There's something magical about stepping into a landscape that feels entirely new to your senses. The earthy tones, the quality of light, the expansive skies—this was my experience visiting New Mexico for the first time recently. As I explored the artistic streets of Santa Fe and soaked in the vibrant culture of Albuquerque, I was captivated not just as a traveler but as an event planner constantly on the lookout for extraordinary retreat destinations.
But today, I'm not here to tell you about the turquoise jewelry or the red chile ristras (though trust me, we'll get to those soon enough)! Instead, I want to share a personal wellness challenge I encountered—and the natural solution that saved my sleep.

When Elevation Meets Heart Rate: My Nighttime Challenge
Picture this: Days filled with exploration, adobe architecture, and green chile everything. I felt fantastic wandering through galleries and markets, seemingly adapting well to the high elevation of Santa Fe (7,000 feet above sea level!) and Albuquerque. But when nighttime arrived and I settled into my hotel room by 9pm, my body had different plans.
Despite feeling physically tired, my heart had apparently joined a drumming circle of its own! As someone who carefully monitors my higher heart rate and blood pressure, I could immediately feel the difference—my heart was working overtime, beating harder and faster than usual as I tried to rest. Hour after hour passed (hotel room by 9pm, sleep nowhere in sight until around 1am), leaving me staring at the ceiling, all too aware of each pronounced heartbeat.

My Natural Travel Companion to the Rescue
This is where I'm eternally grateful for my travel wellness kit. As I've been a doTERRA wellness advocate for several years, I started packing mini travel bottles of doTERRA essential oils for various situations.
One small bottle became my nighttime hero: Ylang Ylang essential oil.

For several years, I've relied on this floral wonder to help naturally reduce my heart rate when needed. That first restless night in New Mexico, I remembered my trusted ally. With gentle, intentional movements, I applied a few drops in a circular motion over my chest area for about a minute, while taking slow deep breaths.

The effect wasn't instantaneous magic—but it was something better: gentle, natural support. Within about 10-15 minutes, I could feel my heart rate decrease by approximately 10 BPM. Just enough to quiet that internal drumbeat and allow sleep to finally find me.

Pushpak Motors: Sonoma's Unexpected Thrill Ride
Let me share my absolute favorite Sonoma discovery from the past year: Pushpak Motors. This unique experience (https://www.pushpakmotors.net/) completely transformed my understanding of what a Sonoma outing could be.

Imagine this: your group cruising through scenic back roads on eco-friendly motorized trikes, wind in your hair, surrounded by vineyard vistas. What makes this experience truly exceptional is its versatility. From corporate team-building events where executives trade boardroom tensions for belly laughs as they master their scooters, to birthday celebrations where friends create unforgettable memories zipping between wineries and picturesque viewpoints.

The experience works best during Sonoma's warmer months (typically April through October), when clear skies and moderate temperatures create ideal riding conditions. What's particularly appealing for event planners is how Pushpak Motors can customize routes based on your group's interests, whether that's hitting specific wineries, focusing on scenic vistas, or creating a progressive dining experience.

Charlie's Acres: Where Corporate Social Responsibility Meets Joy
For groups looking to add meaning to their Sonoma experience, Charlie's Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary offers a refreshing alternative to traditional team-building activities. This haven for rescued farm animals provides corporate groups with a unique opportunity to combine team building with corporate social responsibility.

Groups groups can connect while learning about animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. The sanctuary's spacious event areas make it ideal for company retreats that aim to incorporate purpose-driven activities. Watching executives and team members light up while interacting with the sanctuary's charismatic residents—from playful goats to gentle pigs—creates authentic bonding moments that simply can't be manufactured in a conference room.
The combination of meaningful engagement and pure joy makes Charlie's Acres sanctuary a standout destination for groups seeking experiences with heart.

​Sonoma's Wine Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary
While vineyard visits are expected in wine country, certain estates offer experiences that transcend the typical tasting. I'd love to share a couple of hidden gems that you may miss if you pay too much attention to the bigger labels:

Landmark Vineyards: Elevated Elegance
Landmark Vineyards stands out for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir offerings, but what makes it particularly special for events is its gorgeous courtyard setting. The vineyard's hospitality team excels at customizing experiences, whether you're seeking a guided comparative tasting for wine enthusiasts or a more casual setting for team celebrations.

Paradise Ridge Winery: Panoramic Perfection
Perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the Russian River Valley, Paradise Ridge Winery offers some of the most spectacular vistas in Sonoma County. The winery's expansive indoor and outdoor spaces make it extraordinarily versatile for events ranging from corporate gatherings to milestone celebrations.

I particularly recommend this venue for sunset receptions—there's something magical about watching the golden light bathe the valley while sipping their estate wines. The winery's sculpture garden adds an artistic element that creates natural conversation starters for networking events or breakout sessions.

The Sonoma Cheese Trail: A Tasty Team Adventure
If you know me at all, you know I LOVE cheese, so how could I not get excited about the Sonoma Cheese Trail? For groups seeking a delicious alternative to wine tasting, Sonoma's artisanal cheese scene offers a delightful change of pace. I often incorporate cheese trail stops into custom itineraries, creating progressive tasting experiences that highlight the county's dairy excellence. Here are a couple of my favorite highlights: 

Vella Cheese Company: A Taste of Tradition
This historic cheesemaking facility in Sonoma Plaza has been crafting artisanal cheeses since 1931. Their aged dry jack cheese with its distinctive black coating is legendary. For corporate groups, I've arranged behind-the-scenes tours where teams can learn about the meticulous aging process while sampling their extraordinary creations.

Sonoma Cheese Factory: Contemporary Craft
Complementing Vella's traditional approach, the Sonoma Cheese Factory showcases more contemporary cheesemaking techniques. Their interactive tastings are particularly effective for breaking the ice among team members or clients who are just getting acquainted. I love pairing a visit here with a guided wine pairing session afterward, creating a progressive epicurean experience.