Page 72 - 2015 Travel Guide to California

CA.SPAS & WELLNESS
PRACTICING YOGA in Joshua Tree National
Park, below; spiral walk at Meadowood, right.
» FIND
YOUR SPA
Kabuki Hot Springs
kabukisprings.com
Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa
twobunchpalms.com
Hacienda Hot Springs
haciendahotsprings.com
Esalen
esalen.org
Tassajara Hot Springs
sfzc.org/tassajara
Indian Springs
indianspringscalistoga.com
Meadowood
meadowood.com/spa
Osmosis
osmosis.com
Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
fairmont.com/sonoma
White Lotus
whitelotus.org
Golden Door
goldendoor.com
The Oaks at Ojai
oaksspa.com
eco-conscious day spa, the specialty is a
cedar enzyme “bath.” Guests immerse
themselves to the chin in warm, finely
ground cedar, rice bran and plant enzymes.
Heated by natural fermentation, the treat-
ment is said to aid digestion, improve
circulation and relieve muscle tension.
Or visit the 40,000-square-foot spa at
Sonoma Mission Inn atop an ancient
thermal mineral spring that flows from
1,100 feet below and was revered by Native
Americans for its healing powers. Soak in
the mineral baths and Watsu pool, indulge
in a signature spa treatment or just relax by
the fireplace.
Om Sweet Om
When yoga came to America, some of the
first studios appeared in Hollywood and
San Francisco. The practice has since
become a way of life for countless Califor-
nians, and hundreds of top-notch centers,
from ritzy to rustic, cater to beginners and
gurus alike.
One of the world’s most renowned yoga
retreats is tucked into the Santa Ynez
Mountains above Santa Barbara. At the
White Lotus Foundation Center, guests
spend their days doing sun salutations in
70 2015 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
a canyon with ocean views, hiking through
old-growth oaks, meditating in an under-
ground Hopi-style kiva and swimming in
natural stone pools. Massages are avail-
able, gourmet vegetarian fare is served,
and sleeping quarters are private accom-
modations, heated yurts or creekside
camping under the stars. (Tip: Yurts 1 and
2 are closest to the center and, more
importantly, to the hot tub and sauna.)
Health First
When the sublime Golden Door opened in
Escondido in 1958, it was a pioneer among
American spas. It’s since become one of
the world’s finest health resorts, regularly
hosting Hollywood’s biggest stars. Golden
Door specializes in fitness, Eastern philos-
ophy, relaxation and opulence. Guests
pre-arrange completely customized four-
to seven-day packages with fitness options
as diverse as Pilates, fencing, dance and
archery. Best of all, each stay includes
facial treatments, herbal wraps, mani-
pedis, and daily in-room massages.
Another excellent (and more affordable)
option is The Oaks at Ojai, where healthy
weight loss and conscious eating are
emphasized, and activities include hula
hooping, Qi Gong, hiking and roller blading.
Indulge in a seasonal sugar rub (think Pixie
tangerine, pumpkin, or fig), lemongrass
lavender pedicure or river-rock massage.
Ultimately, California’s spa culture prom-
ises visitors far more than relaxation; it
ensures that this time you won’t need a vaca-
tion from your vacation. You’ll return home
refreshed and recharged—that is, if you can
bring yourself to return home at all.
GREG EPPERSON/SHUTTERSTOCK; MEADOWOOD SPA. OPPOSITE: PECHANGA CASINO