Treat your skin for what it is: the largest organ in your body and your most heroic line of defense against the elements. Keep hard-working muscles supple and relaxed after a day of exercise. For every challenge, a reward. Here, the body is brought into balance, and prepared for another day.
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Relax your muscles and rest your mind as our certified therapist's skilled touch releases tension and soothes body aches. Your 7-day program includes a combination of six 45-minute Deep-Tissue, Swedish, or Thai massages. Your 4-day program includes a combination of three massages. Your 3-day program includes two. Additional services are listed below. Talk to your concierge if you want to extend your massage when your schedule permits.
AROMATHERAPY BLISS
Creating a unique aromatherapy blend your massage can be intriguing, surprising fun. Let your therapist guide you through the simple steps of selecting aromas that appeal, heal, and even reveal. You may begin your personal blend with a favorite aroma, let your birthdate suggest a signature combination, or choose scents to effect positive mind/body outcomes.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
This form of bodywork uses therapeutic light touch to manipulate the skull, face, spine and pelvis in order to regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The treatment relieves symptoms of stress, tension and enables deep relaxation. The therapy is beneficial in reducing chronic pain including low back pain, TMJ and migraines, and helps ease depression, neck and shoulder tension, and insomnia. R PM
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE (60-90 MINUTES)
Focusing on specific areas in the deeper layers of muscle tissue, slow strokes and deep, direct pressure release chronic patterns of tension, reducing pain and tightness.
ESALEN® MASSAGE
Known for its long flowing strokes along the entire length of the body, the famous Esalen Massage was developed in northern California in the 60s. With its nurturing contact, integrating strokes, and slow, deep muscle work, this timeless massage releases stress, stills your mind and leaves you feeling whole, integrated and deeply relaxed with a natural sense of well-being.
FLOWER SHOWER ANTI-AGING MASSAGE
This luxurious twist on Swedish massage uses our Yuzu oil to charm your senses and uplift your spirits. Like being showered with petals, pure mists of neroli (orange oil) and rose fall on your skin like a fragrant whisper. As they blend with the massage oil, they create a natural lotion that hydrates and repairs. Finally, a delicate face massage with Neroli Facial Serum leaves you feeling pampered, soft and radiantly beautiful.
GOOD VIBRATIONS MASSAGE
Deeply relaxing massage techniques combine with the profoundly hypnotic aroma of LUMINOUS Vibrational Oil to make this blissful shoulder, neck, face and scalp massage a regenerative experience like no other.
HEALING STONE MASSAGE
A precise pattern of heated stones is placed on and under the body to balance energies while your therapist uses grounding aroma of Hinoki oil and the deep penetrating heat of smooth stones to massage away stress and tension. Cool marble stones may be used therapeutically for chronic or acute problem areas.
HINOKI SIGNATURE FOOT AND SCALP MASSAGE
LOMI LOMI MASSAGE
This ancient, sacred healing massage handed down through Hawaiian families for generations is performed in a rhythmic motion using rich sea-sourced oils. Long, flowing forearm strokes weaving from left to right—resembling the ebb and flow of ocean waves—restore harmony and balance to both body and mind.
LYMPH DRAINAGE MASSAGE
A precise technique of gentle, slow, rhythmic movements is designed to stimulate the immune system, aid in the transport of fluid and toxins, regenerate tissues and balance the body's chemistry. This detoxifying treatment may not be suitable for those guests with existing medical conditions.
QI-FLOW CUPPING MASSAGE
Deep relaxation and pain relief are achieved through the ancient art of cupping therapy. Cupping increases circulation to muscle tissue causing toxins to be eliminated by the lymphatic system. In tune with your individual needs, moxibustion (an herbal warming modality) will be used in combination with the cupping for overall balance and well-being. This detoxifying, full-body treatment concludes with a Kanse Wand foot massage. This circulation-enhancing treatment may not be suitable for guests with pre-existing medical conditions.
REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE
This ancient Eastern technique stimulates specific energy points on the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to organs and structures of the body, allowing energy to flow freely and creating a sense of renewed balance.
REIKI
This method of energy healing is performed by placing the hands on or just above the body to balance energy centers and bring a sense of peace and well-being.
