After six visits and experiencing many of the finest spas int he country -I can still say that the Golden Door is the best i have ever been to, The surrounding, Bamboo trees, hiking, the organic food massages in room daily, Watsu pool under the stars. Its magical. Please do not waste your money on others I could write a book. Kimberly Whipple Bloomfield hills, Michigan Water aerobics, Pilates, classes, sound bowls and concerts at night I could keep going.... I want to go back now !!! read more

***I WILL NOT BE RETUNING*** Let me start by saying my first visit to Golden Door in January 2024 was one of the most magical, transformative, spiritual and relaxing experience I have ever had. From the food, to the choice of classes, the tranquil property and all inclusive amenities really stood out from anything else I have experienced. I have worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years and this was a very special and memorable place. I had such a wonderful experience the first time I decided to use my savings to return in 2025. The past 5 years has been filled with trauma and major life changes and I felt I deserved to treat myself even though I really couldn't afford to do so. I arrived Sunday, January 19, 2025 and until Tuesday afternoon my experience was exactly as I had remembered. I was so thrilled to be there. Tuesday, January 21, my massage therapist came to my room to give me a massage. The therapist was pretty firm with their pressure, but I assumed this would be good since I normally get soft pressure and my muscles were a bit tense. We discussed their type of massages and they explained they are prone to give deep tissue massages. The massage was ok, although slightly painful. During the last couple minutes of the massage, the therapist focused on my shoulders and neck area. They turned my neck to one side and pressed firm with their knuckles, then flipped my head over to the other side and continued firmly pressing my neck. At one point, for a couple seconds, I thought I may pass out, but soon recovered. I got up from the table and walked to the bathroom and at that moment I felt the room spinning. I told the massage therapist I felt dizzy and they directed me to sit down and drink some water as I could be dehydrated. Then they talked about common dizziness after massages and proceeded to tell me about a time when they gave someone a massage and when the client left, they got in a car accident. I was disturbed by the story but continued to focus on drinking fluids. The massage therapist left 15 minutes later. About 45 minutes later, I called the kitchen to send some coconut water, a banana and some cheese. I thought it was possible my blood sugar was low. Around 8 pm I went to bed, hoping that it was just a minor episode of dehydration and low glucose although the spinning continued after eating and drinking. In the morning I woke up and as I rolled out of bed, again felt the room spinning and became nauseous. At that time I called the front desk to ask about a car to Urgent Care. I spent 2 hours at Urgent Care to be told by the doctor I could have a "cerebral stroke" and I needed to head straight to the Emergency Room for a CT Scan. I spent 6 hours in the Emergency Room to thankfully be told I did not have a cerebral stroke and diagnosed with peripheral vertigo. I want to give you the facts of the story in case there are any future incidences, it could be a liability. I spent Tuesday evening in my room, all day Wednesday in the hospital, through my departure on Sunday mostly in my room trying to limit my movement due to the vertigo. My trip was more than ruined. I was extremely disappointed and disheartened Golden Door only offered to cover an acupuncture session while on property. I sent a letter to the Manager following my return home and they offered to take $2,000 off $12,000 on my next visit. I don't make six figures and don't have a lot of savings. I spent all year looking forward to this return. I had planned to return again next year if my finances allowed, but I will not be returning. read more

I signed up for my second visit. Several months before this date I was diagnosed with a fracture in my back. Called to cancel two months before reservation. Later they claimed they had no records oh my call and refused to refund my $4000 deposit. Offered to give me a six month extension. Out of desperation I said ok. I'm still under a doctors care for my back. My doctor offered to write a letter. They refused to accept that and refused to refund my deposit. No point going if I can do anything physical. No yoga no hikes no fitness exercises. Also a lot of walking between activities. So be sure not to get a medical problem or they will screw you over. read more

