CIVANA’s zero deprivation approach to mixology, utilizing Southwestern inspired, sustainable, and local produce to craft delicious cocktails. Through juicing, natural sweeteners, herbs, and spirits, we create unique mindful cocktails. Prefer alcohol free? Simply use a zero proof liquor alternative.

Nourish Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Butterfly pea flower infused gin
  • 3/4 oz Lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Agave tea
  • 1/2 oz Basil hibiscus tea (brew hibiscus tea with hot water and add basil leaves)
  • 1/2 oz of Coconut water
  • Serve in coupe glass
  • Micro flower, dehydrated lemon wheel, and sprig of fresh thyme for garnishing

Directions:

  1. Start by removing your julep strainer from the glass and set it aside. Next grab your jigger and hold it parallel above your mixing glass.
  2. Using the big side of the jigger, which is the 2 oz side, pour the butterfly pea flower infused gin to the top. Hold the pour spout but don’t block the air hole. Once you’ve poured to the top, we will pour that into our mixing glass.
  3. Flip your jigger to the 3/4 oz small side and fill it to the top line with the lemon juice. Add that to your mixing glass and you will notice that the gin changed from purple to pink from the citrus.
  4. Next add a ½ oz of agave tea which is actually only 1/4 oz of sugar, to the mixing glass.
  5. Then add 1 oz of basil hibiscus tea and coconut water.
  6. Once you’ve added your ingredients, add a bit of ice. Using a lot of ice is important in preventing dilution.
  7. Now grab your spoon and hold it 3/4 quarters the way up, put your spoon in the mixing glass by keeping it at the wall of the glass to prevent making noise and diluting the cocktail. Everything will circulate together and after 25 stirs we will have the perfect dilution in our cocktail.
  8. Next, add your julep strainer into the mixing glass, angling it toward the coupe glass. Holding the julep strainer, you will pour your cocktail into the coupe glass.
  9. Finally, garnish your cocktail with edible micro flowers, a dehydrated lemon wheel, and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Spicy Tequila Tincture

Ingredients:

  • 250ml Mijenta tequila
  • 3 Serrano peppers

Directions:

Most bars will slice, muddle, or shake peppers into each cocktail as they make it, which does not provide consistency with the level of spice and flavor. At CIVANA, we infuse the peppers in large batches.

We use serrano peppers, as this specific pepper provides the most consistent spice level and flavor year- round.

  1. To start we cut the pepper in half leaving the seeds and veins in as they contain most of the spice.
  2. We pour 1/3 of the bottle of tequila (250ml) over the peppers and let it infuse for 5 days to get to the perfect level of spice. After 5 days, strain the liquid, removing all the peppers and seeds, and we like to make sure to label this portion of the tequila “spicy”.
  3. We use a tequila called Mijenta. Mijenta is a sustainable, 100% agave tequila and the first B-corp tequila in the world.
  4. For each cocktail that uses this tincture, we will use 1 oz of our non-infused Mijenta and ½ oz of our spiced infused Mijenta and shake it into the cocktail. You may notice a similarity with how the spice doesn’t linger. It’s similar to a wasabi where the spice is there but it’s quickly gone. This is because the tequila is infused and you’re not directly ingesting the peppers.

Natural House-Made Sweetener

Ingredients:

  • 4oz Maple syrup
  • 5oz Filtered water
  • 1oz Vanilla bean paste

Directions:

  • For the maple vanilla syrup, whisk the ingredients together, then pour into a bottle.
  • Our in-house natural sweetener is made of 50% filtered water, 40% Canadian maple syrup (straight from the source), and 10% vanilla bean paste. We typically only use ¼ of an oz of our maple vanilla blend when making our “Newly Fashioned” at CIVANA, which is half the amount of sugar in a classic Old Fashion. Not only are natural sweeteners better for you, but they also have more flavor.


