At Café Mila, we believe that true wellness is about so much more than just diet and exercise. It’s about nourishing the body, mind, and soul through a holistic approach that celebrates the joys of community, culture, and sustainable living. That’s why we’ve created our signature Wellness Workshops – an immersive experience that guides our guests on a transformative journey towards vibrant, healthy aging.
Fresh, Seasonal Menus
At the heart of our Wellness Workshops lies a deep appreciation for the power of nutrition. Our culinary team works tirelessly to craft seasonal menus that not only tantalize the tastebuds, but also provide a nourishing boost to our guests’ overall well-being.
Locally-Sourced Ingredients
We’re passionate about supporting our local food producers and suppliers, ensuring that every ingredient that graces our plates is fresh, high-quality, and bursting with flavor. From the organic greens harvested just down the road to the artisanal cheeses crafted by neighboring dairy farmers, we take great pride in showcasing the best that our community has to offer.
Nutritional Guidance
But it’s not just about the taste – our Wellness Workshops also provide invaluable nutritional guidance to help our guests make informed choices about their dietary needs. Our in-house nutritionist, Denine Rogers, MS, RDN, LD, FAND, leads interactive sessions on topics ranging from gut health and hormone balance to the anti-aging benefits of a plant-based diet. Guests leave armed with practical tips and recipes to incorporate into their daily lives.
Seasonal Recipes
As the seasons change, so too do the vibrant, nourishing dishes that grace our menu. Our chefs work closely with local farmers and foragers to source the freshest, most seasonal ingredients, then transform them into delectable meals that celebrate the bounty of the earth. From hearty root vegetable stews in the winter to refreshing salads and smoothies in the summer, each dish is a culinary work of art that nourishes the body and soul.
Well-Being Practices
At Café Mila, we understand that true wellness extends far beyond the plate. That’s why our Wellness Workshops also incorporate a range of mindfulness and movement practices to help our guests find balance and inner peace.
Mindfulness Workshops
Led by our resident meditation and mindfulness expert, Carine Camara, these interactive workshops guide participants through a variety of proven techniques to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness. From breath work to guided visualizations, each session is designed to provide guests with practical tools they can easily incorporate into their daily lives.
Yoga and Meditation
Complementing our mindfulness workshops are our rejuvenating yoga and meditation classes, led by a team of experienced instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a complete beginner, these sessions offer a safe, supportive space to deepen your mind-body connection, improve flexibility and mobility, and find moments of blissful calm amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Stress Management Techniques
Healthy aging isn’t just about what we put into our bodies – it’s also about how we care for our mental and emotional well-being. That’s why our Wellness Workshops delve into a range of stress management techniques, from art therapy and journaling to sound healing and laughter yoga. Guests leave feeling refreshed, energized, and equipped with practical tools to navigate life’s inevitable challenges with grace and resilience.
Community Involvement
At Café Mila, we believe that true wellness is a collaborative journey, which is why our Wellness Workshops place a strong emphasis on community engagement and connection.
Local Artisan Collaborations
Throughout the year, we partner with a diverse array of local artisans, makers, and creatives to host special workshops and demonstrations. From natural skincare tutorials led by holistic esthetician Mila Grass to hands-on herbal medicine classes with acupuncturist Dr. Joseph Alban, these collaborative events provide our guests with unique opportunities to learn new skills, discover local talents, and forge meaningful connections within our vibrant community.
Educational Talks and Demonstrations
But it’s not just about the hands-on experiences – our Wellness Workshops also feature a robust lineup of educational talks and demonstrations led by renowned experts in the fields of integrative medicine, functional nutrition, and holistic wellness. Past speakers have included dermatologist Dr. Michelle Jeffries, naturopathic doctor Dr. Rubaina Dang, and integrative dietitian Denine Rogers, who have shared their insights on topics ranging from gut-skin connection to the anti-aging benefits of a Mediterranean-inspired diet.
Intergenerational Programming
At Café Mila, we believe that wellness is a lifelong journey, which is why our Wellness Workshops cater to guests of all ages. From interactive cooking classes for families to specialized sessions for older adults, we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of every generation. By fostering these cross-generational connections, we aim to inspire a deeper sense of community, empathy, and shared wisdom.
Sustainable Café Culture
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Café Mila, and our Wellness Workshops are no exception. From the way we source our ingredients to the practices we employ in our café, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and inspiring our guests to live more mindfully.
