Lorena Fernandez-Moran

Santuario, or sanctuary, is defined as “refuge, haven, harbor, oasis, shelter, retreat, hideaway.” Step into Santuario Miami Yoga, a bohemian, good vibes only yoga studio that guarantees you will feel relaxed and allow you to escape reality both body and soul as soon as you walk inside. Lola, the friendliest Boston Terrier and Santuario’s mascot, sits at the front of the door to welcome you in, immediately putting a smile on your face. 

Jenny Sanchez, owner of Santuario, has been teaching yoga for about a decade. Having past experience owning a big yoga studio, she decided two and a half years ago to open a more intimate space designed for yoga that would create a community where people could come together and disconnect from the outside world. Growing her small space into something more than just a yoga studio has always been her goal.

"People don’t just come here to do yoga, they come here to see their friends," says Sanchez.

The island tunes, live plants hanging on the wall, outdoor shower, and a hangout patio give all of the laid-back feels one is looking for when coming to Santuario. It does not only make people want to join in on a class but also stick around before or after and hang out with others.

The studio also hosts a lot of events, such as BBQs in the patio and potluck dinners after yoga, giving people a chance to meet and get to know each other. Along with those events the studio hosts meditation and yoga workshops, and twice a year Jenny offers a retreat in Patagonia, Argentina. It is definitely a social space trying to bring the community together.

Sanchez adds, "The space is filled with tons of love and laughter! And lots of Bob Marley."

From advanced to beginner yogis, everyone is welcome to try any of the classes and be sure to succeed by the end of it. Whether you are just not feeling it and you just want to sweat and get a good stretch in, or when you need a hard workout and feel good about it both physically and mentally, Santuario has you covered. Offering a wide selection of classes to choose from, including traditional yoga and ranging to different types of power yoga, such as Hot Super Power HIIT/Yoga or Reduced Power Yoga, there is a class for everybody. 

Ultimately, Santuario wants to be a space that takes yoga tothe next level. Keeping people interested while making it challenging yetdoable for all. All the while making it feel like a getaway for people as theytake their class. 

To learn more about Santuario Miami Yoga, check out their Instagram @santuariomiami or their website www.santuariomiami.com

If you have never tried Gables Juice Bar and Muscle Pizza in Coral Gables, you have truly been missing out. This family-owned, highly-rated healthy restaurant has been in Coral Gables for over twenty years. Offering breakfast and lunch on weekdays, this local stop always has its work crowd and locals lining up at the door, as well as delivery and take-out on the move at all times during operating hours.

The menu does not offer your typical salad options, but pizzas and wraps with a healthy spin to it, allowing you to pick something more satisfying without the guilt trip. The owners describe Gables Juice Bar as the “the art of health and taste”, offering something tasty that can be healthy as well.

Mike, the owner of The Juice Bar, says, "the Tony wrap filled with turkey picadillo, rice, and maduros, and the Back and Forth pizza, a collaborative buffalo chicken pizza with the neighboring men’s boutique, are among the customer favorites."

Gables Juice Bar also introduced an online-only meal prep program offering customizable healthy items for those who are not fans of cooking or have busy schedules and do not have time to meal prep.

This local spot is casual and inviting, with an artistic look to it inside. During other circumstances, the restaurant would fill up with people who would enjoy their lunch breaks at the restaurant before heading back to work. The restaurant has customers that have become regulars over the years, raving about not only the food but how quick and affordable it is. One customer talked about how much he loves the variety of sauces adding to the flavor of the food. Another important factor customers seem to appreciate is its location and parking, it is easy to get to and there is always parking right outside their door. 

Definitely a must-try eatery located in the heart of the Gables, anyone can swing by and get a quick fix that is filling and nutritious. Come by for a ginger shot when feeling under the weather, or a mid-day smoothie when you need something refreshing during these hot summer days. If it is one of those early mornings at the office, go get those guilt-free pancakes or omelets at Gable Juice Bar which opens at 7 AM.

Find their menu online at gablesjuicebar.com or make sure to follow them on Instagram @gablesjuicebar_musclepizza.

For those living or working in Doral, you are in luck, because Pure Joy Restaurant, the latest healthy spot, and creative kitchen, recently opened its doors in Midtown Doral. With an extensive menu that adds a creative twist to breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites, anyone is sure to find something to please their tastebuds. A tasty meal, one that is guilt-free and made from scratch, is what Pure Joy is all about.

Pure Joy is described by Mariana Viloria, creator and co-founder of the restaurant, as, “food created in its purest and most honest form. Made from scratch and utilizing all-natural ingredients, the food is meant to bring joy to those who eat it.”

Viloria's experience of eating unhealthy foods affected her health growing up. She went on to later study nutrition, which led to her passion for healthy cooking. After combining the two, Viloria realized she could make meals that were both delicious and nutritious.

By opening Pure Joy, Viloria is now able to share the knowledge, dedication, and love she puts into her recipes on a plate, and serve those looking to eat something that will not only taste good but that is also made pure.

The purpose of the restaurant is to erase the stigma of healthy meals being boring and not as flavorsome as other foods that can be unhealthy and harmful. Viloria wants to create a place that is available to everyone, “delivering food that is nourishing, yet as appetizing and comforting as your grandma’s cooking."

With recipes that are innovative and interesting, such as the impossible sliders and the asado negro, they are sure to catch people’s eye when reading the menu.

Craving sweets but don’t want to feel bad about it later? Pure Joy also has a wide selection of satisfying, guilt-free desserts, from cheesecake to brownies. The menu has plenty of options for people to find something they want, and leave with a full belly and a happy heart.

Pure Joy manages to bring its name to life by creating an atmosphere that offers serenity and happiness through its vibrant yet soothing colors, relaxing tunes, smiling faces ready to serve, and an open kitchen for all to see.

Whether one stops by for a quick coffee break, a post-workout smoothie, a casual luncheon, or a Saturday brunch with friends, Pure Joy makes sure to welcome everyone at any time of the week. The restaurant is meant to invite people in, to sit down, and have a meal in a calm place that will bring them joy both inside and out.

To learn more about Pure Joy, check out their Instagram @purejoy_restaurant or their website www.purejoyfoods.com.