In a world where busy schedules, digital distractions and everyday pressures leave little room for relaxation, an exclusive wellness retreat in California is offering a different kind of luxury: the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and rediscover the value of peace.
Golden Door, a renowned wellness destination that opened in 1958, has built its reputation around a carefully designed experience combining Japanese-inspired gardens, sunrise hikes, spa treatments, fitness activities and nourishing meals prepared with fresh ingredients from its own farm.
The retreat recently attracted attention after comedians Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak, co-hosts of the wellness podcast Poog, shared their experience in Condé Nast Traveler. Initially expecting a four-night stay, the pair found themselves so captivated by the atmosphere and activities that they extended their visit.
For Berlant and Novak, the appeal extended far beyond luxurious accommodation and beauty treatments. The retreat’s thoughtfully organised daily schedule allowed guests to choose from activities such as yoga, Pilates, meditation, archery, Japanese calligraphy and traditional taiko drumming.
Early-morning hikes were another highlight. Setting out before sunrise, guests could experience the surrounding landscape as daylight gradually illuminated the trails, offering a peaceful alternative to the noise and demands of everyday life.
Food also played a central role in the experience. Much of the produce served at Golden Door comes from its extensive on-site farm, while meals can be tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients, personal attention and making guests feel comfortable rather than restricted.
One of the retreat’s most distinctive features is its communal atmosphere. Although it attracts affluent visitors, the shared meals and group activities encourage guests to interact, build friendships and temporarily step away from their usual routines. The experience demonstrated to Berlant and Novak that genuine relaxation can come not only from solitude but also from meaningful human connections.
Such an experience, however, comes at a considerable price. According to the report, a seven-night stay costs approximately $13,000 per person, placing Golden Door firmly within the luxury wellness market.
Yet its enduring appeal reflects a broader interest in experiences that prioritise wellbeing, nature and personal renewal over conventional luxury.
Golden Door offers an intriguing reminder that sometimes the greatest indulgence is not acquiring more, but creating space to breathe, reflect and return to everyday life with a renewed sense of balance.
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