Golden Door

Golden Door describes its aim as changing lives through a shift in mind, body and spirit. The business says it was named Spa of the Year, North and South America, for 2025 and 2026. Guests driving from Los Angeles travel about 130 miles, and private jet guests are directed to McClellan/Palomar Airport (CLD).

Each stay is an all-inclusive seven-day program personalized to the guest. Stays include a massage each day, and daily massages and skin care treatments are part of the program, with treatment details varying by length of stay. Guests can book up to four personal training sessions, and the schedule includes more than 40 fitness classes a week and, according to the home page, more than 80 mind and body classes. Mindfulness offerings are meant to help guests build a practice they can continue at home.

The resort covers 600 acres of hills, meadows, Japanese gardens and citrus groves, with 30 miles of private trails. Guided hikes range from 1 to 6 miles on named routes, and guests who want to hike on their own must first check in at Guest Services for a trail map and to share their route. Facilities include seven gyms, two swimming pools, a Watsu water therapy pool, two labyrinths, a lighted tennis court, a bathhouse with a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, nine treatment rooms, and five acres of bio-intensive gardens. A 2,000-square-foot gym is set aside for personal training, and the Golden Pilates Studio and Dragon Tree Yoga Retreat are on site.

Dining is led by executive Chef Greg Frey Jr., with meals adjusted to each guest's dietary needs and preferences. Vegetables, greens and proteins come from the on-site bio-intensive farm, and seafood and poultry are sourced from farmers and fishermen in the surrounding San Diego area. Guests eat three meals a day with mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks and appetizers before dinner.

Weddings and private events are arranged through a separate events contact. The Boutique and Country Store sell goods, and gift certificates are available.

The stated aim is a transformation of mind, body and spirit, delivered through a seven-day program personalized for each guest.

Hills, meadows, Japanese gardens and citrus groves surround the property, with zen rock gardens and a bamboo forest on the grounds.