Negatives: - Freeway noise. The resort grounds are beautiful but too close to busy roadways. Living in the silicon valley, I was looking forward to getting away from the noise. - Room was Meh... Just ok. Request a room with a quiet sitting area. - The property definitely needs a face lift. Old carpet, furnishings. Pool area and locker room is very dated. - Structured itinerary. Expect to be on a schedule with planned relaxation among the larger group of attendees. You are expected to participate. Limited solitude time. Positives: - Nice workout facilities with experienced coaches who will push you. - Very good chef and nice garden where much of their produce is grown. - Pretty hiking areas. Offers some solitude from the larger group. - Good massage therapists. - You get your hair washed and styled before you leave. I would not return. Mii Amo in Sedona is a much better experience. One of the most beautiful health & wellbeing environments I've ever experienced and the best chef ever! read more

Going back for my third time. Live in LA, and Im there 2 hours fast with their car service. Only something like 38 rooms so small and intimate, and woman only! yay. . you do not have to do anything or like me, the hikes, classes, water aerobics, facials, massage, personal gym instructors, etc etc etc. All inclusive, no makeup, no jewelry, no fancy purses, just go and relax with woman, not showing off, and you can stay in your room or read outside in a beautiful zen environment. I will be going every year, and probably twice a year in the future.. right now i have my August 2025 reservation. Im so blessed to have this so close to me. read more

I had an enjoyable stay at the golden door a few months ago. I absolutely loved the morning hikes, the abundance of classes and the food was also great. Walking around the grounds were very peaceful and it's truly a special place. read more

Golden Door - Health Retreats Near Me - San Marcos, California

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This place is fabled (since the time of Old Hollywood Glamour!) for good reason! I needed a reboot on many levels. Between my mom's transition and the heavy lifting it took to settle her estate, to covid, and then losing 1/3 of my hair (Deva Curl has been nicknamed Devil Curl since February 2020 for a reason) I needed to inject more sweetness, SELF-CARE and nature into my life. I researched deeply but always came back to Golden Door! The environment and the staff literally EMBRACE YOUR LIFE. The life condition on every level was unforgettable. I went on an all-female week and the sharing, fun and bonding were so wonderful. Women AND GIRLS I might never meet or maybe even resonate with in my "outside" life are now treasures! And the sessions!!! The pre-call to determine your preferences, goals and classes was excellent. But the amazing thing was that once I was there it was the sessions I substituted on a whim or because of availability WERE ALWAYS THE ONES WHERE I HAD THE MOST GROWTH AND AHAA MOMENTS! There is so much physical beauty. The serenity of every aspect of the design of my room and its surroundings! The FOOD (even the pizza was epic). The staff the staff the staff! The stillness (cell phone conversations only in your room.) I hesitate to rave about Sandy's fitness training, Daniel's massages, Crystal's skin care and Shannon - a tarot card reader with a true gift- and soooo many more because I will always ask for them!!! (But every woman loved THEIR "people" so there are only winners here!) I returned with new skills, a refreshed outlook and helpful printouts and reminders as tools to maintain the aspects I found most valuable. AND IF YOU LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE EXTENDED LOS ANGELES AREA THEY WILL ARRANGE FOR YOU TO BE PICKED UP AND RETURNED INCLUSIVE!!! (AND YET a teensy critique: Okay... the woman doing my hair service who acted as if doing me and my curly hair was an affront. That (given my recent hair debacle- losing one third of it last year to Deva Curl...now nicknamed Devil Curl by girls across the country) begging for a wider comb (she didn't even pretend to have ever even seen one) and for her to pleeeZe detangle from the bottom not the roots (breakage. Curly!) was insulting to her. Even asking for a slightly firmer scalp massage touch elicited a firm "NO." ( No explanation just...no!) But the fact that she stands out in memory is just A TESTIMONIAL TO HOW UTTERLY PERFECT EVERYTHING ELSE IS! read more