Suggested Use

  • Start by setting an intention for your treatment.
  • Then apply a thin layer of oil to clean skin, on your face and neck.
  • Work bottom to top to reinforce lifting action. You can perform passes in an upward direction on the front of the neck, however all passes on the side of the neck should always be down towards your clavicle (collar bone) area beginning directly below the earlobe.
  • Use 3-5 Gua Sha strokes on each area.
  • Use tool at a 30 degree angle to skin, with medium pressure. The flatter the gua sha tool is to the skin, the more contact the stones surface has on the skin, which will increase the benefits.
  • Don’t force your way through the tissue, allow the tissue to glide you through each section. Use light pressure on the delicate skin around eyes.
  • Use your free hand to gently secure the skin in the opposite direction that the tool is moving.
  • Safe for daily use, however it is suggested to use ~15 minutes or less.
  • Wash tool with hot soapy water after use.

 

Notes

  • When time allows and for best practice. Begin by using light pressure for opening lymph areas, then medium to firm pressure for lifting and contouring and then ending again with light pressure to stimulate lymph drainage.
    • Light-medium pressure= Enhancing lymphatic drainage
    • Medium-firm pressure= Lifting, contouring, and minimizing facial tension and tight fascia
  • The most important thing to note when working with lymphatic system is to always open the channels to increase flow before sending more fluid towards that area. Always start below and work your way up.
  • Our main collection areas, the site where we work on moving waste to be eliminated, when working on the face will be to first open the décolleté area, by lightly gliding from midline of the body out to under arm area. 3-6 passes.
  • Next, open the neck by working down the side of the neck, starting right below the ear lobe, sending fluid down towards the clavicle area (collar bone). Repeat 3-6 passes.
  • Once the décolleté and neck are opened on both sides you can begin working up the face. Starting again, midline of the face, always sliding tool outwards towards ear. Lastly, working upward and then out on forehead. Generally, 3-6 passes in each area is good practice.
  • If you would like to then focus on lifting and contouring, you can now repeat those steps using more of a medium to firm pressure. Starting in the middle of the faces, working out towards ear, following the natural contours of the face with a little hold and jiggle at the end of each pass.

 

Benefits

  • Helps clear, smooth, plump, tighten and rejuvenate skin.
  • Stimulates circulation, bringing a rosy pink glow to the skin.
  • Reduces under-eye circles and puffiness.
  • Works with the muscle fascia and lymphatic system to encourage circulation and detoxification.

 

Spring is a time for renewal – a time to prep your face for sunnier days ahead with a shift in our daily skincare routine.

Warmer temperatures increase our oil production, which naturally increases our moisture levels in our skin. This is a great time to look at our skincare routine and possibly switch from layering rich creams to serums, facial oils, and water creams. Spring also means more time outside enjoying the elements, which means paying extra attention to any resurfacing or sun-sensitizing products you may be using. It also continues to be equally important to ensure you’re applying a daily SPF.

Below are some of our Esthetician’s favorite products and tips for brightening the complexion and getting healthy, gorgeous skin just in time for the season. From vitamin c and daily SPF to a powerful anti-aging serum, these exquisite essentials will leave your skin renewed and replenished.

 

Brightening & Resurfacing

  • Sweet Cherry Enzyme Peel by Naturopathica – A blend of AHA’s, enzymes, and sweet cherry which is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and Resveratrol. It provides an amazing glow, helps resurface dead skin build-up, brighten the complexion, and improves appearance of sun damage and pigmentation. Recommended use: 1-2x’s per week; great to apply in the shower for 3-5 min.
  • Glyco Pads by Spa Technologies – A peel pad for weekly home use that consists of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, plus mineral rich water and seaweed extracts to minimize dryness and help balance the skin. This product is great for smoothing the texture, deep cleansing, pore minimizing, exfoliating, and clarifying. Recommended use: 1-2x’s per week in the evening after cleansing. Follow with nightly routine.

 

Antioxidant Protection, Hydration, & Glow Factor

  • Vitamin C Advanced Wrinkle Repair Remedy Serum by Naturopathica – This serum has a powerful blend of 15% L-ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, and Oat beta-gluten. Great for brightening the skin’s complexion and evening out skin tone and pigmentation. Hyaluronic acid helps increase hydration and calm the skin. Pro tip: For sensitive skin, try mixing with your facial oil to minimize sensitivity or limit use to every other day.
  • Oxygenated Renewal Complex By Spa Technologies – 100% active ingredients! This anti-aging serum provides a powerful punch with the use of pharmaceutical liquid oxygen, hyaluronic acid, mineral rich seaweeds, Vitamin C esters, and Astaxanthin. Clinical studies show that with a continued 90-day use, you could see a 33% increase in collagen & elastin, as well as an immediate 15% increase in volume upon application. Pro tip: Shake before each use and can be used all over the eyes and lips as well.
  • Plant Stem Cell Serum by Naturopathica – This powerful treatment serum helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenates the skin. It’s recommended to use every evening for 30 days and repeat every 90 days. Echinacea, butterfly bush, and helichrysum help to fortify the skin, provide soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, increase hydration, and protect skin from photo-aging. Clinical studies show an 88% increase in hydration in just four weeks.