SWEDISH MASSAGE (60-90 MINUTES)
A traditional full-body massage using long, soothing strokes promotes relaxation, increases circulation, and relieves muscle tension.
THAI MASSAGE (60-90 MINUTES)
Performed fully clothed on a Thai floor mat, deep stretches, rhythmic compression and gentle rocking movements allow energy to flow freely and tension to be released. You will be both relaxed and energized.
TRIGGER-POINT RELEASE
In this therapeutic massage, focused work on specific areas of the upper body effects release in painful trigger points. Chronic tension and stiffness are eased and normal muscle function is restored. Arnica Salve then soothes pain and inflammation.
WARM BAMBOO LEG THERAPY
The warmed bamboo sticks help to relax the muscles, and provide a deep penetrating massage, paired with magnesium mist this leg treatment will help loosen and ease sore muscles. Upgrade an inclusive massage.
WATSU WATER THERAPY
The buoyancy, warmth and resistance of water allow the body to seek its own balance in a nurturing, deeply relaxing experience not possible on land. You are gently stretched and swirled in dance-like movements, each flowing smoothly into the next, helping to relieve pain while increasing mobility and range of motion.
AROMATHERAPY ENHANCEMENT
Add yet another sensory delight to your massage by choosing one of our organic essential oil blends - Deep Peace (for relaxation), Body Rescue (for relief of physical tension)or Mood Melt (for emotional nourishment) - to deepen the work of massage or provide a truly effective aromatherapy inhalation treatment.
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
GANDHARVA OR SOUND HEALING MASSAGE
Full body massage with warm oils. A crystal bowl will be played at different times during your treatment along with sound healing music. The vibrations of the crystal clean your energetic body. Most people feel the vibrations throughout the physical body as well. Crystals can be huge amplifiers so be sure to come with an intention and allow the crystal vibrations to amplify it. It finishes with Marma points and chakra balancing.
THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE
Let this massage take you on an inward journey with three massages in one. It starts with garshan a dry rub of the body, an oiling head to toe and friction stokes of abhyanga. It is then followed by the deeper strokes of vishesh to get toxins at a deeper level. And lastly, finish by balancing the body energetically with key Marma points and chakra balancing.
SHIRO ABHYANGA NASYA
The focus here is on the head. The head neck and shoulder are worked from a seated position. A head steam with eucalyptus to open the nasal passages. Then on the table for a full body oiling, hot towels to the back and head. Nasya oil is applied to nasal passage ways. Great for balancing the Kapha part of us and people who have constant congestion that is not due to illness.
SROTA
This is a traditional ayurvedic massage, applied with plenty of warm oil, which focuses on opening all the body channels. It helps with moving the lymphatic system.
MARMA THERAPY
This full body massage is customized either with abyhanga / friction strokes or the deeper strokes of vishesh. Energetic marma point application on the front and back, will deliver energy where it is needed, taking you deep within to relax you. I finish with some chakra balancing. This is great for all three doshas.
Skin Care
Your 7-day program includes a progressive series of four treatments, each building upon the previous treatment for complete detoxification and restoration. Your 4-Day program includes three treatments in this series. Your 3-Day program includes two.
DAY ONE: A relaxing facial followed by a thorough skin analysis helps us select the right products for your skin type.
DAY TWO: A detoxifying cleanse and gentle extractions draw out environmental pollutants and residue.
DAY THREE: A refreshing peel or a gentle exfoliation, depending on your skin type, takes your skin back to its cleanest, freshest state.
DAY FOUR: A deeply hydrating and nourishing facial adds the finishing touch of a truly natural, healthy glow.
Additional services are listed below:
ANTI-GRAVITY FACIAL
Known as Pilates for the face, NuFACE microcurrent technology tones, tightens and lifts. Microcurrent gently stimulates the skin, improving circulation, collagen production and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. This is the perfect facial for those looking for an instant rejuvenation.
BRIGHT EYES LIFT
This garden-inspired treatment begins with a Clarisonic cleanse. Then a Jamaican naseberry exfoliant is applied around the eye area to deal with crow's feet and fine lines. This is followed by a deeply hydrating Raspberry Eye Masque. A gentle massage with chilled rose stones precedes a cucumber eye gel to reduce puffiness and a NuFace Eye Lift. For the finishing touches, Wild Plum Eye Creme banishes dark circles and an Opal Eye Treatment aids absorption.
