California is home to some of the most renowned wellness retreats in the world, offering an array of experiences for those seeking rejuvenation, relaxation, or spiritual clarity. From luxury spa resorts to secluded hot spring escapes, the diversity of wellness destinations means that there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll dive into ten of the best wellness retreats in California, offering insights into their unique offerings, what sets them apart, and how they compare. Whether you’ve been to one and are looking to explore another, or you’re seeking your first wellness experience, this guide will help you make the best decision for your next journey.

1. The Pearl Laguna (Laguna Beach, CA)

The Pearl Laguna is a boutique retreat offering an intimate and personalized wellness experience with a focus on yoga, detox programs, and guided nature hikes. Nestled in the hills of Laguna Beach, this retreat limits its guest count to ensure personalized attention and a tranquil environment, ideal for those who are new to yoga or seasoned practitioners looking for deeper healing.

• Wellness Offerings: Daily yoga, guided hikes, organic detox meals, and meditation.
• Why Visit: Perfect for those seeking a small, intimate retreat with a focus on holistic healing and nature immersion.
• Compare to: If you enjoyed the nature-focused aspect of The Pearl Laguna, you might also appreciate the outdoor activities at Wilbur Hot Springs.
• Location: Laguna Beach, CA.
• Pricing: 7-day retreats starting at $7,000.

2. Two Bunch Palms (Desert Hot Springs, CA)

Two Bunch Palms has been a wellness sanctuary for over 75 years, famous for its healing mineral hot springs and eco-friendly approach. This retreat offers a luxury escape with a focus on sustainability, featuring natural hot springs, holistic spa treatments, and yoga in the serene desert landscape.

• Wellness Offerings: Mineral-rich hot springs, mud baths, yoga, and spa treatments.
• Why Visit: The mineral springs are a unique draw here, providing a deep sense of relaxation. Great for those seeking eco-conscious luxury.
• Compare to: Those who love hot springs but want a more spiritual experience might enjoy Harbin Hot Springs for its emphasis on meditation and water healing.
• Location: Desert Hot Springs, CA.
• Pricing: Nightly rates start at $500.

3. Esalen Institute (Big Sur, CA)

Set on the stunning cliffs of Big Sur, Esalen Institute is a legendary wellness retreat that blends personal growth workshops with relaxation. Esalen is perfect for those looking for more than just spa treatments—offering workshops in spirituality, mindfulness, and personal development, along with access to cliffside hot springs.

• Wellness Offerings: Holistic workshops, yoga, meditation, and hot springs.
• Why Visit: For those who want to deepen their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Compare to: If you appreciate the focus on spiritual growth at Esalen, you might also enjoy the immersive programs at Golden Door, which emphasizes personal wellness with a luxury twist.
• Location: Big Sur, CA.
• Pricing: Workshops start at $300, with accommodations ranging from basic shared rooms to luxury suites.

4. Golden Door (San Marcos, CA)

Golden Door is one of California’s most exclusive wellness retreats, offering a highly personalized experience. Each guest receives individualized wellness programs that include fitness, nutrition, and daily spa treatments. With a limited number of guests and a focus on luxury, Golden Door is ideal for those seeking a deep, personal retreat experience.

• Wellness Offerings: Personal fitness programs, daily spa treatments, meditation, and farm-to-table cuisine.
• Why Visit: For those looking for a high-end, tailored wellness experience with a focus on personal fitness and relaxation.
• Compare to: If you love the luxurious, personalized nature of Golden Door, you might find the Cal-a-Vie Health Spa similarly appealing for its focus on tailored wellness and fitness programs.
• Location: San Marcos, CA.
• Pricing: 7-day retreats start around $10,000.

5. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa (Vista, CA)

Known for its French-inspired estate and personalized wellness programs, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa combines luxury with health. The spa focuses on fitness, nutrition, and spa treatments, offering guests access to tailored fitness programs, gourmet farm-to-table meals, and therapies like vinotherapy and reiki. Cal-a-Vie’s stunning vineyard and world-class spa create a serene backdrop for relaxation.

• Wellness Offerings: Personalized fitness and nutrition programs, yoga, meditation, and luxury spa services.
• Why Visit: Ideal for those who want a luxurious wellness experience with an emphasis on personalized fitness and nutrition.
• Compare to: If you enjoy Cal-a-Vie’s luxury and emphasis on health, consider Golden Door for a similarly tailored, but more intimate, wellness experience.
• Location: Vista, CA.
• Pricing: Week-long stays starting at $8,000.

6.  Wilbur Hot Springs (Williams, CA)

For a more rustic, off-grid experience, Wilbur Hot Springs is the perfect retreat for those looking to escape technology and reconnect with nature. Located on an 1,800-acre nature preserve, this retreat focuses on the healing properties of mineral hot springs. With no cell service or Wi-Fi, guests are fully immersed in their surroundings and encouraged to relax and rejuvenate.

