Couture Florals. Flowers are the perfect mood booster. Here are some perfect tic-tock arrangements to bring in 2012 in style:

Bamboo and Orchids

Chosen

Dali

English Garden

Enlightened

Go Green

Pave

Quixotic

Serendipity

Succulent Garden

The Hotel Bel-Air's Grand Re-Opening

The Dorchester Collection's Hotel Bel-Air will re-open it's doors today after an extensive refurbishment and redesign. The new and improved Hotel Bel-Air has been beautifully restored by two internationally renowned design teams, Alexandra Champalimaud and Rockwell Group. General Manager, Tim Lee was quoted recently about the new renovation: "We are so excited to re-open Hotel Bel-Air. We hope our new and returning guests will be comforted by our attention to detail in restoring the beloved iconic elements while adding contemporary touches that will elevate the guest experience. We are proud of our efforts and believe Hotel Bel-Air will continue to rank as one of the best hotels in the world.”

The design teams took great care to maintain the original Spanish Colonial architecture, while infusing a youthful and elegant 1930's, 40's and 50's glamour. The hotel features 103 guestrooms and suites, with 12 new accommodations, built into the hillside that offer beautiful canyon views, sliding glass walls, outdoor fireplaces and spacious decks with private spa pools. Additionally, there will be seven individually designed specialty suites including the famed Grace Kelly Suite and a new Presidential Suite with 6,775 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. This suite will offer private dining for 10, a chef’s kitchen, a study, great room with grand piano, and a private pool located within a private Spanish courtyard.

The restaurant will reopen under the management of Master Chef Wolfgang Puck and will feature a modern California cuisine with European and Mediterranean influences. The Garden Ballroom and pre-function rooms have been reconfigured as well and can host up to 250 people. The designers used soft tones to allow for each events color scheme to shine through. We can't wait to work at the new and improved Hotel Bel-Air!