If you’ve been following the weather lately, it’s not hard to understand why the ideal destination for the top luxury wellness retreats is found In California. The state never seems to be short on great weather and lots of sunshine.
So it makes sense we’d find that California is full of wellness retreats that offer a variety of experiences with long and short stays. We honed in on 5 that’ll help nudge you into a healthier lifestyle. Worst case scenario – you did something really nice for yourself. Let’s keep this all about you.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience or a quick weekend getaway, these top wellness vacations are overflowing with programs to provide the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate like yoga-focused agendas, meditation retreats, and ways to improve your state of mind. In other words, pull you out of your funk.
These getaway spas offer the right amount of serenity and tranquility so you can dial in your optimal state of Zen – whether this is in the mountains, on horseback along the beach, or on a yoga mat out in a field with a sea of chanting Oms echoing off the canyon walls.
Also, keep in mind getting to these isolated havens is part of the fun. Winding roads, ocean waves crashing off to the side, and forests lead you to these inviting habitats. Road trip anyone?
Two Bunch Palms – Yoga & Fitness
– 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
A hidden gem nestled in the hills of Desert Hot Springs, California, Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa has been an oasis of relaxation since it opened in 1940. With stunning views of the mountains, sparkling pools, and therapeutic mud baths, this is a fave of our top luxury wellness resorts.
Exploring the Unexpected Treasures of Two Bunch Palms
First things first when staying here, grab a map and wander around the property – you’ll be captivated by the stunning sights and calming sounds of the natural beauty that surrounds you.
As you meander through the resort, you’ll notice the gorgeous landscaping and the lovely birdsong coming from the trees.
In addition to these natural wonders, you may even find some unexpected treasures like a hidden pool or a secret garden tucked away in one of the many lush corners of this top luxury wellness retreat.
Another fun thing to do here is geocaching. It’s like a scavenger hunt for adults that will have you using GPS coordinates to uncover secret items around the grounds.
This adult-only retreat offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and a range of spa services. There are two different packages that you can book for your stay.
The first, the ‘Experience Package,’ includes a one-night stay in a suite, breakfast for two, a spa treatment for two, and access to all of the resort’s amenities.
The second package, the ‘Ultimate Getaway Package,’ includes a two-night stay in a suite, breakfast for two each morning, a spa treatment for two each day, and access to all resort amenities which include the spa’s outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi, and the resort’s signature wellness treatments.
You’ll also have access to the fitness center and yoga studio where you can take part in classes, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Diving Deeper into the Capone Suite at Two Bunch Palms
The Capone Suite at Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa is truly the epitome of luxury. With its sophisticated design, modern amenities, and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect suite to escape and unwind.
Naturally, the suite is named after gangster Al Capone, who once stayed in the resort and was said to have been impressed with its opulence.
The Capone Suite has all the bells and whistles – a cozy living area with a crackling fireplace, a private terrace with a soothing hot tub, two luxuriously appointed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchenette. We can’t help but wonder – has Geraldo checked under the bed? Never say never, right?
Fun Fact: Two Bunch Palms Resort was the film location for The Player with Tim Robbins, Mimi Rogers, and a parade of Hollywood’s Who’s Who Crowd.
Ricochet Ridge Ranch – Horseback Riding
– 24201 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Ricochet Ridge Ranch is a great place for those who are looking for an adventure in the outdoors. At the ranch, you can enjoy one of the best beachside trail rides in the area, as this luxury getaway is all about horses. Horses and beaches.
Spanning 27 acres of manicured trails along miles of coastline, this ranch offers horseback riding, educational camps, and more. But their beachside trail ride is a must-try for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
There were once simpler days when cars didn’t exist, work was 9-5 and the weekends were stress-free. Riding horseback on the pristine beachside trail at this top luxury wellness retreat in California will take you back in time to those easy livin’ days while soothing your soul.
This is just you and nature, and make no mistake, the sounds of the ocean waves splashing against the hoofs of your ride will drain every ounce of stress from your tired, overworked bones.
Speaking of taking us back to simpler times, Hippocrates, back in 400 BC, was one of the very first to recognize the powerful healing potential of equine-assisted physical therapy, praising the advantages of horseback riding. This is now known as hippotherapy.
This gave us Hippotherapy. In simpler terms, Mounting a horse helps us experience stimulation of the body and mind – aiding in motor and sensory skills – and therefore making this form of therapy beneficial for an extensive range of conditions. At day’s end, you’ll just feel euphoric and rejuvenated. You don’t need to know the science of hippotherapy.
While riding, you can stop off to explore hidden coves, with experienced guides accompanying you each step of the way to guarantee your safety while offering captivating information about the area.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, their trail rides are suitable for all skill levels, with the most popular activity being the group trail ride to the beach, which costs $65.00 per person and lasts for about an hour.
Per their website, Riders ages six years old and older are welcome. Guests can also privately book 4 hours of horseback riding. If you opt for this you can pick up the pace for a fun trot along the beach.
if you fall in love with the area, another few hours up the road and you’ll find yourself enjoying life in one of the country’s most affordable beach towns, Crescent City.
Physical Health Benefits Of Horseback Riding
Horseback riding not only boosts your mental health, but it also serves as an excellent form of exercise. Not only are you burning calories with all the activity, but you are also engaging in an isometric exercise by using your muscles to keep yourself balanced on the horse!