 

Moisturizing, Nourishing, & Protection

  • Argan & Peptide Advanced Wrinkle Remedy Water Cream – This anti-aging product has a nice lightweight feel, rich in repairing peptides, bioflavonoids, and argan to help smooth appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Oxygenated Marine Peptide Cream – This nourishing anti-aging cream helps repair and strengthen the skin. It’s light and fluffy, yet full of antioxidant rich seaweeds, liquid oxygen, repairing enzymes, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. This cream also helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, while calming, protecting, rejuvenating, brightening, and softening the skin texture and tone.
  • Sensitive Oil with CBD and Vitamin C&E by Spa Technologies – This is a great daily facial oil for balancing the skin and it’s beneficial for most skin types, especially sensitive, combination or for those that are prone to occasional breakouts. It’s also wonderful for regeneration, brightening, and collagen synthesis, while providing a great option for lightweight moisturizing. This oil is abundant in vitamins and mineral-rich plant oils. The essential oils of orange blossom, clary sage, lavender, and geranium along with 200 mgs of CBD oil, and Vitamin C & E provide a brilliant anti-inflammatory benefit. Pro tip: Facial oils are best applied to damp skin after facial mists and serums. This can also be used in place of a moisturizer or applied just before.
  • Eco Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 by Spa Technologies – This every day, lightweight moisturizer with a physical block SPF will be your new favorite! It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave you looking opaque, and it smells great too! Rich in antioxidants, cooling, and soothing; it protects and nourishes the skin with ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, seaweed, comfrey, hyaluronic acid, and beta glucan.

Mornings can be a vulnerable time, nutrition-wise. Often time starved we all have days where we forgo a morning meal or grab something quick that doesn’t provide enough nourishment to benefit our body throughout the day. Having an array of easy, nutrition packed breakfast options ensures a fulfilling, nourishing foundation for your day. So our executive Chef, Scott Winegard, is sharing one of our guest favorite breakfast items, our Dream State Granola Bowl. Featuring our house-made hempseed + chia granola, anti-oxidant rich bee pollen, organic berries, & coconut yogurt. This breakfast bowl is packed with body-loving nutrition. Please note that this recipe does require a bit of forethought. We recommend making the granola on Sunday to power you through all week long.

Hemp + Chia Granola Ingredients:
• 4 cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Organic Hemp Seeds
• 1/4 cup Chia Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, melted
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, stir together the oats, hemp hearts, salt, and ground cinnamon and cardamom.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, maple, and vanilla until combined.
• Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry. Stir until everything is moistened.
• Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Granola will be brown when done.
• Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container when completely cool.

To prepare your granola bowl, use unsweetened coconut yogurt with lemon zest, add fresh berries and banana, sliced and tossed in agave or maple syrup, then sprinkle bee pollen, chia, & hemp seeds to garnish.

A simple and refreshing smoothie to give your skin a glowing boost. Enjoy this Blueberry Basil Smoothie filled with power packed omega-3 fatty acids, collagen boosting nutrients, vitamin c, and more.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or coconut yogurt
• 7-10 raw, unsalted almonds
• 2 Tbs hemp hearts
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 handful of basil leaves

Instructions:
• Place all ingredients into a blender in the order listed. You can use frozen fruit if fresh is not available.
• Blend at 100% for 1 to 1.5 minutes.
• Enjoy immediately after blending.