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[Pre-pandemic visit] This place is a lovely oasis in an unlikely setting. And getting breakfast and massages in the room are wonderful luxuries. But... I felt judged and disrespected throughout. They do an extensive pre-visit interview to determine your goals and suggest a schedule of activities & classes. I indicated that rest and relaxation were my goals, not weight loss (this was a celebrity "fat farm" back in the day). Here's what happened: 1) I arrived on time and was told my room wasn't ready. I waited in the lounge - alone - for 2 hours before I was allowed into my room. Other guests, many of whom were repeat guests, were well into enjoying their stays. 2) At dinner the first night there was a *live* cricket/grasshopper in my salad. No apologies or replacement. 3) My assigned fitness trainer, when I told her that I chose to go meat-free for the week said, "with your build I can tell you aren't normally vegetarian." Wow!! 4) The Barre/Pilates instructor, a former ballerina, told me I should be taking Pilates rather than yoga because my "build" was better suited to it. She made me measure my wrist and illustrate my fatness by trying to touch my thumb and middle finger around it. I actually *could* touch and she was clearly surprised. I was humiliated. 5) They provide transportation to the SD airport at the end of your stay. My flight was later than most, and I was left in the lounge with no updates or communication for more than an hour before someone could find the time to take me. [The older gentleman who drove me was delightful and a bright spot in my visit.] Again, the rooms and landscape are gorgeous. And the folks leading hikes are good. Most fitness instructors seem capable if not pleasant. My assigned massage therapist was fantastic! But my overall experience indicated that they value the high-net-worth repeat visitors over first-timers (I later googled some of my fellow guests and yikes - the .01%!!), and the fitness staff relies upon fat-shaming as a motivational tool. It is extraordinarily expensive to be treated poorly. Do yourself a favor and go to Rancho La Puerta instead. read more

I would have liked to experience golden door. For $10k per week I expected a high staff ratio and customer service to match that responds to emails. I sent three emails over the course of two weeks asking something simple like "i am interested in staying at your hotel but what is your typical pool temperature" Pool temperature is very important to me and the resort should not just ignore questions they feel are stupid or non-important. Things like this are a true test of customer service to which they failed. I emailed the holiday inn with the same question and they at least got back to me saying they don't know and can't control the temp... well at least others can give me the courtesy of a response. For a spa ranked as one of the best spas in the world and for starting at $10k per week I expected them to know exactly what temperature each of the pools are and maybe even to say that I might be able to make a temperature request. Am I the only one to ever ask this? and did they just ignore my email thinking I'm wasting their time? Should i have sent my email along with a $10k credit card authorization form for the courtesy of a response? I sent three separate emails and was completely ignored. I could probably call and get the answers but it's much easier for me to send an email and if this resort cannot answer emails, I have no confidence in their other services in general. I am associated with a large travel website and will make this known. It's not cool to ignore people, you never know who you are underestimating. read more

This is my second visit to the golden door. I have been incredibly fortunate to visit twice. The grounds are beautiful, the class schedule is thoughtful and there are many options to choose from. But what makes this place truly special is the staff. I feel like they truly care about us and each guests individual needs. Some people come here for just a week of relaxation, some come here to lose weight or get back in shape, and others come here to heal from traumatic events, let's say a divorce or the death of a loved one. No matter what it is that you're trying to accomplish, the staff really takes extra care to take care of you and your desires. A few years ago they planted a new garden and hired a new chef. The food is really extraordinary. It's all organic, and very healthy, but it's also really delicious. They even have their own chickens for eggs and their own beehives for honey! A few particular highlights for me are as follows; Thai Chi taught by DJ. Yoga taught by Medhu. Dance classes taught by Dion. Feldenkrais by Tracy. Acupuncture by Dr. Mike. A daily in room massage by Kelly. Daily facial by Zoom. I also really loved doing the labyrinth and the hiking trails are really beautiful. It is my hope to bring my mom to the golden door in the future for a special birthday celebration. I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the golden door! read more

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A complete oasis. Wonderful work out classes, amazing views from the hikes, friendly trainers. Whatever experience you are looking for work hard or relax hard the staff will customize your experience. Definitely worth staying several days to take full advantage of everything they have to offer. read more

