Each year, a dear friend of mine – Amy Kartheiser, also a designer – and I head out of town together to a fabulous spa to reflect, reboot and recharge. It’s a gift we give to ourselves – an important act of self-care that helps us set our course and intentions for the year ahead. Amy and I truly enjoy travelling together, and we like to call these annual trips our business and wellness summits. While we take care of ourselves, we engage each other about our businesses, sharing what we’ve learned over the past year, what we’d like to accomplish in the coming year, and how we plan to get there.
Each year we make it a point to travel somewhere new, which adds a sense of exploration and discovery to our trips. This year we ventured to the Mi Amo wellness resort to uncover the magic of Sedona. Set against the otherworldly beauty of the red rocks, Mi Amo is truly a place apart. As a designer, it hit me right in the sweet spot, with an atmosphere that is zen and also very elegant. Built in one of Sedona’s major energy vortexes, isolated within the stunning desert landscape, Mi Amo has a unique ability to promote a sense of well-being.
Our days went by quickly. We spent our mornings hiking, taking yoga classes, walking the labyrinth or experiencing the sensual garden and reflexology pathway – a tactile, meditative experience. We worked on promoting balance – physical, emotional and spiritual – and we experimented with treatments we hadn’t tried before, opening ourselves up to new ways of understanding.
One of the treatments I experienced was Reiki, a type of energy healing that originated in Japan and has been used in many cultures for over 2500 years. As the practitioner’s hands hovered over me, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of gratitude. (And it’s crazy how our energy radiates as heat!) Though I don’t profess to understand it, the experience was beautiful, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
We also tried a guided meditation that worked its way through each of our chakras, grounding us and connecting us to each of our energy centers. This was a first for me, and the result was a greater sense of awareness, and balance.
I always find it useful to reflect and share what I learn on my trips, in the hope that I can encourage others to take these types of journeys too. From my trip to Sedona, I took away a feeling of gratitude for everything that I have, a sense of hopefulness for the year ahead, and a renewed understanding of the importance of manifesting what you want. And there is one more thing that stays with me: an appreciation for the fact that what we pay attention to matters. During our stay at this intimate resort, everyone addressed us by name, making us feel seen, attended to, and cared for.
As I head into this year, leaning into our design practice, our exciting new projects and the opportunity to support up-and-coming artists through our fledgling gallery, I also resolve to pay attention and make sure that those around me feel seen, because everybody matters.
XOXO Kriste
Here are a few of my favorite wellness products…
I have a love-hate relationship with dry brushing. It’s great for your skin and lymphatic system, but let’s be honest—it kind of hurts! Still, there’s nothing better than that fresh, exfoliated feeling afterward. Link here.
Our whole family is hooked on our outdoor sauna—we use it almost daily! There’s nothing better than being toasty warm while listening to a podcast, especially on a rainy day. Nestled in our garden among the raised vegetable beds, it’s our own little Napa-style retreat. Link here.
If an indoor or outdoor sauna isn’t an option, this portable one is a great alternative! Link here.
Theragun is perfect for targeting hard-to-reach muscles—it’s the next best thing to a massage therapist! Link here.
I love my diffuser—it instantly transforms my bedroom into a spa sanctuary. The soothing scents create the perfect environment for relaxation. Link here.
My weighted eye mask is a game-changer—like a weighted blanket for my eyes. It soothes, blocks light, and helps me sleep effortlessly. I never travel without it! If you want to elevate your sleep, I highly recommend one. Link here.
This mask is perfect for TV time—it only takes three minutes! Habit stacking is the only way I’d use it consistently. Link here.
My husband and I have been taking creatine to support muscle growth and strength. Link here.
I take a variety of supplements daily, but lion’s mane is non-negotiable. It sharpens my focus, supports cognitive health, and I notice the difference when I take it consistently. Definitely a staple in my routine! Link here.
Sensei Porcupine Creek, Palm Springs, CA
Shousugiban House, The Hamptons, NY
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX
Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN
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