Glow Getters and Soul Seekers, Prepare to Rest and Reset in Style

Healthy living is akin to religion in today’s day and age. Long before wellness became a billion-dollar industry, the West Coast established itself as America’s premier destination for luxury wellness retreats: sanctuaries where mind-body balance meets five-star service. Forget goop, and consider instead the OG of wellness: Rancho La Puerta, a health spa in Tecate, Mexico that was founded in 1940. Nevertheless, “woo woo” wellness really started to become popular during the late ’70s. Whether looking to realign chakras, hit personal fitness goals or enjoy traditional beauty treatments, these 17 luxurious wellness retreats are sure to help you find your reset button.

 

1. Hollywood’s Best-Kept Secret

Founded in 940 as a health retreat for Hollywood starlets, Golden Door is the original California wellness destination spa. Set 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, women’s and men’s 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 created from ingredients sourced from an on-site biodynamic farm. And walk away feeling good about it; Golden Door gives back 100% of net profits to select charities.

Golden Door
777 Deer Springs Rd
San Marcos, CA 92069 
760.744.5777

 

2. Wild, Wonderful and Worth It

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? They’re lean and limited: think their signature six precisely portioned almonds. But trust us, the results are worth it!

The Ranch Malibu
12220 Cotharin Rd 
Malibu, CA 90265 
888.777.2177 or 310.457.8700

 

3. Wellness at the Edge of the Ocean

Perched on a 30-acre coastal bluff above the Pacific, Montage Laguna Beach is Southern California luxury at its most cinematic. The Forbes Five-Star resort sits at the heart of Laguna Beach’s storied artist colony, and every detail reflects that heritage, from the craftsman-style architecture and museum-quality art collection throughout the property to rooms and suites that feel more like private residences than hotel accommodations. Marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, Carrara marble fireplaces in select suites and large private balconies with sweeping ocean views make it nearly impossible to leave your room, but somehow you always manage.

Dine on modern coastal California cuisine at Studio Mediterranean, unwind at Mosaic Bar and Grille poolside, or reserve an intimate private dinner at The Loft. Three outdoor pool decks and direct access to Treasure Island Beach mean your options for doing absolutely nothing are plentiful. Then there’s Spa Montage: a 20,000-square-foot sanctuary with eucalyptus steam rooms, dry redwood saunas, ocean air whirlpools and a lap pool, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with Pacific views. The spa’s Elements of Wellness programming blends European spa science with ancient healing traditions, and the treatment menu runs the full spectrum from restorative massage to the signature Valmont Masterpiece Facial. This is the kind of place you book for a long weekend and start planning your return before checkout.

Montage Laguna Beach
30801 South Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.6000

 

4. Wellness on Coastal Acres

Located in the ritzy residential enclave of Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is where Spanish Colonial charm meets serious self-care. Within this luxurious 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.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
5921 Valencia Cir
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 
858.756.1123

 

5. Chateau Vibes, California Dreams

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-day transformative wellness programs, 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), we’re not the only ones who think it’s 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 luxurious: think 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 imported from Dijon.

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
29402 Spa Havens Way
Vista, CA 92084 
888.373.8773

 

6. Canyon Cool, Forbes Five-Star

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar doesn’t just sit in the canyon; it belongs to it. This AAA Five Diamond resort in the rolling hills north of San Diego recently completed a reimagining of its Forbes Five-Star spa, and the result is a 21,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary that feels completely in its place. Inspired by the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve that wraps around the property, the redesigned spa pairs a nature-driven aesthetic with genuinely cutting-edge programming: think advanced hydrothermal experiences, a dedicated sound therapy suite with vibroacoustic meditation, color therapy and science-backed multi-sensory treatments.

The 12 treatment rooms, including a couples suite, are finished with gleaming stone, cozy wood accents and flickering fireplaces. The men’s and women’s lounges each have stone hearths, steam and sauna areas, and indoor whirlpools. When you’re done soaking it all in, the adults-only Relaxation Pool is waiting. Daily yoga and fitness classes are complimentary for resort guests, and valet parking is on the house for day guests. Spa membership is available for those who want to make this a regular ritual, and, trust us, you will.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct 
San Diego, CA 92130 
858.314.2000

 

7. Where 400 Acres Feel Like a Secret

Just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a legend with a fresh coat of Spanish Mission style. The resort’s 400 sprawling acres feel more polished than ever, and the award-winning Spa at La Costa is better than ever. The team is now integrating AI-driven diagnostic tools to personalize skin treatments with a level of precision that feels more like a medical-grade facial than a typical resort indulgence.

Beyond the spa, the 9,100-square-foot Athletic Club, 12 tennis courts, six pickleball courts and two championship golf courses designed by PGA legends make it easy to fill a stay entirely on-property. Eight pools mean there’s a perfect retreat for every mood. Dine at VUE for seasonal cuisine with fairway views, or post up at Edge Adult Pool where infinity pool meets fire pits and golden-hour magic. 