FOUR-LAYER FACIAL
Highly concentrated and specially formulated seaweed serum, cream and mineral masks re-mineralize, rebalance, and tone with visible results. Layer 1: A C-Serum Seaweed filtrate concentrate of freshly-harvested seaweed softens lines, adds moisture and helps rebalance and tone.
Layer 2: A facial massage with a rich, hydrating seaweed cream improves circulation and elasticity.
Layer 3: A cooling, soothing fresh seaweed mask hydrates while improving tone and clarity.
Layer 4: A mineral mask creates gentle warmth to activate the properties of the seaweed mask.
HYDRAFACIAL
A breakthrough in aesthetic technology providing non-laser, non-invasive facial skin resurfacing. The HydraFacial removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing. This high-tech - not high-touch - facial provides impressive results for all skin types with no discomfort or downtime.
Our most popular face and neck treatment takes results to the next level with the addition of lymphatic drainage, a soothing mask, and scalp massage. Lymphatic drainage promotes relaxation and stress reduction, flushes out toxins, strengthens the immune system, helps remove impurities and brings clarity to the mind. 50 minutes $220
LASH OR BROW TINT
Make your eyes pop by tinting your brows and/or lashes. We have a wide selection of beautiful shades that can be blended to match any hair color.Lashes $75 / Brows $75 / Lashes & Brows $90
ORANGE CREME HYDRATION
A light body brushing aids detoxification and prepares the skin for a nourishing application of bring, uplifting Sweet Orange and Calendula Shea Body Butter with the added benefits of relaxing Lavender, healing Aloe, and antioxidant Myrtle. While this luscious cream smooths and softens, all tension is released with a hot stone massage for neck and shoulders.
POLISHED & PERFECT BACK
Whether in a backless gown or bathing suit, the skin of your back should be flawless. Wild Jasmine and Corn Silk polish your back while stimulating Lime and Eucalyptus deeply cleanse. A warm clay masque draws out impurities while your arms are massaged and your hands are cocooned in warm mitts. The clay is rinsed away and your back treatment concludes with a mist of pure rose to freshen and hydrate.
RED CARPET FACIAL
Quick Lift ® gives an immediate improvement that lasts up to two days. It's perfect for weddings, special occasions, in between appointments or when you simply need a quick pick-me-up. (Must come with cleansed face.) 30 minutes $99 ($80 when combined with any HydraFacial)
REPECHAGE FOUR-LAYER FACIAL
Highly concentrated and specially formulated seaweed serum, cream and mineral masks re-mineralize, rebalance, and tone with visible results. Layer 1: A C-Serum Seaweed filtrate concentrate of freshly-harvested seaweed softens lines, adds moisture and helps rebalance and tone.
Layer 2: A facial massage with a rich, hydrating seaweed cream improves circulation and elasticity.
Layer 3: A cooling, soothing fresh seaweed mask hydrates while improving tone and clarity.
Layer 4: A mineral mask creates gentle warmth to activate the properties of the seaweed mask.
50 minutes $220
FIVE PHASE FIRMING FACIAL
The Five Phase Firming Facial is a true alternative to surgical rejuvenation. Exclusive combination of natural marine and herbal ingredients provides advanced skin repair to invigorate, lift, and firm and reverse the effects of age, time, sun and stress.
50 minutes / $220
SMOOTH & FIRM BODY BRUSHING
A gentle dry brushing exfoliates, opens pores, increases circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system to clear toxins from the body - improving tone and smoothing uneven skin surfaces. It also prepares your skin for an application of a purifying oil containing essence of Rosemary, Cypress and Lemon to tone and strengthen vascular tissue, support adrenal function and aid lymphatic drainage.
