Who doesn’t love a good vacation? After living it up in the Big Easy (read: late nights dancing and long days exploring the historic wonders of the French Quarter), you actually might find yourself needing a vacation from your vacation. Here are four ways that you can take a day off of the many delicious and delirious treasures of New Orleans to relax, rejuvenate and center yourself.
Jars of herbs, spices, and other concoctions at the Voodoo shop in the Healing Center
1. The Healing Center – If you’re looking for a one-stop shop to get balanced, you’ve found it in this state-of-the art health and wellness center. First, try a yoga class beneath the glowing red lanterns at Wild Lotus Yoga. Next, grab a bite to eat downstairs at the newly opened New Orleans Food Coop, complete with locally sourced produce, fair trade teas and organic snacks. Stroll into Island of Salvation Botanica, an authentic New Orleans Voodoo shop replete with magical potions and then make your way to the roof of the Interfaith Center for a sunset meditation. After that, you’re guaranteed to be rejuvenated enough to walk a few blocks to Mimi’s in the Marigny for an evening of tapas and live music.
2. Fitness Classes – Nothing cleans out a week of gumbo and grits like a good workout! New Orleans boasts pilates, yoga and fitness studios where you can sweat out any meals that might have had a tad too much butter. Check out the Pilates Loft in Old Metairie for a serious muscle workout, and then stroll by the beautiful gardens at Longue Vue House & Gardens for a peaceful tour of their gorgeous greenery. If you’re looking for a serious detox, New Orleans House of Yoga offers Bikram Yoga classes (the room is heated to over 100 degrees!) followed with a massage or facial at The Skin Studio housed in the same building. For you tough guys looking to get fit, book a private training, pilates or TRX session with Salire Fitness. You can meet them at their Magazine Street studio, or they’ll come to your hotel! They also have rigorous boot camp classes in City Park for $12.
The author and her boyfriend gearing up to venture out on Bayou St. John with paddleboards! (nolapaddleboards.com)
3. Spa Day – When your legs ache and your muscles cry, it’s time to get a massage. Earthsavers offers the full gamut of relaxing treatments from massages to manicures, and they have an oh-so-cute boutique full of luxurious beauty goods. The Bailey Institute of Muscular Therapy offers sports massage for those seeking deeper body work and a therapeutic touch. Spa Atlantis is walking distance from many hotels in the French Quarter and can provide a sanctuary from the revelry of downtown.
4. Get Outdoors – We’re known for our bars, but how about our outdoors? Yes, we have that too. Try out your water skills by renting a stand up paddleboard with NOLA Paddleboards. They teach lessons on Bayou St. John, where you can paddle your way along the swamp and admire the old, historic mansions that line the water.
Tell us, what’s your favorite way to relax and unwind after a day out in NOLA?
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