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd
Carlsbad, CA 92009 
760.438.9111

 

8. Newport’s Crown Jewel

The Resort at Pelican Hill has views that make you stop mid-sentence and stare. Perched on 504 coastal acres between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, this Forbes 5-star Italian-inspired estate is one of Southern California’s most iconic luxury addresses, and the spa is a worthy headliner. It operates out of a world-class facility where multiple staff members are on hand to make sure you leave better than you arrived.

The men’s and women’s Acqua Colonnades, a stunning series of private hydrotherapy pools, are a must, and the separate men’s and women’s facilities with steam, sauna and ocean-view whirlpools add to the sense of total escape. Wellness classes, golf, five dining outlets and the resort’s famous bungalows round out a stay that feels equal parts active and indulgent. 

The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Rd S
Newport Coast, CA 92657 
888.352.1873

 

9. Where Longevity Is the Lifestyle

Twenty minutes from Malibu and set at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is home to one of the most genuinely comprehensive wellness programs in the country. The 40,000-square-foot spa spans 28 treatment rooms with private terraces, four luxury spa suites with personal plunge pools and signature experiences like the California Dream treatment. It’s restorative without being precious, and every element is designed to actually move the needle.

What makes this property singular is its on-site Center for Health & Wellbeing, which integrates medical, nutrition, fitness, life balance and spa programming into one seamless guest experience. Think of it as your personal health team meets Four Seasons service: preventive care, diagnostics, personalized fitness programming and nutrition coaching all under one roof. Yoga and Pilates classes, an outdoor adult-only pool with redesigned private suites, and the California brasserie Coin & Candor round out a luxurious and transformative stay.

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
2 Dole Dr
Westlake Village, CA 91362 
818.575.3000

 

10. Desert Serenity, Bohemian Soul

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 Capone’s 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 don’t miss the weekly schedule of free guest programs, which feature Tarot card readings, slow flow yoga and breathwork sessions. It’s such a beautiful property that you’ll 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.

Two Bunch Palms
67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 
760.676.5000

 

11. Earth, Mud and Mineral Magic

Not every reset requires a packed bag. Glen Ivy Hot Springs has been drawing Southern Californians to Temescal Valley for over 160 years, and the appeal hasn’t dimmed one bit. Set across 14 lush acres at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains, this adults-only open-air wellness destination is built around one simple, deeply satisfying premise: you soak, the stress goes and you leave glowing.

The 19 geothermally heated mineral pools range from 92 to 104 degrees, and you could honestly spend an entire day rotating between them without repeating yourself. But the real draws are the two signature experiences you won’t find anywhere else in California. Club Mud combines detoxifying geothermal mineral water with local red clay. The Grotto takes things underground, where you’re painted neck-to-toe with an ultra-moisturizing body masque inside a steamy, eucalyptus-scented cave. Add a full menu of massage therapies, steam rooms, saunas, wellness classes and farm-to-table bites at the Ivy Kitchen, and Glen Ivy earns its place on any wellness itinerary. It’s day pass only, which makes it that much easier to say yes.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs
25000 Glen Ivy Rd
Temescal Valley, CA 92883
888.453.6489

 

12. Your Personal Sensei Awaits

Larry Ellison’s 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, or lean into a tailor-made journey during your time at  Sensei Porcupine Creek. Set in a secluded corner of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the resort is spread across 230 beautifully manicured acres featuring sculptures by Keith Haring and other artists.

Upon arrival, you’ll be matched with a personal Sensei guide and expert practitioners who will curate custom itineraries for three- or five-day journeys. There’s 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.

Sensei Porcupine Creek
42765 Dunes View Rd
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 
760.330.2800

 

13. Spiritual Vibes, Santa Barbara Wine Country Views

Ojai, a tiny town in Ventura County, is famous for its otherworldly energy (we’re 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 the Artist Cottage and Apothecary. Here, they offer candle-making and mandala painting. You can also create your own masterpiece with a paint-by-numbers kit.

Ojai Valley Inn
905 Country Club Rd
Ojai, CA 93023 
855.697.8780

 

14. Desert Glow, Sonoran Soul

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Catalina Mountains, Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa is 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 Tucson’s scenic desert trails, then cool off with a low-impact Aqua Fitness session in the resort’s sparkling zero-edge pool. Those seeking tranquility can retreat to Mokara Salon & Spa, where signature treatments inspired by the serenity of the Sonoran Desert offer the ultimate in self-care. Whether it’s 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 under clear, unspoiled skies.

Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa
2727 West Club Dr
Tucson, AZ 85742 
520.297.2271

 

15. Carefree in Every Sense

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, 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 that 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.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
37220 Mule Train Rd
Carefree, AZ 85377 
480.653.9000

 

16. Lakeside and Limitless

Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas emerges as a serene oasis, an idyllic escape perched 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 resort’s 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. Water-based activities like kayaking and paddleboarding complement the wellness journey, inviting guests to connect with nature in a profoundly peaceful setting.

Lake Austin Spa Resort
12611 Riverbend Rd
Austin, TX 78732 
800.847.5637

 

17. The Ranch That Started It All

A mere stone’s throw from San Diego, across the Mexican border, lies the iconic Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, a 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 world’s most esteemed health spas.

Rancho La Puerta
Carr. Mexicali-Tijuana K.M. 136.5 
21520 Tecate
Baja California
MEXICO 
800.443.7565