The Golden Door, San Marcos, California, United States
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Wellness Retreat · Countryside

The Golden Door

San Marcos, California, United States

Overnight stay

A 377-acre sanctuary modelled on ancient Japanese honjin inns, with koi ponds, traditional gardens and miles of hiking trails. Week-long, all-inclusive stays combine personalised fitness (including a 4,000 sq ft Fitness Pavilion and hilltop private-training gym), nine treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and daily guided hikes of two to five miles, all built around founder Deborah Szekely's original philosophy that most ailments are optional and prevention is a matter of choice.

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Specialties

Fitness & Performance, Weight Management, Yoga & Mindfulness

Brand

The Golden Door

Editorial note — notable guests

Founded in 1958 by Deborah Szekely (who also founded Rancho La Puerta), widely credited as America's first destination spa. Bought and restored in 2013 by Joanne Conway, wife of Carlyle Group co-founder Bill Conway, following a $15 million renovation led by interior designer Victoria Hagan.

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