California has long been a mecca for travelers seeking a higher level of health, fitness, and inner peace. In fact, the term “wellness” was popularized in the state in the late 1970s. Retreats can be found all across the Golden State, from the beachy yoga culture in Southern California to the breezily beautiful Central Coast and remote northern regions. Don’t worry—it’s not all sweat lodges and wheatgrass shots. An increasing number of hotels and tour groups offer fresh twists on the traditional fitness vacation with plenty of luxurious and unexpected additions. Whether you’re looking to unwind on horseback, exercise around the clock, or explore vibrant marine life, we’ve rounded up our Favorite 5 ways to hit reset in the Golden State.
Relax with at Westerbeke Ranch, Sonoma
Sonoma Wine Country
It’s all about balance at this Sonoma retreat. Body Flows hosts regular retreats at the stunning Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma. In wine country, feeling at one with the earth includes daily yoga classes, meditation, hikes, healthy farm-to-table meals, and nightly tastings best enjoyed before a dip in the hot tub. Retire to your private or shared cabin, nestled in among trees and gardens.
Trek through Redwoods and Granite Passes
Yosemite National Park
On MT Sobek’s California High Sierra Odyssey Trek, you’ll hike along rugged, redwood-lined trails of the John Muir Wilderness, just south of Yosemite National Park, through two high passes that provide dramatic mountain scenery at every step. This eight-day adventure departing from Fresno includes seven nights spent in high-altitude comfort at remote camps and a relaxing thermal soak at Iva Bell Hot Springs. Hikes are of moderate intensity, but you’re sure to see some of the most jaw-dropping natural sights that California has to offer. Meals are all included.
Go on an Ocean Safari with a Channel Islands cruise
Channel Islands
Jacques Cousteau meets Deepak Chopra on the Base Camp Channel Islands cruise, a five-day “wildness + wellness” adventure offered by Wild Earth Travel. Passengers will get up close with some of the marine creatures and animals inhabiting Channel Islands National Park’s largely untouched coastal ecosystem offshore between Ventura and Santa Barbara. When you’re not marveling at the wonders of the island foxes, sea lions, and dolphins, you can enjoy guided hikes, yoga and fitness classes, lectures from naturalists, and one-on-one photography lessons.
Enjoy a Desert Oasis at Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs
Two Bunch Palms has beckoned famous faces to the middle of the desert for more than 75 years. A former favorite of Al Capone, the resort has more recently hosted Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Madonna, and more. Thanks to natural aquifers found in Desert Hot Springs (30 minutes outside of Palm Springs), guests can soak in healing mineral water under the shade of tamarisk trees. The spa menu encourages adventure through unique therapies, including water shiatsu, sound vibration healing, and a shaman-lead class designed to find your spirit.
Experience Equine Therapy at Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Fort Bragg
Mendocino Coastline
Horseback riding as a salve for the body and mind is a practice as old as Ancient Greece. The Ricochet Ridge Ranch in Fort Bragg offers a thoroughly modern six-day retreat with full-day rides along Mendocino County’s coastal trails and sandy surf. If watching rather than riding is more your speed, book a private tour at the Return to Freedom sanctuary in Lompoc where 400 wild horses and 29 burros roam free.
Derived from Incredible Wellness Experiences – Visit California
Photo – Lead Photo via Pixabay
All other photos via Unsplash