A unique sanctuary surrounded by natural beauty, Golden Door is a ryokan-inspired resort in San Marcos, California that offers visitors a program of fitness training and refined nourishment coupled with indulgent spa treatments. The scenic environment includes more than 600 acres of nature to hike, along with a wide variety of gardens, ranging from zen rock to sand. An orange grove, bamboo forest, oak trail, labyrinth, and koi pond further contribute to the property’s whimsical feel.

In March the destination unveiled a multi-million dollar renovation that includes a complete overhaul of the bathhouse and pools, as well as updates and enhancements to all forty guest rooms and gyms. The bathhouse, dating back to the year Golden Door opened in 1958, had the entire layout reworked, adding private dressing rooms, new tile, flooring, new Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. In the Jacuzzi area, the design challenge was to brighten up the space and bring the outdoors in—accomplished with lighting and a first of its kind visual healing space that features time lapse captures of nature directed by artist and renowned filmmaker, Louie Schwartzberg.  

With a 4:1 staff to guest ratio and maid service provided twice daily, all of guests’ needs are met during their stay. Culinary offerings incorporate seasonal ingredients grown and produced on property, cultivating a backyard approach to farm-to-table cuisine. The fitness and wellness amenities are endless, featuring an array of options such as a 2,000-square-foot gym, Pilates studio, three group exercise studios, group spinning room, tennis court, two swimming pools, and a Watsu water therapy pool.

Each guest’s week-long program includes a daily in-room massage, five skincare or body treatments, and a manicure/pedicure. The Bathhouse also offers a menu of luxurious beauty and body treatments such as exfoliating body scrubs, hydrotherapy baths, and customizable treatments.

We spoke with Kathy Van Ness, C.O.O. of Golden Door, who shared insider tips, special amenities, treatments to try, and more.

Read more: The Best San Diego Spas for 2022

Why You’ll Love It: Personalized, one-on-one services are designed for each individual guest prior to arriving at the spa, ranging from discovery to mindfulness, nutrition to healing, and active fitness to quiet beauty, all while surrounded by Japanese gardens and creeks that create a sense of calm and energetic restoration. Because we only accommodate 40 guests per week, guests bond with each other and lifelong friendships are made.

Key Features: The ryokan-inspired resort sits on a sprawling 600 acres with 20 miles of hiking trails that span mountain to meadow, zen Japanese gardens, koi ponds, and a bamboo forest with meandering creeks throughout the property. Among our groves and vegetable gardens, we have our own bee farm cultivated by our property chef.

Guests have the option to partake in activities like archery, fencing, private personal training, dance classes, and more, like our interactive Q&A sessions for our Speaker Series, where we invite renowned guests in various fields to talk about their work. In our private, single occupancy rooms decked with Japanese art, guests are offered in-room daily massages, along with daily access to beauty treatments and other personalized services.

Insider’s Tip: Book the C Court. It’s closest to the pool and lounge, where you will spend a lot of time! 

Snacks Served: There are a range of artisan products, from jams to natural peanut butters, cookies to honey and our own salts! The famous vegetable broth which we serve daily is a new addition that was highly-anticipated by guests.

Bonus: Included in your booking are daily in-room massages, 4 skincare treatments, body treatments and wraps at no additional cost (anything else is a la carte). Also, each guest receives a large selection of our skincare products in their rooms, including the Golden Peel-A-Way mask, bamboo scrub, and toner. It is way beyond what is typically offered in a hotel room. We also offer complimentary car service to and from the airport, as well as offer car washes for guests who drive themselves. 

Insider’s Favorite: Shirodhara. This traditional Ayurvedic treatment is designed to deeply soothe the nervous system, quiet the mind, and rejuvenate the body. The word shiro meaning “head” and dhara meaning “flow,” the treatment involves a steady stream of warm oil continually poured over the forehead and scalp. This subtle yet deeply calming treatment begins with a warm herbal oil massage and finishes with the shirodhara to create a profound state of peace in body and mind.

Unique Treatment: The Cherry Blossom Soak. As you immerse yourself in this warm bath you will feel the delicate petals of the cherry blossoms floating around you. This treatment is used for its high antioxidants and skin soothing benefits, as well as relaxing your mind and body.

Featured Products: Golden Door skincare products.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit Golden Door’s website and follow them on Instagram: @thegoldendoor

[Images courtesy of The Golden Door]

Golden Door

777 Deer Springs Road

San Marcos, CA 92069

Tel: 760-744-5777