Glow Getters and Soul Seekers, Prepare to Rest and Reset in Style
Healthy living is akin to religion in todayās day and age. But before spa retreats became chic, and before wellness became a billion-dollar buzzword, there existed several wellness havens on the West Coast and beyond for those seeking a novel approach to mind-body balance. Forget goop and consider instead the OG of wellness: Rancho La Puerta, a health spa in Tecate, MX that was founded in 1940. Nevertheless, āwoo wooā wellness really started to become popular during the late ā70s. Whether looking to realign chakras, hit personal fitness goals or enjoy traditional beauty treatments, these 10 luxurious wellness retreats are sure to help you find your reset button.
Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Catalina Mountains, Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa is more than just a luxurious desert escapeāitās a premier wellness destination designed to nurture the mind, body and soul. From invigorating outdoor activities to indulgent spa treatments, every aspect of this AAA Four Diamond resort encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.
Guests can start their day with a sunrise hike or mountain bike ride through Tucsonās scenic desert trails, then cool off with a low-impact Aqua Fitness session in the resortās sparkling zero-edge pool. Those seeking tranquility can retreat to the newly renovated Mokara Salon & Spa, where signature treatments, inspired by the serenity of the Sonoran Desert, offer the ultimate in self-care. Whether itās a therapeutic massage, a rejuvenating facial or time spent unwinding in the steam room and sauna, relaxation is always on the agenda.
For fitness enthusiasts, the 24-hour fitness center, lighted tennis and sand volleyball courts and two legendary 18-hole golf courses provide endless ways to stay active. And when the sun sets, the magic of the desert comes alive with bird-watching excursions and stargazing experiences, where clear, unspoiled skies reveal a dazzling celestial display. With its unparalleled amenities, world-class service and deep connection to the surrounding landscape, Omni Tucson a is the perfect place to restore balance, recharge energy and reconnect with nature.
Location: Tucson, AZ
Rancho La Puerta
A mere stone’s throw from San Diego, across the Mexican border, lies the iconic Rancho La Puerta in Tecateāa pioneer in the realm of wellness retreats for over eight decades. Cradled in a sprawling 4,000-acre nature preserve at the base of the majestic Mount Kuchumaa, this sanctuary is a picturesque tableau of serene ranches and lush vineyards. It’s a place where tranquility reigns supreme, offering an abundance of experiences. These range from holistic therapies and indulgent spa treatments to creatively stimulating classes and invigorating mountain treks. Renowned for being at the forefront of the wellness movement, “The Ranch” has earned a dedicated following. In this following are notable celebrities, who return year after year. Guests find solace in their preferred casita, embarking on a week-long journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation at one of the worldās most esteemed health spas.
Location: Tecate, MX
CIVANA
Tucked amidst the sun-drenched landscapes of Carefree, Arizona, CIVANA offers a sanctuary for those seeking serenity and rejuvenation. At CIVANA, wellness is not just a concept, but a lived experience, intricately woven into the fabric of its offerings. The resort’s ethos is centered around four pillars: movement, spa, nourishment and discovery, creating a holistic approach to wellbeing. Guests can immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities, from yoga and meditation to hiking and cycling. These are all designed to align and invigorate the body and mind. The centerpiece, the award-winning spa, boasts a thermal circuit of hot and cold pools. This unique attribute draws inspiration from ancient healing traditions. But what truly sets CIVANA apart is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in wellness, offering a range of programs catering to all levels and interests.
Location: Carefree, AZ
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Lake Austin Spa Resort
Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas emerges as a serene oasis, an idyllic escape peerched on the shores of Lake Austin. This all-inclusive luxury wellness resort redefines relaxation with its intimate and personalized approach. Here, wellness is infused in every aspect, from the thoughtfully curated spa treatments to the extensive range of fitness and yoga classes that embrace the calming presence of the surrounding waters.
The resort’s famed LakeHouse Spa stands as a sanctuary of tranquility, offering over 100 unique treatments, including the signature “Tour of Texas,” which uses local ingredients and traditional techniques for a quintessentially Texan spa experience. Meanwhile, the culinary offerings are equally impressive, focusing on healthy, gourmet cuisine prepared with herbs and vegetables sourced from the resortās own organic gardens. What truly sets Lake Austin Spa Resort apart is its ability to blend luxury with an unpretentious atmosphere, making guests feel both pampered and at ease. With its stunning lakeside setting, an array of water-based activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding complement the wellness journey, inviting guests to connect with nature in a profoundly peaceful setting.
Location: Austin, TX
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Golden Door
Founded 65 years ago as a health retreat for Hollywood starlets, Golden Door is the original California wellness destination spa. Tucked away in the hills of San Marcos, this exclusive 600-acre getaway hosts just 40 guests per program. People come here to take a mental wellness break, drop pounds or get pampered during dedicated coed, womenās and menās weeks.
Japanese gardens are dotted with koi ponds, bamboo forests and Ryokan-style rooms with private meditation areas. Guests even wear matching kimonos to dinner each night. A weeklong stay includes access to various fitness classes (yes, they have pickleball) and spa treatments. Try a traditional Ayurvedic massage, or indulge in salon services and bodywork sessions. Food is a big part of the Golden Door experience, with meals that are created from ingredients sourced from an on-site biodynamic farm. And walk away feeling good about itā Golden Door gives back 100% of net profits to select charities.