SUNLESS SPRAY TAN
Our all-natural tanning spray gives you instant color lasting up to 10 days without the risk of UVA and UVB rays. Made with purified water and natural Mineral Salt Bronzers, this full-body tan darkens only to your own natural tanning shade. A thorough exfoliation, earlier in the week or right before your spray, prepares your skin for an even, flattering tan. Make your appointment at the beginning of your week for this end-of-the-week treat. $90/ with exfoliation $190
THE ULTIMATE ANTI-AGING FACIAL
Relax with instant results. This treatment, with its focus on the eye and lip areas, combines advanced anti-aging technology to produce immediate results without the downtime. Microcurrent technology lifts, firms and contours your jawline, cheeks and eye areas. The treatment includes red-light therapy to soften and plump the skin, so you can look fresh, bright and well-rested. 80 minutes $350 ($300 when combined with any HydraFacial)
WAXING
Enjoy a smooth gleaming finish with facial, full-leg, underarm and bikini-line waxing, performed by your skin care therapist. Please consult your Skin Care Therapist for pricing.
WOW BROW TREATMENT
Soft wave microcurrent technology combines with the beauty of eyebrow artistry to give you a brow that wows! After waxing and shaping, brows are lifted with microcurrent technology, opening eyes and giving you a wide-eyed, youthful look. Results are instant and uplifting. 50 minutes $220 ($200 when combined with any Hydrafacial)
Aromatherapy
"INTENTIONAL" AROMATHERAPY BAR
Creating a unique aromatherapy blend can be intriguing, surprising fun. Using our unique software, let your therapist guide you through the simple steps of selecting aromas that appeal, heal, and even reveal. You may begin your personal blend with a favorite aroma, let your birthdate suggest a signature combination, or choose scents to effect positive mind/body outcomes. Your choice can be blended as crystal infusion roll-on or a Shea Butter lotion or scrub.
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, involves a steady stream of warm oil continually poured over the forehead and scalp. This subtle yet deeply calming treatment begins with warm herbal oil massage and finishes with the shirodhara to create a profound state of peace in body and mind.
PERSONALIZED AROMATHERAPY
Enjoy creating your own unique aromatherapy product with our Body Bliss Aroma design bar and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Choose a luxurious shea butter lotion or a crystal-infused perfume roll on and one travel-size product to blend with your chosen essential oils. Your spa aromatherapy assistant will help educate and inspire you on the benefits of essential oils and help you to create your products. Using the Intentional Aromatherapy Body Bliss app, hundreds of recipes are at your fingertips to customize blends that are delightful for personal use and gifts.
Body Care
Escape from your fast-paced lifestyle and retreat to tradition in our bathhouse. Let the scents of aromatic oils and natural herbs transport you while our advanced treatments transform your skin. Your 7-day program includes one of our delicious body treatments: Bamboo Pearl Body Polish, Chai Spice Body Polish, Hinoki Contemplation Scrub, or Yuzu Uplifting Scrub. Additional services are listed below.
CITRUS-HERB & MAGNESIUM ENERGIZER
Replenish magnesium—vital to your skin and muscle health. Low magnesium levels can cause muscle cramping, chronic pain and low energy. To flush toxins, restore energy and enhance muscle function, we begin with magnesium gel, scented with organic grapefruit, juniper, rosemary and thyme. This is followed with a releasing, detoxifying Olive Cleansing Massage for complete body renewal.
DESERT SEA MUD DETOXIFIER
Detoxifying and rejuvenating, this treatment combines the best of desert and ocean. After a dry brushing to open pores and clear dry skin, you are covered with a Desert Sea Clay rich in algae, minerals, and anti-oxidant nutrients from an ancient inland sea. As you relax in the steam room, the clay works to draw out toxins and provide natural minerals to your system. After a rinse, we finish with a full-body rehydration massage using a rich lotion of algal extracts to help skin retain moisture along with organic grapefruit, juniper and thyme essential oils to tone and detoxify.
YUZU ELEGANCE FLORAL PURIFIER
Delicately cleansing and softening, this treatment uses the subtle power of citrus and floral aromatics. Your skin is prepared with a gentle yet thorough exfoliation using our signature Yuzu Sugar Scrub. Next, fresh flower petals are blended into Yuzu Shea Butter Cream and smoothed onto your skin in a nurturing, medium pressure massage before you are cocooned in hot moist towels scattered with skin-healing calendula petals. As you relax in the fragrant warmth, you receive a Japanese face massage and a Kukui Nut hair oil scalp massage with a warm towel head wrap for strong and shining hair.
