Imagine a place where you feel transported, transformed and terrific.Golden Door is one of the top wellness destinations in the world, situated on 300+ acres, 40 miles from San Diego.
Built in 1958, "the Door" became the chosen place for the Hollywood elite to refresh, relax and take a respite from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Stars came here to lose weight, dry out or escape scandal. Now a new generation of A-listers is discovering in their Oscar swag bags gift certificates for free stays in this revered place.
Before my visit, guest services scheduled an interview to identify my food preferences, activity interests and clothes size. Did I want the three or five-mile hike or would I prefer the meadow walk? Which meal plan? Did I want a male or female massage therapist? A mani or pedi? Would I like to have complimentary door-to-door service with a private driver (yes, please!)?
Driving through the private gates, past fruit trees to the fabulous bejeweled, golden door entrance, a greeter escorted me across a long wooden bridge to the reception area. She paused to point out the angle to the bridge, signifying a turning point.
Intentionally designed in the Japanese Zen tradition, this signifies where a guest leaves their worries behind. As the shoji doors opened, a woman dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono and sandals offered another level of welcome. She invited me to have tea and cookies while presenting me with a personalized schedule outlining my activities for the remainder of the afternoon.
My suite featured a perfect view of a Zen rock garden on one side and Koi pond, waterfalls and Japanese garden on the other. All rooms are designed with a modern aesthetic, with one-of-a-kind silk screens and a meditation nook with a silk scroll and flower arrangement.
There are no TVs. Digital detox is encouraged; there's even a bedside velvet pouch to serve as a gentle reminder to refrain from using technology.
Sunday starts the weeklong program with a new guest orientation but breaking bread over dinner is where the real magic happens. Blue & white yukatas (cotton kimonos) are worn during dinner as a unifying force that is both lovely to see and also very comfortable.
Guests are asked to stand and introduce themselves, instantly creating camaraderie, goodwill, and kinship. Many guests came solo like me, but there were also many longtime devotees including a group from Nebraska who visit twice annually and a guest from the Grand Caymans who's been visiting for twenty years. There were also five sisters from Hawaii whose mother recently passed away, a bi-coastal niece and aunt, a first-timer from China and many other smart, kind, poised and inspiring women whom I was thrilled to meet.
The women during my stay mostly ranged from their 40-70s, were all body shapes and sizes, were well-to-do, well-traveled and openly spoke about their motivation for coming-to reboot. There was no snobbery or competition. Transformation is a unique equalizer at Golden Door, where guests bond around a common theme. It's rare for 40 women to unite and learn about others as much as themselves.
My last day started with a sunrise hike (thanks to my new friend) and a group labyrinth walk focusing on gratitude. A private Haiku (Japanese poem) class followed breakfast and Tai Chi. The dashing, dramatic and very funny Dmitri Guy led a semi-private fencing lesson (he's one of the best fencing coaches in the U.S. and a former champion.) Then it was off to lunch and good-byes.
My stay at Golden Door was brief as most guests stay seven days. The price for a four-day retreat is $6,000.
The Golden Door is a gem, helping guests to become better versions of themselves while giving all net profits to charities.
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