Page 74 - 2019 Travel Guide to California

SPAS & WELLNESS
pool and an optional snooze on one of their
state-of-the-art vibrating sound chairs (think
relaxing music meets gentle chair massage).
And at Sonoma’s innovative and eco-
conscious Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, the
house specialty is a cedar enzyme “bath.”
You’ll immerse yourself to the chin in
warm, finely ground cedar, rice bran and
plant enzymes. Heated by natural fermen-
tation, the treatment is said to aid
digestion, improve circulation and relieve
muscle pain.
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 a
canyon with ocean views, hiking through
old-growth oaks, meditating in an under-
ground Hopi-style kiva temple and
swimming in natural sandstone pools.
72 2019 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
THAI HERBAL POULTICE MASSAGE at Kabuki Springs & Spa, left.
Massages are available, gourmet vegetarian
fare is served, and sleeping quarters are pri-
vate accommodations, heated yurts or
creekside camping under the stars.
Ultimately, California’s wellness cul-
ture promises visitors far more than
relaxation; it ensures that this time you
won’t need a vacation from your vacation.
You’ll return home recharged and rejuve-
nated—that is, if you can bring yourself to
return home at all.
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, hosting
Hollywood’s glitterati. Golden Door spe-
cializes in fitness, Eastern philosophy,
relaxation and opulence. Guests pre-
arrange completely customized five- or
seven-day packages with fitness options as
diverse as Pilates, fencing, tennis, dance,
boxing and archery. Each stay includes
healthy meals and a cooking lesson, facial
treatments, herbal wraps, a mani-pedi,
mindfulness sessions, daily in-room mas-
sages and much more. Plus, it’s a feel-good
stay in a larger sense, because Golden Door
pledges 100 percent of its net profits to
charity.
Or for the total mind-body-soul en-rich-
ment experience (and a much lower cost of
entry), head to 1440 Multiversity in the
beautiful redwoods near Santa Cruz.
Named for the 1440 minutes in every day,
this new immersive learning center offers
an ever-changing roster of courses in such
disciplines as writing, art, music, spiritu-
ality, health, nutrition, lifestyle,
movement—you name it. Between classes,
join in daily meditation, yoga, Qi gong and
tai chi. Hike forest trails, treat yourself to a
massage, and enjoy the infinity tub over-
looking the redwoods. You can also sign up
for (or add on) a few days of the R&R pro-
gram, which includes nutritious meals, use
of the campus and daily meditation and
movement classes.
» FIND
YOUR SPA
Kabuki Springs & Spa
kabukisprings.com
Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa
twobunchpalms.com
Hacienda Hot Springs
haciendahotsprings.com
Tassajara Hot Springs
sfzc.org/tassajara
Indian Springs
indianspringscalistoga.com
Meadowood
meadowood.com/spa
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
osmosis.com
White Lotus
whitelotus.org
Golden Door
goldendoor.com
Solage
solage.aubergeresorts.com
Spa Terra
meritagecollection.com/
meritageresort/
napa-valley-spa-resorts
1440 Multiversity
1440.org
FRANKIE FRANEKEY/KABUKI HOT SPRINGS & SPA