The Sculpt Barre
Top-knot? Check. Leotard? Check. A perfect pirouette? Getting there! Whether you're a prima ballerina or just love wearing tutus, this studio's small classes are sure to give you that Black Swan bod you've always wanted. Only two years young, Joanna Cotta Leadbetter's dance-inspired workout tones while creating a strong, lean, and sculpted body. Now, go practice those pliés!
The Sculpt Barre, 30100 Town Center Drive, B1 (at Crown Valley Parkway); 949-481-6688.
YAS Fitness Center
Until now, there were two categories of workout women: spinners or yogis. But, thanks to Kimberly Fowler, the two can coexist under one roof. The combo of cardio, strength training, stretching, and alignment will take your bland workout routine to the next level. And with worthwhile student discounts, we're sure you'll spot a few coeds working off the freshman 15.
YAS Fitness Center, 291 East 17th Street (at Santa Ana Avenue); 949-548-3888.
Core Et' Barre
We know that even after many baguettes, French women always manage to stay thin. Instead of chalking it up to their je ne sais quoi, Ruth Jolley decided to channel their way of life for a stateside-appropriate workout. The 60-minute Formé session is an exercise technique that combines the aspects of mat pilates, yoga, barre, and ballet. Enroll in this class and we're positive your posterior will thank you.
Core Et' Barre, 200 Newport Center Drive, Suite 308 (at Anacapa Drive); 949-706-0800.
CrossFit Riot
Gym rats, you've met your match. In a word, this strength and conditioning program is intense. Open to all fitness levels, you still better be prepared to work each and every muscle! We suggest you jump in with the Beginners Series classes, which start on the first and third Monday of every month.
CrossFit Riot, 580 West Lambert Road, Suite K (at Vangaurd Way); 741-381-1489.
Photo: Via Facebook/The Sculpt Barre
Native Foods Café
With a stint on the Food Network and two cookbooks under her belt (a third is on the way!), chef Tanya Petrovna is pretty much a pro when it comes to vegan fare. The entire menu is non-dairy, but even the mayo on those sammies is filled with mouthwatering goodness! Don't miss the chef's fave Soul Bowl — it'll change the way you think about Southern cooking.
Native Foods Café, 1091 Newport Center Drive (at Fashion Island); 949-760-9999.
Juice It Up
Missing your regular Beverly Hills Juice fix while out of town? Hit up this spot for a sip of the chain's 100% fresh-squeezed raw vegetable and fruit juices. Pick up the Refresher before hitting the sand and we're sure you won't tucker out after a few wipeouts.
Juice It Up, 1170 Baker Street (at Costa Mesa Shopping Center); 714-754-7402.
True Food Kitchen
Finally, a healthy alternative for date night! Start the evening with a Cucumber-Citrus Skinny Marg while your beau sips on a local Pilsner (we can't expect the boys to all be on the wheat-free wagon!). Then, we recommend you split some of the restaurant's well-loved dishes including the gluten-free Shirataki Noodles or the veggie-friendly Teriyaki Rice Bowl. Don't forget to indulge in the flourless chocolate cake —some would say it's better than the real deal.
True Food Kitchen, 451 Newport Center Drive (at Fashion Island); 949-644-2400.
SeaBirds Food Truck
Food trucks are a dime a dozen, but one that's staffed by a slew of fine-looking females who serve up a meat-free menu? We're intrigued! Sure, not all items are health-conscious (hello, deep-fried avocado!) but you could always balance it out with a Peach-arine and Kale Salad. Helpful tip: Peep their online schedule for updated times and locations.
SeaBirds Food Truck, 949-463-2473.
Pacific Waters Spa
We dare you not to get lost at this 20,000-square-foot Mediterranean-inspired oasis! You'll be grateful to go regardless (and there's fresh fruit and nuts scattered around the facilities just in case). With Koi fish swimming underfoot, this spa is the epitome of over-the-top bliss.
Pacific Waters Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway (at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa); 714-698-1234.
Laguna Canyon Spa
Sure, we don't think about pumpkins all that much during the summer months, but the folks at this spa offer their pumpkin peel facial all year 'round. The treatment will leave you glowing, and it's the perfect way to de-stress before a big week of meetings and appointments.
Laguna Canyon Spa, 3295 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite F (at Stan Oak Drive); 949-715-0210.
Bella Vi Spa
What we love about this place is that it goes beyond the predictable massage and facial packages. Yoga classes (the first is free!) and holistic programs connect the mind to the body, which will have you feeling good — both physically and mentally — in no time.
Montanya Spa
Step inside Montanya and you'll instantly feel as though you've left the O.C. for an Asian paradise. Brimming with spiritual art and traditional decor, this spa will be your escape from the everyday. Sip on some tea pre-treatment (their waxes are top-notch!), and take in the serene views.
Montanya Spa, 120 West 20th Street (at North Main Street); 714-918-8888.