Eco-Friendly Practices
In our kitchen, you’ll find a wide array of eco-friendly practices, from composting food scraps and minimizing food waste to using energy-efficient appliances and biodegradable packaging. Our Wellness Workshops often feature behind-the-scenes tours of these sustainable initiatives, giving guests an insider’s look at how we strive to operate as a responsible, environmentally-conscious business.
Coffee and Tea Appreciation
Of course, no visit to Café Mila would be complete without a deep dive into the world of specialty coffee and tea. Our Wellness Workshops often include tastings and educational sessions led by our in-house barista and tea sommelier, who share their expertise on topics like ethical sourcing, roasting techniques, and the health benefits of various botanical infusions.
Upcycled Decor
But sustainability isn’t just about what happens in the kitchen – it’s also reflected in the very design of our space. Throughout our café, you’ll find thoughtfully curated decor and furnishings crafted from upcycled materials, from repurposed wood and reclaimed metals to vintage fabrics and one-of-a-kind artisan pieces. These unique touches not only add to the warm, inviting ambiance of our space, but also serve as a constant reminder of our commitment to sustainability and mindful living.
Cultural Influences and Family Experiences
At Café Mila, we believe that true wellness is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of cultural traditions and family experiences. That’s why our Wellness Workshops celebrate the diverse culinary and wellness practices that have been passed down through generations, offering our guests a unique window into the enduring wisdom of the past.
Global Culinary Traditions
Throughout the year, our Wellness Workshops feature immersive explorations of global culinary traditions, led by expert chefs, authors, and culinary historians. From the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to the time-honored fermentation techniques of East Asia, these sessions offer a fascinating glimpse into the ways in which different cultures have nourished body and soul for centuries.
Multigenerational Recipes
But it’s not just about the big, global picture – our Wellness Workshops also shine a light on the deeply personal stories and recipes that have been passed down within our own community. Whether it’s a family-style cooking class led by our resident chef, Kimber, or an intimate workshop on the Ayurvedic beauty rituals of our esthetician, Mila Grass, these sessions provide a warm, welcoming space for guests to connect with one another, share their own culinary and wellness traditions, and celebrate the timeless wisdom of the past.
Music and Art Performances
Rounding out our Wellness Workshops are a series of captivating music and art performances that pay homage to the cultural richness of our community. From soulful acoustic sets by local musicians to dynamic dance showcases and interactive art installations, these immersive experiences invite our guests to engage with the arts in a deeply meaningful way, fostering a sense of wonder, connection, and inspiration.
Holistic Approaches to Healthy Aging
At the heart of Café Mila’s Wellness Workshops lies a profound belief that true wellness is about so much more than just physical health. It’s about nourishing the mind, body, and spirit in equal measure, and embracing a holistic approach that celebrates the beauty of the aging process.
Nutrition and Longevity
Through our seasonal menus and educational sessions led by experts like integrative dermatologist Dr. Michelle Jeffries and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Rubaina Dang, our guests gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact that nutrition can have on longevity and healthy aging. From the gut-skin connection to the anti-inflammatory properties of a plant-based diet, we empower our guests to make informed choices that support their overall well-being.
Physical Activity and Mobility
But it’s not just about what we put into our bodies – it’s also about how we move them. Our Wellness Workshops incorporate a range of gentle, age-appropriate exercises and mobility practices led by experienced instructors, from restorative yoga and Tai Chi to strength training and functional movement. By improving flexibility, balance, and muscular strength, our guests leave feeling more vibrant, energized, and in tune with their bodies.
Cognitive Stimulation and Social Connection
Finally, our Wellness Workshops recognize the vital importance of mental and emotional well-being in the aging process. Through a diverse array of activities that foster cognitive stimulation, creative expression, and meaningful social connections, we help our guests cultivate a greater sense of purpose, resilience, and overall life satisfaction. From interactive workshops on memory-boosting techniques to intergenerational storytelling circles, these enriching experiences remind our guests that healthy aging is about so much more than just physical health.
At Café Mila, we believe that the secret to vibrant, healthy aging lies in embracing a holistic, community-centered approach to wellness. Through our signature Wellness Workshops, we invite our guests to embark on a transformative journey of nourishment, self-discovery, and connection – empowering them to live their best, most fulfilling lives, one delicious, mindful moment at a time.
