Page 74 - 2020 Travel Guide to California

SPAS & WELLNESS
from their “mud bar,” a soak in a private
geo-thermal mineral 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-con-
scious 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 fermentation, the treat-
ment 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 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
FACIAL IN SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA, left.
Massages are available, delicious plant-
based fare is provided, and sleeping
quarters include shared heated yurts, pri-
vate cabins for an additional fee 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 Hol-
lywood’s glitterati. Golden Door specializes
in fitness, Eastern philosophy, relaxation
and opulence. Guests pre-arrange com-
pletely 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 massages 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
The Good House
welcometothegoodhouse.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
SONOMA MISSION INN SPA