Golden Door - Health Retreats Near Me - San Marcos, California

This incredible spa is truly heaven on earth & worth every penny. Golden Door first opened in 1958 & catered to an exclusive Hollywood crowd. Movie stars would come here to get "movie set ready" including mind, body & soul. It's still considered one of the world's finest luxury spas. I stayed for the week & was pampered from head to toe, literally. Massages in your room each day, wraps, facials, pedicures/manicures, sauna, jacuzzi, lap swimming pool, variety of daily activities (cardio kick boxing, archery, bicycling, dance class, hikes, labyrinth walks, yoga..etc.) & schedules customized to your needs/preference, great guest speakers, personal trainers, kind/caring staff, absolutely beautiful, peaceful environment & delicious, fresh, healthy meals & snacks. (Fresh eggs from the chickens on-site makes a big difference) Chef Greg Frey Jr. is fantastic, personable, would often come out to ask how we were enjoying our meals & lead a cooking class for us one evening. I didn't have to worry about anything during my stay because staff had all the little details covered: I had a hair appointment in San Diego one day during my stay at the spa & they kindly scheduled a chauffeur to take me (I flew in from SF & didn't bring my car) & the kitchen staff packed me lunch & it was the most adorable/well put together lunch, snacks & dessert. I didn't even realize that I'd miss lunch due to my appointment but they had already considered this & planned accordingly. So thoughtful! They also packed another one before heading to the airport when it was time to go back home at the end of the week. To be honest, I was concerned that the women would be snobby,(I was the youngest there) but they were so friendly, charming, & all had a great sense of humor. One woman in particular, who you could say was the most "well-known" person there that week, pointed out that I was staying in her usual room/villa that she typically stays in when she comes. I thought "oh dear Lord, already on her bad side." Turned out, nothing to worry about as she was kind, funny, inspiring, charming & even suggested that I come back the following year during the same time she would be returning to Golden Door. One of the best parts of this experience was getting to know these incredible women, connections made & all the time we spent together. Golden Door does a really great job of encouraging us to mingle and get to know everyone. I also really enjoyed the guest speakers/classes offered after dinner each evening which included a self-defense class, acupuncture/sleep wellness...etc. This was an amazing get away from the busy day-to-day as I was able to relax, reflect & return back home incredibly refreshed. I'm definitely looking forward to future stays & introducing this amazing treasure to dear family & friends. read more

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Golden Door is Heaven on Earth... I go every year... the Staff and Guests are the best... Every year i crawl in....from the stresses of everyday life... and every year they patch me up, get me back on track and send me on my way. Golden Door is a way of life !!!! read more

Tasteless, dry food, no oil, lacking flavor, no seasonings, no sauces, somewhat nicely presented and fresh, limited menu options and ingredients . According to staff, 25% of first time guests do not return. Very much about me, me, me, heavy on the Zen and mindfulness. Book a specific room number in advance or else a surprise awaits When specifically asked about gratuities, the question was dodged, answer "we will give you a suggested sheet at the end of the week", it should be clearly stated up front! Staff makes every effort to make you comfortable and goes out of their way to be of service. You will drink more water than you ever have in your life, no toxins could possibly be left in your body. Your personal laundry is picked up and returned each day, nicely folded. Golden Door sweats and tee shirts are provided along with pool shoes, all of which are yours to use, only during your stay, they are Golden Door property and may not be taken home without a charge. Beautiful grounds, lovely walking trails Daily in room massages are part of each day, as well as various body and facial treatments. A good place to decompress after or before a major event in your life. read more

I have been a guest as a spa writer at the Golden Door once or twice a year since 1980. I am a self-professed spa snob who has been to many other health resorts throughout the world in addition to the Door. While I never met a spa I didn't like, I LOVE the Golden Door. It's a love affair shared with my husband Richard who now goes to coed week with me (there are only five coed weeks and four men's weeks, the rest of the year it's women only(about 40). The Golden Door in Escondidio is the leader of the spa pack and has been since it opened in 1978 by founder and doyenne of spa, Deborah Szekely. It is simply the best in show from the finitely-tuned exercise program (hikes to dance class, Yoga and beyond), to pampering (massages, facials, herbals and more) to spa cuisine and enrichment programs--all included in the weekly tab (which also includes your laundry, Golden Door cosmetics during your stay, exercise clothes, slippers jackets, hats, gloves, the works. When Richard and I leave the Door we feel recharged, healthy, happy and years younger thanks to the program and our fitness advisors *Diane Allan for me, Dean for him. From the GM, Rachel Caldwell, to the head of the program Judy Bird and the rest of the able-bodied staff, it doesn't get much better than this. read more

