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About Golden Door Spa

Tucked away in a tranquil pocket of northern San Diego County, the legendary Golden Door offers a world of new beginnings. As peace of mind and well-being are reached, guests develop bonds with nature, fellow guests, and themselves.

Founded in 1958 by visionary Deborah Szekely, Golden Door was designed based on the ancient traditions of Japanese honjin inns. The setting includes serene sand gardens, koi ponds, and antique stone lanterns. A circular labyrinth is used to teach the Zen Buddhist practice of kinhin (walking meditation). This breathtaking, yet meditative environment inspires possibilities for personal renewal.

For a customized program in fitness, nutrition, and beauty, guests complete a pre-visit packet prior to arrival and meet with staff members upon arrival to discuss goals. Decision-making is kept to a minimum as the all-inclusive schedule and program is magically created for each individual, allowing a truly stress-free week to unfold. Guests check in on Sundays for the usual weeklong stay, each night receiving a tailored schedule for the next day. The new Spa Interlude Program, only available during selected months of 2008, offers three- and four-day sessions with the same personal attention. Though the 40-room Golden Door is designed for women, some co-ed and men's weeks are offered throughout the year.

Location

Address

PO Box 463077
Escondido, California ,
92046
United States

Call: 1(800) 424-0777

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Get Directions

Highlights

  • Business Type
  • Connoisseur Spa
  • Destination Spa
  • Inclusive-pricing Spa
  • Luxury Spa
  • Programs
  • Mother-and-Daughter
  • Spirituality
  • Stress Management
  • Weight Loss
  • Yoga
  • More
  • Daily in-room massages
  • Guest rooms with private Japanese gardens
  • Workout clothes provided

Awards & Accolades

2011 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

2011 Readers Choice Awards - Cooking Classes
2011 Readers Choice Awards - Cuisine
2011 Readers Choice Awards - Fitness Program
2011 Readers Choice Awards - Luxury
2011 Readers Choice Awards - Mind Body Spirit
2011 Readers Choice Awards - Weight Loss
2011 Readers Choice Awards - Yoga

2010 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best Brand
Best Cooking Classes
Best Cuisine
Best Fitness Program
Best for Accommodations
Best for Going Solo
Best for Hiking
Best for Luxury
Best for Mind-Body-Spirit
Best for Weight Loss
Favorite Spa Manager
Favorite Spa Treatment
Favorite Spa in North America

2009 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best Fitness Program
Best for Going Solo
Best for Hiking
Best for Luxury

2008 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best Cuisine
Best Fitness Program
Best for Going Solo
Best for Mind-Body-Spirit

2007 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

  • Best for Fitness Program
  • Best for Hiking
  • Best for Mind-Body-Spirit
  • Best for Weight Loss

    • ServicesView business treatment menu >>

    Reflecting the integration of body, mind, and spirit, the Golden Door mingles guesthouses, gardens and treatment rooms to form a seamless spa. Daily in-room massages are a treasured ritual here, as are early morning hikes through surrounding mountains. Other therapies are available at the Japanese Bathhouse, where guests have access to steam room, sauna, showers, and the herbal wrap area.

    Golden Door also offers nine treatment rooms, all of which overlook beautifully serene landscapes, and are scented by the natural fragrances of surrounding azaleas, camellias, and fruit trees. Different treatments are offered each day, with options including aromatherapy, balneotherapy, European-style deep cleansing therapy, herbal wraps, body scrubs, pedicures, scalp treatments, and make-up instruction.

    Treatment OfferingsView business treatment menu

    • Non-Surgical Treatments
    • Cellulite Treatments
    • Chemical Peels
    • Complementary Alternative
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine
    • Massages
    • Aromatherapy
    • BlackBerry Hand Massage
    • Deep Tissue
    • Hot Stone
    • Lomilomi
    • Lymph Drainage
    • Reflexology
    • Swedish
    • Thai
    • Facials
    • Acne/Deep Cleansing
    • Back Facial
    • Custom
    • Signature
    • Body Scrubs
    • Fruit Scrub
    • Salt Scrub
    • Body Wraps
    • Algae/Seaweed
    • Mud
    • Slimming
    • Hair/Nail Services
    • Eyebrow and Lash Tinting
    • Hair Styling and Care
    • Makeup Instruction/Application
    • Manicures
    • Pedicures
    • Waxing
    • Water Treatments
    • Hydrotherapy
    • Watsu
    • Other
    • Sunless Tanning
    Rooms & Dining

    Decorated with the purposeful simplicity of antique Japanese artwork, calming colors, and fresh flower arrangements, the guest rooms at Golden Door promote relaxation and tranquility. Each room has its own garden and deck, allowing for private moments of reflection.

    Dining is a thoughtful experience at Golden Door. Many of the vegetables, herbs, and fruits used for cooking are grown right on the property, ensuring fresh and wholesome cuisine. Prepared in the kitchen where spa cuisine was first made, meals are colorful and inventive, featuring low-fat, low-calorie menus. To keep guests' metabolisms running smoothly, Golden Door serves three meals daily, as well as healthy snacks. Muffins and fruits are available before the morning hike and, after returning, an in-room breakfast is served. Lunch and dinner are served in the beautifully-designed dining room, offering unique table settings and arrangements for each meal and tranquil views of the koi ponds and inner courtyards.

