The Ultimate Escape at The Golden Door

Last month, we had the chance to escape for the weekend, and couldn’t have experienced a more relaxing or rejuvenating stay than we did at The Golden Door. If you haven’t heard of this retreat – put it on your radar! The spa has been around for quite some time (Natalie Wood & Katherine Hepburn were frequent visitors) but recently underwent a renovation to revive it’s incredible reputation. The North San Diego property is secluded on acres of land and backed up against the mountains offering the perfect location for a private getaway and numerous hiking opportunities. We had the chance to truly see the expanse of this oasis on a sunrise hike that spanned the on-site orange groves, lake, and gardens.

Our incredible weekend began with a quick tour of the Japanese style spa, which ended at the front door to our private rooms. The experience is meant to be a retreat for your mind, body, & soul, so each guest stays in a room all their own while on the property. The comfortable suites were complete with a bright and cozy bedroom, ensuite with luxurious spa toiletries (that we loved so much, we are still using them!), and workout clothes and dinner robes to outfit us throughout the stay. You don’t need bring much anything outside of your own shoes as they provide almost everything!

To cater to the mind, body, & soul, Golden Door offers numerous fitness training classes that vary in difficulty and type, nourishing healthful meals that are prepared with local farm ingredients, and indulging spa treatments. We took part in sunrise hikes, sculpting weight training, spin, and stretching classes, but the list to choose from offered something for everyone! The food also catered to every guest’s dietary needs – the meals were some of the most flavorful and satisfying we have ever had despite being prepared grain free and with minimal sugar.

Our days were chock full of fitness classes and interesting seminars such as astrology and bee keeping, but some of the best parts of our stay were spent at the spa. From facials, to herbal body wraps and in room massages, the treatments at Golden Door are unrivaled. As we expected from the voted #1 Destination Spa in the World by Travel + Leisure. Nothing sounded better after a physical training session than a deep tissue massage or relaxing dip in the pool.

We left Golden Door feeling totally spoiled, pampered, and full of hope that we will get to return. We understand all of they hype behind this fabulous place and why people keep on going back! It’s an incomparable experience. If you are wanting to embrace a ‘getaway’ completely, it’s exactly what you’re looking for.