• Wellness Offerings: Mineral-rich hot springs, eco-friendly accommodations, hiking, and bird watching.
• Why Visit: Ideal for those seeking a digital detox and deep immersion in nature’s healing properties.
• Compare to: If you enjoy the hot springs at Wilbur, try Indian Springs Resort in Napa Valley for a similar experience but with added luxury.
• Location: Williams, CA.
• Pricing: Nightly rates start at $250.

7. Indian Springs Resort & Spa (Calistoga, CA)

Located in Napa Valley, Indian Springs Resort is a historical wellness retreat that offers guests access to mineral hot springs and luxurious spa treatments. The mineral waters, heated to around 102°F, provide a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience. Indian Springs also features an Olympic-size pool and mud baths for additional relaxation.

• Wellness Offerings: Mineral hot springs, mud baths, spa treatments, and yoga.
• Why Visit: A luxurious experience in wine country with a focus on mineral therapy.
• Compare to: For those who love Indian Springs but are looking for something more eco-friendly, Two Bunch Palms offers mineral springs with a strong focus on sustainability.
• Location: Calistoga, CA.
• Pricing: Nightly rates start at $350.

8.  Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (San Luis Obispo, CA)

Set amidst 100 acres of natural beauty, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort offers private mineral hot tubs, spa treatments, and yoga in a serene coastal setting. Each guest room has access to its own mineral hot tub, allowing for a deeply personalized soaking experience. The resort also provides outdoor activities like hiking and biking, allowing guests to connect with nature.

• Wellness Offerings: Private mineral hot tubs, spa services, yoga, hiking, and biking.
• Why Visit: A peaceful retreat with private access to mineral springs, perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for serenity.
• Compare to: If you enjoy the exclusivity of Sycamore, try Esalen Institute for private cliffside hot springs and a focus on holistic learning.
• Location: San Luis Obispo, CA.
• Pricing: Rates start at $300 per night.

9.  Harbin Hot Springs (Middletown, CA)

Harbin Hot Springs is a spiritual and peaceful retreat in Northern California, nestled in a beautiful and tranquil environment. It is one of California’s oldest hot springs, known for its natural healing waters. The retreat focuses on water healing, offering multiple spring-fed pools with varying temperatures. Guests can also participate in meditation, yoga, and spa services like massage and water therapy. Harbin is a retreat for those seeking mental and spiritual clarity through wellness practices and nature immersion.

• Wellness Offerings: Hot spring pools, yoga, meditation, water therapy, and spa treatments.
• Why Visit: Harbin provides a spiritual and tranquil experience with a focus on water healing and mental well-being. It’s perfect for those seeking deep relaxation and peace.
• Compare to: If you enjoy the water healing focus at Harbin, you may also appreciate the mineral-rich hot springs at Indian Springs Resort, where luxury meets natural therapy.
• Location: Middletown, CA.
• Pricing: Nightly rates start at $200.

10.  The Ranch Malibu (Malibu, CA)

The Ranch Malibu is an immersive, luxury wellness retreat designed for those looking for a transformative health experience. The retreat emphasizes fitness, nutrition, and detoxification, with a structured daily schedule that includes intense fitness classes, guided hikes, and plant-based meals. The Ranch is ideal for those serious about resetting their health, losing weight, or finding physical and mental balance. Set in the stunning Malibu hills, the location offers serene natural beauty alongside its rigorous wellness programs.

• Wellness Offerings: Daily hikes, fitness classes, plant-based detox meals, and meditation.
• Why Visit: Perfect for those who want to commit to a full-body wellness transformation. If you thrive on structure and discipline, this retreat is for you.
• Compare to: If you appreciate the intense focus on fitness at The Ranch Malibu, you may also enjoy the fitness-oriented wellness programs at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, which combines luxury with personalized health programs.
• Location: Malibu, CA.
• Pricing: Week-long retreats start at $7,600.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Wellness Retreat in California

With such a wide array of wellness retreats to choose from, California offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, detoxification, fitness transformation, or deep relaxation in mineral-rich hot springs. Each retreat has its unique strengths, from the exclusive luxury of Golden Door and Cal-a-Vie, to the healing hot springs at Harbin Hot Springs and Indian Springs Resort.

If you’ve already experienced one of these retreats, you might find another offers a similar yet new experience. For example, if you enjoyed the personalized luxury at Golden Door, you might love the similar focus on individualized health programs at Cal-a-Vie. If Two Bunch Palms’ hot springs captured your heart, consider exploring the spiritual aspect of water healing at Harbin Hot Springs.

For more detailed guides on each retreat:

• The Pearl Laguna
• Two Bunch Palms
• Esalen Institute
• Wilbur Hot Springs
• Indian Springs Resort
• Sycamore Mineral Springs
• Harbin Hot Springs
• The Ranch Malibu
• Golden Door
• Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Explore these top wellness retreats and find the perfect one to embark on your next rejuvenation journey!