Mercury entered retrograde on April 21 (ending on May 14) and during this time period, some may notice weird things happening, including losing items and experiencing disruptions with technology and communication. Mercury retrograde occurs when the planet Mercury passes between the Earth and sun (making it look like the rotation of the planet is spinning backwards) and it happens three or four times per year.

Everything You Need to Know About Mercury Retrograde

To help guests stay calm, grounded and balanced during this time of potential chaos, Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, CA has launched a new luxury offering called Recharging in Retrograde. The package will only be available during retrograde periods and will include the following:

• A Chakra Meditation Massage at the hotel’s Moroccan-inspired Majorelle Spa

• A custom aromatherapy design consultation

• A late check-out (up to 2 p.m.) to accommodate travel delays upon departure

• A customized welcome amenity and nightly turndown amenities designed to stabilize you before bed, including cards featuring mantras and yoga poses to promote alignment

Spa Profile: Majorelle at Hotel Californian

Guests who visit the hotel during a retrograde and a full moon can also experience HOWL—a full moon-inspired event series at the hotel’s signature bar, Djinn, featuring Tarot card and Runes readings, offering astrological insight and a personalized look at the impact of retrograde.

The Recharging in Retrograde Experience is only available for stays during retrograde periods:

• April 21 to May 14, 2023

• August 23 to September 13, 2023

• December 14 to January 1, 2024

Hotel Californian is a 121-room boutique hotel and luxury resort destination located just steps from the beach in Santa Barbara. It features stunning rooms and architectural design from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard including over a million tiles in its decor.

For more information and to book the Recharging in Retrograde, visit Hotel Californian’s website or call 805-882-0100. Follow on Instagram: @hotelcalifornian

[Photos courtesy of Hotel Californian]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk