Mind & body overhaul in
CALFORNIA
Hidden in a stunning valley, circled by rocky hills 30 miles northeast of San Diego and 20 minutes from the coast, Escondido is home to beautiful wineries and arts and crafts boutiques. It oozes charm and has a perennially warm climate.
THE PLACE TO SPA Golden Door is a wellness hideaway perched in 600 acres of hills and meadows dotted with Japanese gardens and citrus groves. It is renowned for offering one of the best holistic mind and body ‘overhaul’ programmes around.
THE TREATMENTS Produce from the resort’s gardens are used in their spa products. Holistic treatments on offer include The Awakening Potential Massage using oil blends, each attuned to a different chakra to nourish an aspect of your physical, emotional and mental well-being and balance energy levels.
THE RESORT The spa is just one part of a seven-day programme that is tailored to you. The programmes start each morning with a guided dawn hike. Days are packed with t’ai chi, yoga, dance classes, Pilates or tennis. You wind down with meditation or a soak in the hot tub. There are mindfulness classes, cookery sessions and haiku writing lessons. A-list guests have included Oprah Winfrey and Nicole Kidman.
EAT Calorie-counted meals are served in the communal dining room – expect tasty Asian delights, such as sushi and black cod.
PACK Nothing – literally. You get fresh workout clothes daily and a yukata robe to wear for dinner. OK, maybe trainers and flip-flops…
THE LOWDOWN An all-inclusive Classic Women’s Week starts at £ 5,000; goldendoor. com. Virgin Atlantic flies from Heathrow to LA from £ 522 per person. virginatlantic.com n