Location: San Marcos, CA
The Ranch Malibu
If you want a challenging and transformative fitness experience, consider The Ranch Malibu. Set on a 200-acre working ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, this wellness resort offers tailored group programming. It has long attracted Hollywood elites and movie stars seeking a transformative escape. Wake up to four-hour morning hikes, low-impact exercise classes and a 1,400-calorie-per-day, plant-based diet.
Beautifully appointed cottages feature reclaimed wood floors and linen-dressed beds. And with a limit of 25 guests every week, the vibe is super intimate. Spend downtime lounging by the pool or take a stroll in the organic garden. Find comfort in anonymity: The ranch has a strict no photography policy. Be ready to give up certain vices during the seven-day program. Caffeine and alcohol are off-limits, and Wi-Fi stays restricted to your room. Snacks? Theyāre lean and limitedāthink their signature six precisely portioned almonds. But trust us, the results are worth it.
Location: Malibu, CA
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Two Bunch Palms
When it first opened in 1940, Two Bunch Palms was a hush-hush hangout in Desert Hot Springs. It was a veritable magnet for Hollywood darlings and mobsters. In fact, the property was once Al Caponeās West Coast hideout. Today, its mineral-rich waters, desert gardens and tranquil atmosphere draw bohemian types to the grotto. Soak in the pool and private tubs. Then, ease into a stellar spa treatment (we recommend the Good Herb CBD wrap).
For a splurge, book the Capone Suite, but for direct grotto access, the Spring Rooms are ideal. And donāt miss the weekly schedule of free guest programs, which feature Tarot card readings, slow flow yoga and breathwork sessions. Itās such a beautiful property that youāll want to maximize time here by staying on-site. Dine at Twine, the SoCal-inspired, veg-forward restaurant, and bring your own snacks since the rooms are outfitted with mini fridges.Ā
Location: Desert Hot Springs, CA
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Located in the ritzy residential enclave of Rancho Santa Fe, lies Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Within this luxurious Spanish Colonial-style retreat are 49 hacienda-style casita suites, each with private patios that overlook the resort’s lush grounds.
Start your morning with a newspaper and a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice, delivered to your room daily. Then, head to the Serenity Yoga Pavilion for a deep stretch or flow class to ease into the day. Speaking of, fitness offerings are plentiful here. There’s a movement studio for boxing classes or space to work with a personal trainer. Meanwhile, the 53-page spa brochure offers everything from microcurrent facials to wellness rituals. Next, reserve a private cabana at The Paddock resort pool and enjoy a leisurely late-afternoon lunch.
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Sensei Porcupine Creek
Larry Ellisonās converted Rancho Mirage estate caters to a wide range of personal needs, all with relaxation and nutrition in mind. You can train with a tennis or golf pro. You can also lean into a tailor-made journey during your time at the all-new Sensei Porcupine Creek. Set in a secluded corner of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the resort is spread across 230 beautifully manicured acres that feature sculptures by Keith Haring and other artists.
Upon arrival, youāll be matched with a personal Sensei guide and expert practitioners who will curate custom itineraries for three- or five-day journeys. Thereās even a month-long sabbatical should your schedule and budget allow. With handsomely appointed Japanese-inspired rooms and villas, a lagoon-style pool, a yoga pavilion and a guests-only Nobu restaurant, can you imagine a more serene place to replenish yourself? The estate is even outfitted to monitor sleep data, which is another way to help achieve your wellness goals.
Location: Rancho Mirage, CA
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, chateau-chic wellness retreat Cal-a-Vie Health Spa could easily be in the South of France, and yet it is located just 45 miles north of San Diego. The spa is best known for its three-, four- or seven-daytransformative wellness programs. TheseĀ are designed for fitness, nutrition and mind-body awareness. To get an idea of how accommodating this place is: the spa boasts a 5-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. And while prices might be steep (La Petite Packages start at $5,750), weāre not the only ones who think itās worth the splurge.
Celebrity devotees are said to include Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey. Some of the offerings include multiple spa sessions, unlimited fitness classes, cooking demos, nutrition lectures, three daily meals made with ingredients from the on-site organic garden and round-trip transfers from San Diego airport. Accommodations are luxuriousāthink spacious private villas, each decorated with French antiques and host to stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, yoga and meditation classes are held in a 400-year-old French chapel that was imported from Dijon.Ā
Location: Vista, CA
Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai, a tiny town in Ventura County, is famous for its otherworldly energy (weāre talking calming vortexes and nouveau hippie vibes). This makes it the ideal home for the Ojai Valley Inn, a lovely Mediterranean-style estate and Spanish revival hotel. With a focus on spiritual wellness, Spa Ojai boasts extensive programming. It would be easy to fill a week with property walks and yoga classes, including one set to music by The Beatles.
Bookend your days with spa treatments, like the orange blossom and honey wrap. And for a deep dive into self-discovery, schedule a session with goop-approved spiritual counselor Nancy Furst. Or, you can opt for a crystal energy healing and chakra clearing with Reiki master Katie Manzella. To explore your creative visionary side, attend a workshop at theArtist Cottage and Apothecary. Here, they offer candle-making and mandala painting. You can also create your own masterpiece with a paint-by-numbers kit.
Location: Ojai, CA
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodorās Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