Salad Ingredients:
• 4-5 cups Brussels sprouts, shredded in a food processor
• 2 cups lacinato kale, sliced into thin strips and chopped
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (vegan)
• 1 cup cooked rainbow quinoa
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
• ¼ –⅓ cup no sugar added dried cranberries
• ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 green apple, diced*

Cranberry Vinaigrette Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp shallots, diced
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup no sugar added cranberry juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions:
• Make the cranberry vinaigrette by whisking together all of the ingredients.
• Toss the Brussels sprouts, kale and quinoa in the vinaigrette and let sit for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30 minutes. Add parmesan, pine nuts, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and apple and toss with kale/brussels sprouts mixture. Taste and season with additional salt & pepper if needed.

Notes:
• This salad tastes better the longer it marinates in the dressing. We suggest prepping at least 30 minutes before eating.
• Add the apple right before serving to avoid browning.

While simple roasted Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt are delicious on their own, we’re turning up the flavor on this superfood with our Asian inspired take. With one serving providing 20 essential vitamins and minerals, our method for cooking these combined with Asian flavors will be your new favorite way to cook up this veg.

Servings: 5

Ingredients:
• 2.5 lbs. fresh Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half or quarters if larger sprouts
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s liquid aminos
• 1 Tbsp raw honey
• 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp gluten free flour
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:
• Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat, then add garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant, then stir in the sprouts and stir-fry until tender and browned at the edges (about 5-7 minutes).
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, honey, lemon, gluten free flour and sesame seeds.
• Pour the soy mixture over the Brussels sprouts in the hot pan, and cook for 2 more minutes or so, until a thick sauce is formed.

We’re sharing a few delicious recipes your holiday weekend may be missing. Enjoy making these CIVANA signature menu items at-home and tag us @CIVANAresort with your yummy photos.

BROCCOMOLI
One of our signature dishes that guests crave is a healthier take on traditional guacamole. Avocados are naturally nutrient dense containing nearly 20 vitamins and minerals including folate, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just 1 ounce (28 grams) provides great amounts of healthy fats, fibers, and protein. Plus, adding broccoli to this dish, provides loads of Vitamin K & C, which build collagen. The fresh texture adds additional fiber which is important for digestive health.

Ingredients:
• 2 avocados
• 2 cups broccoli blanched and chopped
• Pico salsa
• 2 tomato diced
• 1 jalapeno diced
• 1 bunch cilantro chopped
• ½ red onion diced
• 2 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1.5 lime juiced

Instructions:
• In food processor pulse blanched broccoli and avocados till desired texture. Transfer to mixing bowl and fold in Pico.

 

TASTY TURMERIC JICAMA PALEO FRIES
Enjoy this nutrient-packed healthy snacking alternative. A low-carb, gut-friendly alternative baked with turmeric and black pepper and served with CIVANA’s Broccomole. Paleo, vegan and keto-friendly.

Ingredients:
• 2 avocados
• 1 medium jicama, peeled and cut into thin slices about 1/4 inch thick (about 4–5 cups)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place jicama slices into a large bowl, add oil, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
• Spread the fries onto a baking stone or a baking sheet lined with a silpat mat or parchment paper, making sure the fries aren’t crowded. They need space or they will steam and soften rather than becoming crispy.
• Bake for 30 minutes, take them out of the oven and flip, then bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until fries are a little brown and have reached the desired texture.
• Remove from oven and serve with broccomole or your preferred side for dipping.

 

SMOKE OVER PALOMA COCKTAIL
The unique flavor combination and fresh pressed juice make for a delicious standout cocktail. The flavonoids found in citrus are excellent for heart health, plus, grapefruit is rich in vitamins A and C and known for aiding in weight loss. (Recipes makes 1 cocktail)

Ingredients:
• 2oz Casa Migos Mezcal
• 3oz fresh grapefruit
• 1/2oz agave simple syrup
• 1/4oz fresh lime juice
• 2oz sparkling grapefruit water

Instructions & Technique:
• Shake, double strain, pour over ice.
• Serve in coupe or rocks glass.
• Rim the glass with Tajin and lime wedge.

On Saturday, June 20th, the northern hemisphere will officially welcome the first day of astronomical summer known as Summer Solstice. At roughly 2:44 pm PDT, the sun will reach its northernmost point in the sky. Solstices are our planet’s longest and shortest days of the year. The Summer and Winter Solstices, along with the Autumn and Vernal Equinoxes, serve to guide us in the changing of the seasons.

And no matter how you define your spirituality, extra sunshine is always worth celebrating.

