Newly opened 1440 Multiversity, named for the number of minutes in a day, is nestled among the Redwoods in Santa Cruz County. But this is more than your typical NorCal retreat—the 1440 Multiversity wants to merge learning with relaxation to create a vacation to both spark and settle the mind.
The “school” aspect of 1440 includes education and experiential immersion in activities from meditation to writing to dance to psychology to team-building. The location offers a variety of renowned hosts from artists like author Elizabeth Gilbert, to singer Alanis Morissette, to Harvard-trained neuroscientist Richard Davidson, and meditation experts like Sharon Salzberg. Program examples include Yoga for Athletes, Calming the Mind and Opening the Heart, Food as Medicine, Authentic Leadership, and more, and the school cultivates a learning experience that centers on a broad swath of topics from mindfulness and health to creative expression and leadership.
For the less ambitious learners, there are still plenty of options to dabble in classes via the R&R stay. Non-traditional university amenities include complimentary meditation, yoga, qigong, and tai chi classes, a fully equipped fitness center, four miles of forest hiking trails, and a dining center with both indoor and patio seating offering nourishing and inspired freshly prepared meals. A soon-to-be-completed healing arts center is in the works, as well as steam rooms and an outdoor infinity edge whirlpool with an expansive view overlooking the redwoods. So you can hit the books or hit the breaks—either way you’ll rule the school!
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Guide to Santa Cruz