In this week’s “Bringing Acqualina to You” virtual series, you can enjoy a Yoga class, cooking lesson and even consider whipping up a “skinny cocktail.” For a heartwarming touch, we have a complimentary romance novel and a how-to video for swan towel art. Plus, enjoy some “me” time by transforming your bath at home into a bath ritual. We hope you enjoy these experiences to enhance your time while at home.
SUNDAY MORNING YOGA
Join us on Sunday, April 19 at 9am for Yoga with Dawn and Mark Oliver of Well Xplored. The immersive online class is offered via Zoom all in the comfort of your home. Expect to receive customized training and instruction from Mark while Dawn demonstrates the postures. These wellness leaders have been providing Yoga and wellness services to Acqualina for nearly a decade.
Click HERE to register for the class.
At-Home Cooking
As part of The Acqualina Diet, we have created curated menus to meet varied dietary needs and other health conscious menu choices that are rich with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients to promote overall health. We are happy to share with you one of the most popular dishes from the menu – a recipe for Kale and Quinoa Salad. You’ll find a cooking demonstration where our chef walks you through making this delicious dish. We highly recommend adding a healthy protein. Our favorite is Wok Charred Salmon with our special recipe included.
Kale and Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
• 3 oz of black kale (Lacinato)
• pumpernickel croutons
• shaved parmesan cheese
• black quinoa
Ingredients for the lemon vinaigrette
• ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• pinch of salt & black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1. For the quinoa, boil water and add a pinch of salt, once it is boiling add the quinoa and cook with low heat for about 12 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 more minutes covered. You will see tiny spirals around the seed. Drain and it will be fluffy and ready to eat.
Step 2. For the kale, remove the fibrous stems, leaving just the greens and sliced them julienne style.
Step 3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the edges of the pumpernickel bread and slice them into cubes (make sure they are uniform in size so they bake evenly). Toss with extra virgin olive oil and salt & pepper.
Step 4. Spread the croutons on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 3 minutes and check if they are crispy.
Step 5. To prepare the lemon vinaigrette dressing, whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl, adjust seasoning to personal taste. Let it sit for an hour or so, and then whisk again right before serving.
Step 6. To assemble the salad, place the kale, shaved parmesan together and toss the vinaigrette. Garnish with the croutons around the plate.
Wok Charred Salmon
Ingredients:
• 1 piece of salmon fillet skin off
• ½ cup kimchee sauce
• ¼ cup sesame oil
• ½ lemon
Instructions:
Step 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl with kimchee sauce, slowly incorporate the sesame oil while constantly whisking.
Step 3. Heat a frying pan with an ovenproof handle, rub the salmon well with the kimchee & sesame oil mix and cook medium heat for about 4 min. It is important that the salmon is well charred so it has a bitter, crisp bottom.
Step 4. Place the salmon into the oven skin side down in the pan, then roast for 3-4 mins, or until it reaches 145 degrees F.
Step 5. Decorate using hybrid bib lettuce and a half charred lemon.
Mixing It Up
Beyond the Acqualina Diet dining menu, Acqualina also offers a healthier beverage menu, including low-calorie and low-carb cocktails and low-sugar wines. After all, part of overall health means enjoying the things that rejuvenate your soul — which might be enjoying a glass of high-end wine or a “skinny” cocktail while at home. Here’s everything you need to make a Skinny Margarita featuring strawberries or wild berries, coconut water and basil.
Skinny Strawberry Basil Margarita
1.5 oz low carb vodka (80 calories for 1.5 oz)
0.5 oz Passoa liqueur (55 calories for 0.5 oz)
1 oz strawberry/wild berry mix – can be substituted for fresh muddled berries
4 oz fresh coconut water
3-4 fresh basil leaves
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Fill the shaker with ice and proceed to shake vigorously. Strain contents over ice and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
BATH RITUALS
Since antiquity, cultures around the world have sought out the healing powers of baths. Now you can transform your bath at home into a bath ritual to aid in soothing sore muscles, joints and decompressing after a long day.
First, we recommend creating your ambiance by placing candles around the bathroom and adding your music of choice. And don’t forget your beverage of choice, hot tea, a glass of wine, or even hot cocoa are all great comfort drinks to sip on while taking a bath.
You’ll then want to start your bath with warm water, add two cups of Epsom Salt which is essential for relaxation due to the high levels of Magnesium.
To elevate your at-home bath ritual, we recommend adding essential oils. For a soothing option, pour one cap of the ESPA Soothing Bath oil, an aromatic bath oil to help relax a busy mind. With ingredients such as Sandalwood, Rose Geranium, Myrrh and Frankincense, you will be able to unwind your mind and rest your body while the Sweet Almond Oil deeply nourishes leaving you with beautifully supple skin.
For the fitness enthusiast that is looking to soothe and alleviate tired muscles, try the ESPA Fitness Bath Oil. Ingredients such as Restorative Indian Bay and Clove Bud oils soothe and relax the muscles, decreases lactic acid buildup and Lavender helps calm a busy mind, while Sweet Almond Oil nourishes your skin.
Swan Art
The swan is a spiritual animal and a symbol of purity, beauty and love. At Acqualina, our team members enjoy making swan towels by folding together hand and bath towels to produce elegant swans. Then, thoughtfully displaying them in the bedroom of one of our stunning suites sprinkled with rose petals. It’s a wonderful surprise for couples celebrating a special occasion, an anniversary or a romantic getaway. Now you can make swan art while at home for your loved ones.
A Sweet Romance
As part of our popular Bedside Reading® program, we are happy to extend a complimentary copy of The Baker’s Man written by Jennifer Moorman for you to download HERE. Don’t miss this chance to take an unforgettable adventure from the cozy comfort of your own space, and let the quirky, lovable characters in The Baker’s Man wrap you up in their heartwarming lives.