In the spirit and tradition of CIVANA’s 4 wellness pillars, we’re sharing a few at-home ways to enjoy this longest day of light.

1) MOVE: Sunrise Sun Salutation – A Guided Yoga Flow Practice
What better way to start the day than to rise with the sun? The Sanskrit term Sūrya Namaskār can be translated as a salute to the sun or sun salutation and has long been used as a symbol of consciousness. This dynamic asana sequence begins by reaching toward the sun and opening your heart to the day and gracefully brushing earth before you emerge again into the light. Be sure to take a healthy pause during Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and appreciate the balance this posture provides – we suggest 3-5 breaths and feel the sun against your back.

Our recommendation is to complete 20 rounds for 2020. As always, listen to your body – it knows the way.

2) SAVOR: The Taste of Summer

Morning Ritual: DIY Summer Iced Tea
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients:
• 2-3 Rishi Black Tea bags
• 2-3 Rishi Green Tea bags
• Juice from one orange half
• Juice from one lemon half
• 4-6 oz agave syrup
• 32 oz Boiling Water

Instructions:
• Combine all ingredients in a large, heat-resistant pitcher.
• Let tea bags steep for 5-10 minutes and then discard.
• Stir and let chill. Serve over ice.

Afternoon Bite: Essential Summer Salad (a CIVANA favorite)
Total Time: 20-45 Minutes, depending on your personal patience.
Ingredients:
• 4–5 cups Brussels sprouts, shredded in a food processor
• 2 cups Lacinato kale, sliced into thin strips and chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (vegan)
• 1 cup cooked rainbow quinoa
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
• ¼ –⅓ cup no sugar added dried cranberries
• ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 green apple, diced

Cranberry Vinaigrette Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp shallots, diced
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup no sugar added cranberry juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions:
• Make the cranberry vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients together.
• Toss the Brussels sprouts, kale, and quinoa in the vinaigrette and let sit for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30 minutes.
• Add parmesan, pine nuts, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and apple and toss with kale/brussels sprouts mixture.
*Add the apple just before you are ready to serve to avoid browning. Taste and season with additional salt & pepper if needed.

Evening Turndown: Sip into SoulHour with the CIVANA 75
Ingredients:
• 1 oz floral gin; we like Hendricks Midsummer Solstice Gin because it is bursting with fresh juniper and citrus aromas.
• .5 oz Fresh squeezed lemon Juice; our bartender’s technique is to take two lemon halves and squeeze each one with a hand juicer right into the glass.
• .5 oz Honey Syrup; Honey syrup is an easy and much healthier substitute for simple syrup. It is made by combining equal parts boiling water and honey, stir until incorporated, and chill.
• 3 oz Champagne or Sparkling Wine; Try using a Champagne with a neutral flavor profile. The lemon juice and Honey Syrup will provide all the tart and sweet flavors for the cocktail.

Instructions:
• Combine and mix all ingredients, except the Champagne, over ice to chill.
Strain into a Champagne Flute and top with Champagne.

3) SPA: DIY Summer Sugar Scrub featuring Basil & Lime
By now you’ve certainly implemented at least one of the ideas from CIVANA’s Spa Director, Stevie White’s list of nine ways to create a spa-like space at home. This tasty treat for your skin pulls in #4, #5, #6, AND #8. It also comes with wellness bonus points; basil is full of antioxidants and soothing properties that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Ingredients:
• 2 tbs. Coconut Oil
• 6 Basil Leaves, chopped finely
• 1 C. Granulated Sugar
• 1 T. Lime zest

Instructions:
• Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Blend thoroughly, adding more oil if too dry and more salt/sugar if too wet.
• Store in an air-tight, glass container like a mason jar.
• Use in the bath or shower and massage into the skin.
• Rinse and apply with your favorite lotion.
*Pro-tip: you can use a coffee grinder to make your salt and sugar a smooth texture.

4) GROW: Soothing Sunset Sound Bath & Gong Healing
It’s been a long, beautiful day. In fact, the longest of the year. Find out what time the sun will begin setting in your area and enjoy 14 minutes of sound for your soul.

The list of benefits of sound healing is long. You are always welcome to ask us if you have questions, but for now, it’s time to relax and restore.

