Inside the MUVLAB X FBL Retreat: Nourish Body, Mind & Soul at Surya and The Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Inside the MUVLAB X FBL Retreat: Nourish Body, Mind & Soul at Surya and The Santa Monica Proper Hotel
A Retreat for Mind, Body & Metabolism
This past week, we officially kicked off our MUVLAB x Fat Burning Lemonade Retreat — an immersive journey in holistic health, beauty, and movement that brought together an international group of women from Poland to Los Angeles. Guided by Kate Muv, founder of MUVLAB and Irma Joujon-Roche creator of Fat Burning Lemonade - FBL.
We began our wellness immersion at the stunning Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where Kelly Wearstler’s signature design stages—from sculptural interiors and layered textures to curated lighting and thoughtful color palettes—create an atmosphere of calm, inspiration, and intentional living. Our retreat opened with a biohacking session led by Alisa Vitti, diving deep into nutrition, exercise, and hormonal health — a masterclass in how to support metabolism and energy cycles through every phase of womanhood.
“Transformation happens when ancient wisdom meets modern science.”
Between sessions, we explored the best of LA’s conscious movement and mindfulness scene — fitness at PVolve West Hollywood, guided meditation at The Mindry in Malibu, and dynamic classes at Open Studio in Venice.
Ayurveda at Surya Spa: The Heart of Our Retreat
The heart of our journey unfolded at Surya Spa, a sanctuary of Ayurvedic healing founded by Martha Soffer, whose philosophy bridges ancient rituals and healing with modern wellness.
Here, we experienced Sukshmah Method Prana Yoga, a meditative and energizing practice designed led by breath expert Renata Spironello to expand life force and awaken subtle energy flow.
After class, Martha and her Chef prepared a deeply nourishing Ayurvedic lunch — a reminder that food itself is medicine. The kitchen glowed with warmth and spice as she shared a beautiful lunch including one of her signature recipes: Surya Spa’s Everyday Mung Bean Dal.
Surya Spa’s Everyday Mung Bean Dal
This is Surya Spa’s everyday Mung Bean Dal — high in protein, low in calories, and particularly easy to digest and absorb. It makes a perfect detox meal, cleansing the liver, gall bladder, and vascular system of what Ayurveda calls ama, or undigested toxins.
Highly satisfying and superb for weight loss, this dal supports your body’s natural metabolic rhythm — helping restore energy and balance after travel, cleansing, or fasting.
Tip: Combine this delicious dal with rice and extra vegetables for a light yet deeply nourishing meal.
Surya Spa Dhal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Organic Yellow Mung Beans
- 1.5 Cups Water
- 1/8 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
- 1 Tsp Surya Churna Spice Blend
- 1 Tbsp Ghee
- Salt to Taste
Recipe
- Wash the dhal thoroughly (even scrubbing quickly with your hands).
- Stir the dhal and water together in a pot and bring to a boil. (ratio 1 to 6, a little less water if you like it thicker).
- Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Scoop the foam off the top with a spoon as it rises. Stir occasionally.
- In a separate pan, cook the ghee and spices together until the mixture becomes fragrant. Pour the ghee mixture and the cilantro into the dhal and stir until well combined. Add salt to taste. Recipe serves 1.
The Essence of Balance
From breathwork to biohacking, Ayurvedic lunches to metabolic elixirs, our retreat embodied one truth: transformation happens when ancient wisdom meets modern science.
Through Fat Burning Lemonade, we invited hydration, energy, and lightness into each day — supporting the body’s natural detox pathways. Through Ayurveda, we reconnected with ritual, nourishment, and rhythm.
Our time at The Proper Hotel on our Wellness Retreat reminded us that wellness isn’t a single practice — it’s a flow of mindful choices that honor both the body and the spirit.
Explore More
- MUVLAB
- Santa Monica Proper Hotel
- Surya Spa
- Shop Fat Burning Lemonade
- Enquire Here for our next MUVLAB X FBL Retreat at The Proper Hotel