Hair Care
During a week of fitness and skincare, hair care lies half-way between necessity and indulgence. Whether you need a deep conditioning or just a shampoo and a blow-out, our spa staff is ready to get your hair looking like you haven't lifted a finger. Included in your 7-day program is a Hair Consultation and a choice of a deep-conditioning, shampoo and blow-dry, or a scalp treatment.
DEEP MOISTURE
Begin with a super-hydrating shampoo containing a restorative blend of pure botanicals including Italian white truffle oil, thyme, lavender, and burdock to smooth, strengthen and seal split ends. Then, enjoy a squeaky-clean version of a deep-conditioning treatment with a clear-gel formula that fights humidity and makes curls springy. Finish with a super-charged conditioner that uses an intense dose of botanicals, including lavender and chamomile to fortify porous, brittle strands with Vitamin E, B5 and a potent amino-acid complex restore elasticity and strength.
HAIR CONSULTATION
Let us schedule a 5-minute consultation to analyze your hair's condition. If you choose, we will arrange an appointment with our stylist for a new look that may include a haircut, coloring, deep conditioning or gloss treatment. You may also select a "hair detox" treatment to add protein and moisture. Pricing for these services will be given at the time of your consultation.
REJUVENATING
Bring back your hair's youthful shine and bounce beginning with the cool, tingling sensation of pure, crisp peppermint oil and 16 botanical extracts in a delightful shampoo that adds lift and cleans away oils and product residue for a super-clean scalp. A combination of conditioning essential oils follow to instantly plump the hair shaft from the inside out, restoring strength and elasticity. To finish, an intensive oil-free, clear-gel mask leaves your hair feeling bounce and silky-soft.
ROYAL SHINE
A weightless, clear-gel masque sinks in to smooth unruly strands and add shine and silkiness, taking manageable to a whole new level. Mega-bounce and shine lasts for days following a moisturizing botanical, time-release conditioner made with natural safflower.
Hands & Feet
Pamper and primp your hands and feet with our luxurious manicures and pedicures. Included in your 7-day program is a signature Golden Door manicure and pedicure.
AGE DEFENSE HAND THERAPY
Our pampering hand therapy includes effleurage of the forearm, prickly pear polish and age defense gel wrap for the hands.
GOLDEN DOOR TREATMENT MANICURE
Your hands will be treated to a manicure that includes a hydrating scrub. After your hands are massaged with a silken butter, your manicure concludes with an application of polish in your choice of color. Our polish dries in just 5 minutes so you're off to your next class with no-smudge nails.
GOLDEN DOOR TREATMENT PEDICURE
Your pedicure begins with a relaxing aromatherapy soak, followed by an energizing scrub. Then, a gentle massage with your choice of either the penetrating warmth of Golden Door Foot & Leg Formula with Ginger, Peppermint and Sage or cool and refreshing Inspire Foot Balm with Arnica, Mint and Aloe. Finish with a polish application in your choice of color. Our polish dries in just 5 minutes so you can slip on your shoes or sandals without a smudge.
Culinary Power Couple
6x Guests
Reviving @ Golden Door’s Biointensive Farm
My wife, Krissy, said, “Ludo, you need to go here.” I thought, “I’m a man, no way, no way.” But it really changed me. Nothing is more precious than to be peaceful and not be spinning in your life. It’s a luxury.
What first brought you to Golden Door?
Ludo: I went for the Men’s Week, three years ago. I was very tired in my life, exhausted. Life is very stressful, it’s fast, you work 24 hours, 7 days a week. You never really have time to yourself.
I don’t know if I ever spent a week just by myself. After 2 or 3 days there I started to change. To just be with myself. You have lots of people around you, of course, but at night you are alone in your room. It was almost magical the peacefulness. It was calm.
What did you learn about yourself?
Ludo: Just to be myself. They also taught me how to breathe with yoga. I learned how to meditate and I learned Tai Chi. The Tai Chi is amazing!! The best thing is to wake up every morning at 5:15 and go on the hike for 5 miles. You go when its dark, you watch the sun rise. It was really a great feeling.
Everybody needs to have a week like this. To reboot yourself. To retrain yourself about life. For creativity. It’s good for my job to be creative, to hear myself think.