We recommend headphones to optimize for binaural beat health benefits. Click below to listen.

The Wellness of WE – Global Wellness Day

Every day is Global Wellness Day at CIVANA and that tends to encompass a personal journey. Today feels like a good day to remember something that inspires our mission. A quote from author Greg Anderson:

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we
do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of wellbeing.”

This extends beyond the individual, for nothing is separate. We live in a fundamentally interconnected world. From the air that we breathe to the food that we eat, from our supply chains to the technology that keeps us connected during this time of physical distancing. The basic truth is: we belong to each other. Complete integration.

We suffer and we thrive.
We laugh and we cry.
We move and we are still.
WE.

Each day, we co-create this field environment that we live in. Our thoughts, what we say, and certainly what we do are all contributing. So, on this Global Day of Wellness, perhaps it is a good time to make sure what you are feeding the environment are the seeds that you wish to grow. For you, for those you love, and for all who call this planet home.

Until we are all well, we have work to do.

In celebration of Global Wellness Day, CIVANA is providing a four-part “mini-retreat” focused on our holistic 4-pillar approach to wellbeing: fitness & movement, personal growth & discovery, spa, and culinary. Today, whether you move, or you are still, take a minute or several hours to honor your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self in a way that tends to this garden that we all share.

1) GROWTH

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
Melody Beattie

Nearly 20 years of formal research has validated what those who regularly practice this already know, an attitude of gratitude has the capacity to improve physical health, enhance psychological resilience, and increase our sense of social connection. At CIVANA we begin and end each day with our daily set/reset ritual, creating time and space to be present, together. It makes us better humans, more collaborative coworkers, and a kinder community of souls holding space for our guests and visitors.

Begin your morning by simply listing three things you intend or expect to be grateful for today. This can be as simple as jotting it down in a note pad or your phone, or you might choose to invest in a tool like the 5 minute journal. As with everything at CIVANA, the choice is always yours.

2) MOVEMENT

You’ve stretched your heart and mind, now let’s work on that beautiful body! Join CIVANA Wellness Guide Stephanie Derby in this full-body at-home workout. This 30-minute interval training will leave you feeling sweaty and alive.

 

3) SPA

Enjoy this at-home method of our very own Aqua Therapy Circuit. The health benefits are bountiful, including circulation and vascular elasticity, enhancement of focus and feelings of overall wellbeing, a necessary boost to your immune system, increased metabolic potential, and assistance in restful sleep.

  • Step 1: Encase yourself in a warm shower – if you can close the door to enhance steam, that is helpful. Remain in your warm element until your body feels like it has reached its limit. (Do not exceed 10 minutes)
  • Step 2: Immediately exit the hot water and submerge your feet in a cold plunge of water that reaches from your feet to mid-calf. Do this until it feels like you can no longer stay. (Do not exceed 3 minutes)
  • Step 3: Remove your feet from the cold and notice your body from the inside out – what is the quality of your breath like? Your heart rate should be elevated; this is where the immunity benefits rush in. Rest and hydrate while you allow your body to naturally warm to room temperature. This can take 20-40 minutes depending on your circulation.
  • Step 4: Repeat this circuit 3 times if you can.

4) CULINARY

Have you heard of aquafaba? If not, prepare to have your mind blown. When whipped, aquafaba (fancy word for the water from a can of chickpeas) perfectly mimics the texture of egg whites, making it an ideal base for a healthier meringue.

Enjoy this delicious recipe from CIVANA’s executive pastry chef!

Ingredients
• 6 tablespoons of water from a can of chickpeas or from soaking your chickpeas overnight
• ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar
• ½ cup of sugar (granulated works best, but coconut is delicious as well)
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions
1. Place the chickpea water and cream of tartar into a bowl. With an electric mixer, begin to mix slowly until foamy. Then increase speed until the mixture develops a stiff peak.
2. Add sugar very slowly while the electric mixer is on high.
3. Add vanilla extract while the mixer is still moving.
4. Preheat oven to 250 F.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pipe the mix into cookie shapes (you can also spoon if you aren’t able to pipe).
6. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes – then turn the oven off and let the meringue sit in the oven for an additional 45 minutes.
7. Remove and enjoy (and maybe share because wellness begins with WE).