Between jet lag, airplane food, dining out and long hours on the road, travel has little sympathy for our wellbeing. Though wellness is currently amidst a major movement, sourcing heathy options can prove challenging when far away from home — until we met NYC-based Sakara Life founders, Danielle DuBoise and Whitney Tingle.
Sakara Life is a luxe, plant-based organic meal delivery service designed to help you look and feel your absolute best. As the name suggests, Sakara Life is more than meals, it’s a cult-obsessed lifestyle endorsed by self-proclaimed “Sakaralites,” including entrepreneurs, business leaders and celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissy Teigen and Lily Aldridge. The program’s nutrient-dense menu offers meals like, Kimchi + Buckwheat Soba Bowl, Strawberry Maca Shortcake, and Revitalizing Risotto, that are entirely vegan and gluten free, but won’t leave you feeling empty or underwhelmed.
Growing up in Sedona, Arizona, childhood BFFs Danielle and Whitney had always expressed an interest in clean eating, attributing it to the regional ideology that food is an important element of our overall well-being. This could not be more true when traveling – we are most receptive to the vulnerability of new experiences when we look and feel our absolute best.
While the price tag may deter some from trying (a 5-day meal plan is a steep $349), the quality and convenience of Sakara Life is unparalleled. A more affordable option is to select their smaller 3-day plan with only 1 or 2 meal deliveries per day to reset pre or post traveling.
We’re still waiting for the day when Sakara Life meal options are available on major airlines, but for now, we’ll stock up on healthy in-flight snacks (like probiotic chocolates and chia tortilla chips) from their Clean Boutique.
Here, Danielle and Whitney share their favorite places in Los Angeles for clean, green and healthy fun.
Eat / Drink
1/7
The perfect place to grab a snack & juice on the go…
Erewhon – there is a reason this place has a cult following. Stock up before you head to the beach or trek about town!
2/7
Popular patios to dine al fresco…
Plant Food + Wine in Venice– make sure you snag a spot on the back patio.
3/7
Prestigious places to impress an important business meeting…
Little Beach House in Malibu is the perfect balance of LA Cool, a beautiful natural ambiance, and exclusivity.
4/7
Romantic date night / table for two…
Inn of the Seventh Ray, nestled in the heart of Topanga. Cozy up in a booth with your sweetheart surrounded by fairy lights and the sounds of the nearby creek.
5/7
Invitation to linger & work remotely…
We love Neuehouse – so many inspiring entrepreneurs and businesses working together!
6/7
Coolest coffee spots…
We love Alfred Coffee, found all across the city (you can take home a bag of Sakara Granola there, too)!
7/7
The dish you miss the most when you’re away…
Café Gratitude’s Humble Bowl – their take on an Indian curry bowl always hits the spot.
Stay
1/3
Hotel where the locals hang…
Petit Ermitage in Beverly Hills, Sunset Tower Bar in Weho, and Pot at The LINE Hotel in K-Town.
2/3
Favorite hotel lobby…
Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica has a sprawling lobby with incredible ocean views – grab a cocktail and a comfy chair and relax into the beach views.
3/3
Neighborhood with the most walkability…
We love Venice – the artistic, free spirited vibe and there is always a coffee shop, juice stop, and farm fresh snack only a few steps away.
Shop
1/3
Unique stores exclusive to LA…
Lily Ashwell in Venice; we love the curated collection and romantic dresses designed by Lily.
2/3
Curated collection of souvenirs…
The General Store & Burro in Venice
3/3
Healthy grocery stores for long-term stays…
Erewhon – of course! And Cookbook in Echo Park is a true gem.
Culture
1/4
Where to soak in views of the city skyline…
The new Waldorf Astoria rooftop in Beverly Hills, and Yamashiro for sushi overlooking the entire city.
2/4
An authentically LA experience (or two)…
Box tickets for a summer show at The Hollywood Bowl, be sure to bring a picnic and bottle of wine! Or try Wine Tasting at Malibu Wines from their organic wine collection.
3/4
Bustling spots for people watching…
Brentwood Country Mart on a weekend for brunch at Farmshop where it’s likely you’ll see at least one of the local celebrities.
4/4
Tourist trap that’s totally worth it…
The Getty Gardens – take the tram up the hillside and become immersed in the incredible presence of this museum and well-curated gardens.
Being
1/5
Great outdoor adventures…
Los Liones Canyon Trail is a quick hike w/ incredible ocean views, Escondido waterfall hike, and the hike up to the Griffith Observatory is an LA must (grab a coffee and snack at Trails Cafe ahead of time to fuel your trek).
2/5
Recover from jetlag with a spa day / massage at…
Visit Anna Zahn from Ricari Studios for a lymph drainage or opt for an unforgettable spa day at Poppy and Someday (you can’t beat the outdoor bath tub tucked in the hills of Laurel Canyon). Lastly, visit The Now for a quick massage in between meetings or before heading to LAX.
3/5
Zenned out place to meditate…
Lakeshrine – a walk around the lake will set your mind right in no time. Ceremony Meditation in Venice with their beautiful outdoor meditation area.
4/5
Yoga studios to maintain your practice while you’re away…
For chill vibes, try the free flow Katonah classes at Love Yoga in Venice and Echo park. For a more upbeat class, head to Y7.
5/5
A fun take on cardio class…
We love Lauren Kleban and her ballet, pilates, and yoga-inspired sculpt classes. TrainingMate is also great for a good cardio blast– plus those Aussies are super cute and hilarious!
And most importantly, don’t leave LA without…
Spending a day at the beach – Point Dume in Malibu is our favorite, and you can watch the sunset over rosé, tacos, and cauliflower crust pizza at Malibu Farms Restaurant on your way back to town.