How has Golden Door changed you?
Ludo: The first time I came back, I didn’t drink alcohol for almost 10 months. Because you go there and for the first six days you have no alcohol. “Oh S@#$!” And by Saturday night when they bring you a glass of wine, I didn’t care.
And now I still don’t drink alcohol anymore. I mean I have a little glass of wine sometimes, you know, but I don’t drink.
They taught me to moderate alcohol, take care of my body. They teach you how to eat. The food there is amazing. Chef Greg is so passionate. I don’t know how they do it.
The most important thing when you’re there is to reconnect with your heart and to learn how to love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, I think you cannot love people. No way. It has to start with you.
So how do you feel about Men’s Week, now?
Ludo: You meet some good buddies. When I talk with guys, I say you need to go to the Golden Door. You need to go to the Men’s Weeks. They say, what? Just with men??”
I say, "It’s fun! It’s great! What’s wrong with going to relax with just men, you play soccer on a team you’re just with men…
“It’s like summer camp.”
Have you had an “aha” moment there that you can describe?
Krissy: The first day they say, “there’s a hike at 5:15 and I’m like, “you’re crazy, I’m sleeping in, not happening”. But then the second day I just sat down after lunch, sitting by the pool relaxing, and the tears just started coming.
I don’t remember the last time I did “me”. You know, my whole life I was always worrying about somebody else. I never, ever felt that moment that I felt of “somebody is taking care of me.” It was so insane and you can just feel it. And everybody needs that moment of not having the burden of “the world.”
You can love your family, you can love your friends, you can love your job, but at some point you have to say, “this is me and what do I deserve?” It was pretty incredible.
So the next morning, I was like, “Hell yeah! I’m going on that hike!” It’s just felt so good. It was literally like a state of euphoria. I had a hard time giving up the phone the first time and the second time I was like, “Here, take it,” at the entry.
How would you describe Golden Door?
Ludo: It’s not a spa or a boot camp. You learn about you. You learn about your body and how to take care of yourself. It’s to reconnect with yourself.
Krissy: For me it’s putting myself in a safe place to try things that I’ve never done or don’t want to do. Why would I want to do a 5:15 a.m. walk? Why the hell would I want to do that? But this time I did it every single day.
Ludo Lefebvre is the acclaimed French chef, restaurateur, pop-up impresario, author and celebrity chef of The Taste, Master Chef and Ludo Bites. Krissy Lefebvre is the other half of the culinary power couple, VP of Ludo Management and producer of Ludo Bites America.
Pavi Micheli Lawson
Pavi Micheli Lawson
Wine Entrepreneur
22x guest
Recharging @ Golden Door’s energy pool
This place saved my life. It really taught me how to care for myself, because I was taught to take care of everyone else. I’m Italian so I learned from the masters of making sure everybody else is well fed and well cared for. Here I found my inner tools that had gotten lost.
What first brought you to Golden Door?
I was in the restaurant industry, had lived in Italy for awhile, and always wanted to go back and get my MBA. In the meantime, I met my husband, graduated from business school, moved back to Italy for a few months to finish my degree and then came back and had two daughters. We started Pavi Wines and I also got into real estate at the same time.
Fast forward, things are going well, kind of living the dream and then my husband and I ended up separating and getting a divorce. Which is what brought me to the Golden Door.
The first time I went there I was sold, never need to go to another spa again.
One word you would use to describe Golden Door?
Transformative. The first time I came I was in such an extreme sadness throughout my life. And I had two daughters who at the time were 7 and 9. And whether I want to be or not, I am a role model for them. It was so important for me to get out of that sadness. This place really taught me how to care for myself and make myself a priority.
What made you feel human again?
There are only 40 guests at a time so the individual care and attention that the fitness people, the chefs, the masseuse, and all the inner focus people, they all somehow manage to figure out what each individual needs. So as guests leave on Sunday morning, everyone leaves in this glowing, glistening, fulfilled way that is so unique.
Also just the friendships you make meeting other women from all over the world. Seeing women who from the outside seem like their lives must be perfect, and then, whether its on a hike or sitting by the pool, you share a story and you realize everyone has their own story and everybody has challenges. Those are the memories for me that are just pivotal in my life.