It's hard not to love this Southern California icon, but it's been through a couple of corporate acquisitions and failures (the corps were looking for dollars, not life enhancement for their customers). At last, in synch with the a new non-corporate owner that supports the new onsite organic farm, an orchard of hundred-year-old olive trees acquired locally for oil production, and so much more, will deliver the healing experience that made it famous. They're transforming the Golden Door concept and, by October, 2014, will be unveiling the transformation to the public. read more

Amazing staff, incredibly fresh healthy organic food and a truly peaceful place to get away. The only negative for me was that you can hear the traffic at times, particularly on morning hikes, but I know they can't do anything about that! My masseuse was awesome as was my personal trainer. The room attendants, dining room servers and ladies in the bath house as well as beauty/salon area are all so friendly and go out of their way to truly ensure you have an excellent stay. There is so much to do from 5:30 AM all the way to 9:00 PM, it's difficult to decide just how to divide up your day. Do you attend every class you can fit onto your daily agenda or just chill out a few hours a day to ensure you don't neglect truly relaxing and just taking in the serenity? I tried to do as much hiking, cardio, yoga and dance classes I could fit while trying to still make time to soak in the hot tub, relax by the pool or just take a moment to sit by the waterfall with a book. I met so many interesting people there and hope dearly that I can afford another trip out there soon! It's definitely worth the cost. read more

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I agree with the poster who said "Golden Door is Heaven on Earth... I go every year... the Staff and Guests are the best... Every year i crawl in....from the stresses of everyday life... and every year they patch me up, get me back on track and send me on my way. Golden Door is a way of life !!!!" What a wonderful experience and I hope to return every year as well. A great place to get your body moving or moving more. Tai chi to self defense to learn to swim, I can not think of any thing that is not offered for the body. It was heaven on earth!!!!! WOW! read more

First rate spa getaway for highly personalized pampering and wellness regimen.

To elaborate: two days of chainsaws and woodchippers directly outside my room. Not very relaxing. Finding a used hairband in the robe provided - robes that must have been bought 20 years ago as they gave the sensation of 80 grit sandpaper. Not very relaxing. Robes that were taken during the day by housekeeping but never replaced. I have never in my years of travel have I had to request a robe from housekeeping, let alone at a "World Class Spa". Being told my dinner would be served in my room early because I had a late watsu session. 15 minutes before my session, still no dinner. I called to find out why and was informed/chastised I should have had dinner in the dining room despite being TOLD by dining services earlier in the day that my meal would be would be served in in my room early, allowing me to have dinner before my watsu session. Instead I was addressed like a child for not eating at the proper time. But the coup de grace was having another guests entire bill, with all her personal information including CREDIT CARD, ADDRESS... delivered to MY room. I addressed this to the front desk as "The Door respects the privacy of their guests". The front desk was absolutely nonplused. With the exception of Watsu therapy my stay at The Door was not worth the money. I brought all of this of this to the attention of management and got an "Oh well" response. I would never recommend The Golden Door. Bottom line: overpriced outdated hype. read more

I think I've been to every major spa in the US that feature hiking and none cone close to the Golden Door. It's so much more than a spa..it's a nurturing, empowering and hilarious experience. From the hikes in the morning ( all levels, all speeds) to the quirky classes from archery to broadway dance, it is the best of all worlds. The key is the staff is exceptional, and the staff to guest ratio is unprecedented. It's a great place to go alone...or with a friend and re-energize , meet great people and feel cared for. Having a massage in your room every day, great skin care and fabulous meals (and losing weight to boot)...it's the perfect vacation. There is a reason there is a bamboo forest made up of trees planted in honor of guests who have been here 10 times or more. Once you find this place, no reason to look further. And they have a new owner who is only going to make it better, as she was a "regular" for years. read more

The most amazing place to decompress and pamper yourself! Very accommodating and nice to work with. Thank you on behalf of the Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary. read more