    Offerings

    • Rooms
    • 40Rooms
    • Food Options
    Activities

    Each day at Golden Door is a balance of relaxation and rejuvenation. Fitness experts work with guests to develop and maintain customized fitness programs tailored to experience levels, goals, and preferences. Golden Door fitness counselors act as mentor, coach, and confidant for guests, and classes are kept small to foster personalized attention. Blending current fitness techniques with ancient arts, Golden Door's broad array of classes include yoga, Pilates, tap dance, stretch and relax, power cycling, and Feldenkrais. Most of these classes are given at the fitness facilities, including open-air movement classrooms, a swimming pool, two tennis courts, and a private hillside for hiking. Additionally, the Dragon Tree Gym offers the latest in Cybex equipment.

    After a day of spiritual and physical renewal, guests may take part in enlightening evening programs, such as cooking classes, lectures by renowned speakers, or a candlelight labyrinth meditation. On occasion, special "focus weeks" are also offered, and center on topics such as yoga, Pilates, hiking, and spirited walking for a balance of mind and body.

    Upcoming Events

    CELEBRATE THE JOY OF DANCE: GOLDEN DOOR SPA WELCOMES CELEBRITY DANCER KARINA SMIRNOFF

    02/05/2012 - 02/12/2012

    Golden Door, North America’s premier destination spa, is offering a special Dance Week hosted by Karina Smirnoff, reigning champion for the hit television show “Dancing with the Stars.” Available during Feb. 8-10, Karina will teach a series of exclusive dance classes for guests. Karina will also talk about her inspirational journey and be available for photos during a special evening presentation.

    Offerings

    • Fitness & Activities
    • Aerobics
    • Dancing
    • Hiking
    • Personal Training
    • Pilates with Reformer
    • Tai Chi
    • Tennis
    • Facilities & Amenities
    • Locker Room
    • Restaurant
    • Robes Provided
    • Sauna
    • Showers
    • Slippers Provided
    • Steam Room
    • Wedding/Event Space
    • Whirlpool, Jacuzzi

    Reviews

    Showing 1-7 of 7 reviews
    Golden Door Spa
    5.0 out of 5
    Overall rating based on7 Reviews
    7of7 (100%)
    Customers would visit this business again
    Review this Business
    a day of serenity
    127 of 220 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    Bynull | May 16, 2011
    This Spa was so rejuvenating and relaxing. From the moment i stepped out of my car i found the ambviance and scenery to be quaint and serelle. The staff was generous to my every whim and i found the amenities to be excellent. Dr. Trevor Holly Cates provided a one on one hollisitic overture of my health and wieght loss goals, as well as ways to improve my excercise and diet regimen. I was treated to a complimentary massage after signing up for first time use with Dr. Cates' treatment plan. I fel amazing. The comfort that the golden door spa gives has truly been an experience i will never forget.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    Best spa ever!
    141 of 268 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    Bykarina | April 5, 2011
    You won't find a better spa anywhere. Excellent customer care, best massage, exquisite food, gorgeous surroundings, beautiful hiking trails, tranquil and relaxing. Everything you would dream your day or week at the spa should be.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    Doesn't get any better than this!
    278 of 601 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    ByCyndiS | May 13, 2010
    I have been to the Golden Door for five years. I love it!Once you go there you will never want to go anywhere else. The food, staff and facilities are wonderful. Pure luxury!
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    Equisite!
    293 of 589 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    Bynull | May 5, 2010
    This spa was the most luxurious spa. The decor and ambiance of the serenity was mesmorizing. I felt plush, relaxed and royal.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    Favorite Place on Earth
    304 of 643 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    ByDeborahC | March 30, 2010
    I've been to the GD twice so far, and I am returning this year. I went alone the first time and brought my daughter when I returned. It is definitely a place you can go to alone. Everything is first class and about making your life better. I intend to return every year.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    It doesn't get better than this!!
    345 of 711 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    BySallieF | September 15, 2009
    When you arrive at the Golden Door you know that you've arrived someplace special from the moment you walk in. The program is completely customized for you, to help you achieve the mind/body/spirit balance so many of us seek. Everything is top-notch from the cuisine (buy the cookbook, it's worth it!), to the fitness program (do not miss Ouichi's classes) to the superb in-room massages and facial treatments. I returned from my week there feeling superb - lighter, happier and completely stress-free. The Golden Door is addictive. Once you've been, it's hard not to dream of returning again and again and again.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    The Winner in Spas
    357 of 767 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    BySpaExpert | February 21, 2006
    Golden Door has been around for many years. Every spa today trys to copy their formula. Most fall short. I went for men's week more than once. They only have 40 or so guests each week..you stay a week and you make great friends. The fitness program makes you feel like Rocky when you leave along with great great spa food. If you have the dollars for spa and fitness programs you need to go to the Golden Door...the tops.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities4 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities5 out of 5
    Showing 1-7 of 7 reviews
    Reviews contained within this site are the subjective opinions of the reviewer; they do not reflect or represent the opinion or position of SpaFinder, Inc., SpaFinder Europe Ltd., SpaFinder Japan, or any other SpaFinder entity (collectively, "SpaFinder Companies"). No SpaFinder Company, nor any other person or party involved in providing review content, shall be responsible or incur any liability for any claim or damage of any type under any theory alleged to have resulted, or resulting from, any review contained within this site, or any other SpaFinder Company site.

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    Preview of your Review

    Golden Door Spa

    by unknown from unknown | February 7, 2012
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    Location

    Travel Information

      • Golden Door offers complimentary transportation services to and from San Diego International Airport.
      • All programs are from Sunday to Sunday.
      • The staff will take care of making spa appointments for guests.
      • Dress is casual. Bring clothes that allow for freedom of movement for classes and activities.
      • It is recommended that guests living in another time zone try to adjust to West Coast time a few days prior to arrival.

    Address & Contact Info

    For more information call 1(800) 424-0777 or visit www.goldendoor.com/e…