Favorite things to do at Golden Door?
The hikes in the morning, for so many different reasons. I think it’s the safety factor, what people share. I know those first few years I was just so vulnerable but I felt so safe. I have friends that I made those first few years who are some of my closest friends today. It’s just amazing.
The second favorite thing for me, is the swimming. I swam in high school, I knew how to swim, but coming here and learning how to swim in a more proficient way was, again, transformative. And this is for my own ego and self-confidence. It had been severely rocked during my divorce but every time I get in the pool at Golden Door somebody says, “Oh! You’re a beautiful swimmer. Have you been doing this for years?”
How has your Golden Door experience changed for you over the years?
The first couple of years, I wanted to do every single class I could possibly attend. But my pace has changed, it’s different now. I’m much more in balance and giving myself permission to miss a class which, again, was transformative.That probably happened four or five years ago. I will spend time in my room, sometimes I’ll just go for a walk because the grounds are so beautiful.
And you took up running here?
I was never a runner, but I learned to run here, and then I did the New York Marathon! For one who never did a run in her life and who doesn’t even enjoy it, the fact that I learned from a trainer here made all the difference. He was so encouraging, and he coached me remotely and he’d check in and call every couple of weeks. He was great. I really give him a lot of credit for me being able to do that marathon.
What’s was an “Aha” moment for you?
The first time I was walking the labyrinth. I really felt loved and cherished in a way that I had never felt before and thinking, “Gosh, if I could just take that home with me and give myself a little piece of how special I felt at Golden Door, each day I’d feel a little happier, more confident and things would get better.”
I can see the evolution over the past eight years. I feel like I’ve gotten healthier, stronger and happier.
How do you feel about not having wine until the last night?
It’s not a big deal for me but I love Saturday night when we get a glass of wine.
Pavi Micheli Lawson is the co-founder of Pavi Napa Valley, offering classic Italian varietals.
My wish for them is to step outside of the rat race so they can check in on their hopes and wishes. This place brings you back to the core of yourself and connects you to everything. Especially each other.
What first brought you to Golden Door?
About 20 years ago, my husband Roger Ebert and I had been to many different spas, even in different countries. We decided to go to Golden Door because I wanted a more luxurious experience.
In the earlier years I would probably go once or twice a year. In more recent years when I have specific goals, when I was grieving after the death of my husband, I went more often. Sometimes I go when I’m writing or composing something. It’s a good spot to get together with another creative person.
It becomes a part of your life.
How would you describe Golden Door to people who haven’t been here?
Golden Door gives me a jump start on leading a healthy, balanced life.I call it a health retreat. I say I’m going on this beautiful retreat that’s built like a Japanese village in California! (Laughter)
When I come back, people see how energized I am. I look great and I’m glowing and then they’re interested. “Oh, what did you do?”, they ask.
What have you learned from your many visits?
If I had to say one thing, it would be living a purposeful life. Ever since my husband passed away five years ago, my philanthropy has become more important to me. I really try to work with programs endowing emerging writers, film critics, technologists and film makers.
Another highlight is the bee tour with Chef Greg. I knew from being an environmental attorney how important bees were. It gave me a better appreciation of the whole chain of life. That everything is interconnected. I thought about the hierarchy of the bees, I thought about the how each one has its function and how they work in harmony as a team. It made me look at things and just appreciate people even more.
Favorite things to do there?
A must for me is the morning hike. It just clears my head for day, I like to get up in the morning and commune with nature. It wakes you up better than a cup of coffee.
My absolute favorite are the dance classes. They’re strenuous but you’re having so much fun that you don’t even realize you’re exercising. Funky Da Vinci is one of my favorite classes.
The silent Tai Chi meditation hike on the mountaintop is another favorite. A very intentional silence just brings you back to the core of yourself and connects you to everything. You know this thing of connectivity, I keep going back to.
Frankly, I just enjoy the camaraderie of the other guests. The atmosphere that Golden Door provides is conducive to a very harmonious stay. I’ve made a lot of friends over the years there.
Golden Door is just fun! I love the idea of going someplace where you can pack as little as possible because they’re going to provide you with everything else.
I love when I go back to my room and the “magic hands” have taken away my laundry, the “magic hands” have put a fan on my tray in the morning with my schedule for the day because they’ve already talked to me about what I want.
