The Golden Door Offers Super Summer Specials

Call me the Spa Queen, fitness diva or pampered princess but I love spa breaks especially the week-long kind offered at the salubrious, luxurious, ultra-serene Golden Door in Escondido, California where I’ve been recharging my batteries  on yearly treks for over 20 years.  The Japanese-influenced, transcendental sanctuary set in a valley framed by gorgeous mountains is simply the best of its kind barring none.
And that’s the truth, why else would the rich, famous, beautiful faces flock there –many to get in shape and look their best for their movie roles or  awards ceremonies.

It’s always fun to run into a celeb and I have from Sally Struthers and Joyce DeWitt to Pat Kennnedy and beyond. Whether a luminary or ordinary (but rich enough to afford $8,000 a week), the 40 female guests who frequent most of the Door most weeks of the year save for a few men’s weeks, bond during the 7-day retreat. Unfortunately the ties usually melt shortly after.

I went there Easter Sunday for a glorious week of atonement (no alcohol, healthy food, lots of activities that egins with earling morning mountain hikes followed by a full menu of exercise classes, personal training, gym, swimming, volleyball, pilates, and  Yoga with lots of  personal pampering in-between like massages, facials, foot and hand treatments, body scrubs, herbal wraps, hair care, makeup, steams, saunas and more for one albeit stiff weekly price–worth every gold coin.

Anyhow the Door just announced super summer specials you can’t afford to miss. Check it out:

 

2009 Summer Weeks – $7,495 with Special Programs and Guest Presenters 

SPIRITED WALKER® with Carolyn Scott Kortge June 14 – 21. A simple walk around the block can turn into a journey of discovery.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS WEEK with Judith Greer Essex June 21 – June 28. Art-making puts life’s issues in perspective so you can experience life’s joy.

WATER WEEKS July 19 – 26 and August 30 – September 6. Bring out your “inner mermaid” while strengthening and toning.

INNER DOOR WEEK with Annharriet Buck July 26 – August 2. Draw on supportive group energy to achieve life-altering insights.

LABYRINTH WEEK with Dr. Lauren Artress August 2 – 9 (Special Rate: $6,000) (Bring A Friend does not apply) The labyrinth has been celebrated through the centuries for its power to quiet and focus the mind.

Hot, hot,  hot . . . Cooking Week with Chef Dean Rucker!!
GOLDEN DOOR COOKS AT HOME with Executive Chef Dean Rucker August 9 – 16. Become a Golden Door At-Home Cook. We’ve built an entire week around your training!

EAT WELL. MOVE DAILY. BE HEALTHY with Drs. Wendy and Jason Bazilian August 23 – 30. Science, culture and philosophy of eastern and western medicine and nutrition blend to help you improve your health.

THE “FITPACK” AND ”YOU” BOOK WORKOUTS with Joel Harper September 13 – 20. Work out with the celebrity fitness trainer and creator of the famous “FitPak” and New York Times best-selling “YOU” books workouts. $7,750

AND–Bring A Friend. Share a week with a friend or family member and you both receive an additional $500 discount. Friend’s name must be referenced at time of booking.
More Cool Specials. 
3-or 4-Day stay. (Bring A Friend does not apply)
3-Day Spa Interlude August 16 – 19 $3,625
4-Day Spa Interlude August 19 – 23 $4,725
Fall Special  October 11 – 18  $6,000 (Bring A Friend does not apply)
Thanksgiving Week  November 22 – 29 $7,495
Holiday Special   December 6 – 13 $6,000 (Bring A Friend does not apply)
New Year’s Week  December 27, 2009 – January 2, 2010  $7,495

All Other Weeks In 2009 available at the 2007 rate of $7,750

Factoids:   The Golden Door is located just outside of San Diego near Escondio about a 2 to 3 hour from LA where I live, but I don’t drive, I take Amtrak  from Union Station and relax in a cushy Business Class seat  where I read or view the awesome coastline as we chug along.  A driver from the Door picks me up at the Oceanside Station, which is only 20-minutes from the resort.

Check it out www.goldendoor.com.

• A peaceful, remote sanctuary, discreetly tucked away on 377 acres of rolling terrain, five miles north of Escondido, California
• World-class spa facilities, including nine treatment rooms, an herbal wrap area, hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam room, and hot tub
• Asian-inspired architecture and philosophy, inspired by the ancient Japanese Honjin inns, famed for their gracious welcome and guest care
• 40 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, each with private patios and uniquely restful amenities that foster serenity
• Meticulously landscaped grounds, complete with traditional Japanese gardens, koi ponds, and a million-dollar antique collection
• Premier fitness facilities, including 3 poolside aerobic gyms, a hilltop gym for private fitness sessions, a new 4000 square foot Fitness Pavilion housing a 2000 square foot equipment gym, spinning gym, and additional aerobic gym; two swimming pools and a Kiatsu water therapy pool; tennis courts; and solarium
• 20 miles of switchback hiking trails, winding through avocado groves and ponds, suitable for all levels of expertise