There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you let the road guide you—but only after you’ve carefully mapped out every meaningful stop. I recently set out on a road trip from Sarasota to Savannah and Charleston, and while the route was straightforward, the journey was anything but ordinary. Blending slow mornings, boutique hotel stays, intentional movement, and standout meals, this trip offered the perfect combination of ease and elevation.

We left Sarasota around 6 p.m. and, thanks to light traffic and a few scenic country roads, arrived in Savannah just over five hours later. Traveling in our van, we found free parking in a quiet downtown neighborhood and slept peacefully—even with our paddleboard and scooter hitched on the back. Sometimes, vanlife is exactly the right call.

Savannah: Aesthetics, Alignment, and Charm

The next morning, we started our day at Origin Coffee Bar (Instagram), a locally owned roastery with strong chai and an even stronger design sense. It’s one of those places where you instantly feel welcome, whether you’re ordering to-go or planning to work for a few hours. The food was solid, the aesthetic was on point, and everyone we encountered was warm and grounded—exactly what I love in a coffee spot.

Feeling nourished and ready to move, we headed to Otium Studios at Eastern Wharf (Instagram) for the only noon class they had available: Hot Sculpt. Not exactly Will’s favorite, but we both agreed it was a great class with a friendly, well-trained instructor. As it turns out, we had completed the same yoga teacher training (just in different cities), and she was kind enough to share her playlist after class. Otium felt like a studio that prioritizes experience—both in and out of the room.

Lunch brought us to The Collins Quarter (Instagram), a bustling cafe where the lamb burger and bubble and squeak were both total standouts. The space was lively, the food was beautifully plated, and the service was spot-on—something I’d continue to notice as a theme throughout our time in the South.

Before hitting the road again, we made one last stop at Asher + Rye (Instagram), a curated lifestyle and home goods shop where I found a few pieces I’d love to incorporate into the Bloom Yoga studio. Bonus: they serve coffee too.

Charleston: Southern Hospitality, Elevated

After a quick two-hour drive, we arrived in Charleston and checked into Hotel Emeline (Instagram), which felt like a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The moment we stepped into the room, we noticed the details—fresh scent, plush robes, soft bed, and stylish headboard. Everything was intentional.

Thanks to my Capital One Venture X card, our stay included a $100 hotel/dining credit, daily $30 credit EACH for the on-site coffee shop, complimentary drink vouchers at The Ryder Hotel, a room upgrade, and late checkout. I go deeper into how I use the card to upgrade my travels in this blog post, but this trip was a perfect example of how impactful those perks can be. Plus, Will thought people were extra nice because of the card LOL.

That evening, we started with dinner at Frannie and the Fox (Instagram)—Hotel Emeline’s restaurant, and hands-down one of the most impressive hotel dining experiences I’ve had. We shared a chopped salad and crab fritters, both of which felt elevated yet approachable. From there, we walked to Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar (Instagram) to sample Southern classics like oysters, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup. The food was rich, flavorful, and completely satisfying, but what stood out most was the service—kind, attentive, and never rushed.

We had planned to cap off the night at Carmella’s Dessert Bar (Instagram), but a line wrapped around the building convinced us to try again another day. We returned to the hotel for one of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a long time—confirmed by a 97 sleep score on my Oura ring. It’s always a good sign when you wake up more refreshed than when you arrived.

The next morning, we grabbed chai lattes from Clerks Coffee (Instagram), the charming coffee shop inside the hotel that truly stands on its own. My drink had the perfect amount of spice, and we loved how the space buzzed with locals and guests alike.

Later, we made our way to The Harbinger Café & Bakery (Instagram)—a recommendation from my friend Nicole—and it completely lived up to the hype. I had a cardamom iced latte and a quiche, and I’ve been dreaming about their desserts ever since. The space is warm and inviting, with a courtyard tucked behind the café that feels like a secret garden. Just questioning why I didn’t get that cookie now :-/

We also stopped at Legends Market (Instagram) for a quick sandwich, and while the food was good, the staff made it memorable. They greeted every person and made sure to say goodbye as each customer left—Southern charm at its finest.

That afternoon, we finally made it back to Carmella’s and had the tiramisu and gelato. Everything was delicious, and it made for a sweet pause in our otherwise active itinerary.

Our favorite dining experience, however, was at The Darling Oyster Bar (Instagram). Their $1 oyster happy hour is unreal, especially considering the quality. We also ordered the shrimp cocktail, hush puppies, and clam chowder. Each bite was better than the last. If you go, arrive early—they open at 4 p.m., and the line builds quickly.

Yoga, Movement, and Meaningful Conversations

No trip feels complete for me without yoga, and Charleston offered two memorable experiences. We went to CorePower Yoga (Instagram), fun fact: this is where Will and I first met (in San Diego). It always feels full circle. The instructor asked if I taught and we had a lovely post-class conversation about the deeper layers of practice and holding space. There’s something special about the consistency CPY provides, especially when you’re far from home.

We also visited The Works (Instagram), a high-intensity studio that merges yoga and fitness. The class was fast-paced, music-driven, and loud—a different vibe from what I usually teach or seek out, but it was packed with energy.

Final Stops and Reflections

Before wrapping up the trip, we stopped at The Ryder Hotel (Instagram) to use our drink credits. Though originally meant for beer or wine, the staff happily offered us mocktails, which we appreciated. They were FANTASTIC! Wellness is at the core of how we live and travel, and it felt good to end on that note—especially while sipping drinks in a space that felt straight out of Palm Springs.

With our last bit of hotel credit, we grabbed salads to-go from Frannie and the Fox to eat in the van as we drove back to Sarasota. The 8-hour return felt short, softened by sunshine, good conversation, and the beauty of the Southern landscape.

Why This Trip Worked

What made this trip stand out wasn’t just the quality of the food or the beautiful hotel—it was the rhythm of it all. Wake up slow, drink something spicy, move with intention, taste the region, and connect with people along the way.

And when you travel like that—with wellness and presence as your compass—you arrive home feeling fuller than when you left.

If you’re ready to travel well and often, consider reading my full guide to the Capital One Venture X card to see how I use it to elevate every trip I take.

Let this be your reminder: the road is always waiting, and so is the version of you who thrives in the experience.