According to the Federation Equestre Internationale, horses are incredibly therapeutic. As you move in rhythm with the horse, your circulation is stimulated, a multitude of muscles are gently stretched, and your flexibility and range of motion are enhanced.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said so eloquently. “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” We concur. Once you get used to horseback riding, you’ll want to plan your next trip at one of these luxury dude ranches in Wyoming.
The Ranch Malibu – Meditation & Mindfulness Programs
– 12220 Cotharin Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Seeking refuge from their high-pressure lives, a multitude of famous figures have found solace at The Ranch Malibu, an incomparable destination for health and wellness. So it goes without saying celebrity guests have already claimed this as one of the top luxury wellness retreats in California.
Here you’ll experience natural remedies and professional treatments, inspiring them to make healthier lifestyle choices that last.
From outdoor yoga classes to nutrition workshops, The Ranch Malibu offers celebrities (and you) the opportunity to heal, replenish, and renew their mind, body, and spirit in epic luxury surroundings.
The Ranch Malibu’s week-long program centers on a holistic approach to health and longevity, teaching guests how to kickstart new habits and create a more balanced lifestyle.
Specifically, the focus is based on physical transformation. The retreat offers four-hour morning mountain hikes, strength and core training classes, yoga, massage, and a 1,400-calorie plant-based nutritional menu.
Guests also receive pre- and post-program cholesterol testing and body composition analysis to measure their progress. Additional activities such as a mid-week 60-minute sound bath and a weekly cooking class and a tour of the certified organic garden.
From the early morning wake-up call of Tibetan chimes to the sunflower seed risotto and foot baths, each detail has been crafted to give guests a truly immersive and transformative experience.
As with all our best places to spot a celebrity in California, this isn’t the easiest place to book. The Ranch Malibu is limited to 25 guests each week, so the atmosphere is intimate and personal.
A one-week stay (that’s the minimum required) is US$9,200 per person. There’s also the Ranch Private program for US$12,400 per person just in case you don’t want celebrities spotting you.
Inn at Moonlight Beach – WELLNESS Branded Certified
For the Spiritual Traveler, this is the place for you. just 25 miles north of downtown San Diego you’ll find serenity blended into a resort with yoga and meditation studios and even healers on staff.
The enhanced experiences offered at this top luxury wellness retreat include several programs designed under the WELL standards, which exemplify health and better living in spaces that surround you. You can also find this kind of attention to wellness in a net zero home.
There are several WELL packages that include complimentary flowers, late check-out, clearing of the Room with sage, copal, or Palo Santo before you arrive, and of course yummy edibles. If you don’t want one of the WELL packages, then you can still order any of those items a la carte.
Getting back to healthy spaces, all their water is filtered through the whole-house water filtration system and the ventilation system uses media filters MERV 13 (or higher). To top it off, they have Circadian Lighting which we’ve touched on regarding how this lighting harmonizes with your body for optimal rest.
Surfs Up At The Inn At Moonlight Beach
As a bonus, this is one of the top surfing towns per National Geographic. So you can also exercise at sea along cliff-framed beaches. If getting in a little workout that feels more like fun in the sun, then you need to check out these top west coast bike trails.
Carmel Valley Ranch – 500 Acres Of Paradise
– 1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
When it comes to lodging at one of these top luxury retreats in California, plenty of elbow room should be on order so others won’t disturb your groove. Carmel Valley Ranch easily ticks off this box on your list.
Tucked away in the majestic Carmel Valley, Carmel Valley Ranch offers an unparalleled luxury and wellness experience.
Spanning a sprawling 500 acres, and just minutes away from Pebble Beach and Monterey Bay, this picturesque paradise has something for everyone, including golf at one of our top golf courses in the U.S.
Carmel Valley Ranch is part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection, a portfolio of independent luxury properties. During peak season, cash rates for a base Vineyard Studio can start over $1,000 per night or 25,000 World of Hyatt points.
Guests are offered. artisan demonstrations, spa treatments, vineyards, gardens, and much more. With such a breadth of activities, this is a perfect spot for both adults and kids. So what do the kids do?
Kids Club At Carmel Valley Ranch
The Kid’s Club offers an array of activities for children ages 5-12, including arts and crafts, swimming, scavenger hunts, and outdoor adventures.
Other on-site activities offer a holistic hands-on approach to help you comingle with nature in a dreamy location with a stellar team of craftspeople – an executive chef, a beekeeper, a “cheese gal”, and “the horsemen” – all of whom excel in their respective fields. Of course, fitness classes are offered as well.
At this wellness resort, you’ll find 10,500 square feet of pampering at Spa Aiyana. Here they offer reviving treatments inspired by local ingredients such as lavender and honey. Relaxation is key here, with its soothing neutral palette and an airy light-drenched lounge, which nicely tops off your spa experience.
Conclusion
Whether you spend a quick 2-day in and out or a week or two at one of these California’s top luxury wellness retreats, you won’t fall short of being treated like royalty with spa treatments, gourmet meals, and yoga classes.
Throw in guided meditations and horseback riding surrounded by gorgeous scenery and we’ve got ourselves a clear path to heaven on Earth along with a better, rejuvenated you.