What does your family get out of Golden Door in your eyes?
I would say the bonding experience of all of us being together. Stepping into a more mindful environment where they can think about the kind of contributions they want to make to the world.
They definitely like the exercise classes - the boxing, fencing, archery, personal training. I take several family members to the Golden Door. My son and grandson. My nephew, who is a marathon runner, loves to run up the mountains.
Chaz Ebert is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of RogerEbert.com, President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Joe Zee
Joe Zee
International Fashion & Style Arbiter
2 x guest
Swashbuckling @ the bamboo forest
Security, happiness and peace. These are the hardest things to find. This place is a reprieve from our crazy, upside down world. That feeling of safety lets me throw caution to the wind and try new things.
What brought you to Golden Door?
I went down for the week, not really knowing what to expect and having really an open mind about everything. They called me the week before to get the low down on what I liked, what I wanted to do, what I wanted to eat, what I wanted to accomplish. And it felt very personal.
I wanted to use Golden Door as an opportunity to try new things. Here’s a chance to shake old habits or old routines and tackle whatever it is.
It wasn’t like, “Oh I gotta lose weight, I gotta do this or I gotta do that, it wasn’t like there was so much pressure.
Imagine if you went through a checklist, “How do I want my Shangri-La to be?” You get to pick out everything you want. Everything is so individualized there. It’s all about you.
What was transformative for you?
Golden Door makes you feel safe. I feel like it’s its own reprieve from the rest of the world. I drove down from LA they took my car and I’m literally parking my existence and shutting out the world as the door closes. You walk across that bridge into that amazing zen Golden Door world.
I think transformation is an incredible word, but I think of transformation there less in a physical sense but transformation more in a spiritual, mental sense.
What was your “Aha” moment?
I’ve never done fencing before so I went. It’s taught by a Russian coach who used to train people for the Olympics, no joke!” And I go there with, not low expectations, but no expectations, because I’m thinking, “How many times am I going to be sword fighting in my life?”
He starts teaching me the leg movements, the arm movements, the feet, the coordination. Within five minutes he’s like, “Are you a dancer?” Within 20 minutes I was so into it, I loved it so much and he was so into teaching me he said, “Are you sure you have never done this before? You should have started earlier, you could have competed professionally.”
WHAT?? Here was something I had no intention of ever doing in my life, probably will never do again, doing it because I was in the safety of the Golden Door world.
But that’s sort of what I was talking about in a way about transformation, it wasn’t physically losing weight but it was an “Aha moment”, this thing that I thought was silly, was actually incredible exercise but it was also a competitive sport that I felt like I was good at.
How did you feel as a fashion person wearing the same thing as everyone else?
I love it! It was Men’s Week, there were celebrities there, but we all wore the same sweat pants and the same T-shirt, we all wore the same robe, and we all talked to each other and sat at communal tables. There was such a camaraderie and I felt like that part was really nice because you can go on vacation, but it never really feels like everything is leveled out.
I’m still friends with some of those guys. I also love that you can have your private moments. You have everybody and you also have your time. And there’s no pressure to be either. It was really your own private oasis the way you wanted it to work.
Favorite things other than fencing?
My personal trainer gave me a workout that I still do. Having a healthier mind in the way I approach things. I did meditation, Tai chi - I’ve never done Tai Chi in my life. Literally with the guy, we’re up there “Pet the dragon, stroke the Phoenix!” I was like this is hilarious and kind of awesome at the same time. I don’t think I was very good at it, nobody told me to compete in the Olympics for Tai Chi, but it was very enlightening.
It’s those things, like being in the kitchen with the chef. And I still cook those recipes. I still make the spice ginger cake. They also gave me a tour with the chickens! That is still my favorite time. I’m a city boy so I don’t sit around with chickens, and I walked into the chicken coop and they all fluttered around my feet. They’re all around me, it was kind of awesome.
Joe Zee is a Hong Kong-born fashion stylist, journalist, producer, businessman and actor, known for Entertainment Tonight, FabLife and Celebrity Style Story. Zee served as creative director of Elle and was editor-in-chief and executive creative officer of Yahoo! Style until June 2017.
