Golden Door

This is biggest for me. No schedules I had to keep, no phones buzzing constantly, no pressure. Just space to read, reflect, nap, or wander. Sometimes doing nothing was the point and I was grateful for that.

Good service

This was my 3rd time and I will be back every year, that says it all!! I’m from Los Angeles, so their car picks me up, which is included in cost , and I’m there in 2 hours. It takes me 15 minutes to pack because no makeup jewelry fancy clothes, just workout and swimsuit. I’m up 5:30 every morning choosing different hikes, yoga, classes, meditation, art, spa, facials, massage, or just reading my book next to a waterfall. You do what you like! Eat what you want. Nicest ladies from all over. I am home now ready to take on the wonders like has to offer.

Disappointing Second Visit to The Golden Door My initial experience at The Golden Door was exceptional. However, my recent return visit was unfortunately quite the opposite. The service quality had significantly declined, and the room accommodations did not align with what was advertised. Upon arrival, I immediately addressed these concerns with the management. The response I received was unhelpful and dismissive: "There aren't any other rooms to move you and your deposit is non-refundable." Given the substantial daily rate of $2,500, I expected a much more refined and accommodating experience. Consequently, I departed the premises after only 30 minutes and returned home. I am grateful that I made the payment through American Express, as this will facilitate the refund of my deposit. It is noteworthy that the service provided by my Uber driver on the way to the resort surpassed the level of service I encountered at The Golden Door. For those considering a luxury wellness retreat, I recommend exploring alternatives such as Canyon Ranch.

The energy throughout this amazing place is just…at a jarring all time high!!!

***I WILL NOT BE RETUNING***||||Let me start by saying my first visit to Golden Door in January 2024 was one of the most magical, transformative, spiritual and relaxing experience I have ever had. From the food, to the choice of classes, the tranquil property and all inclusive amenities really stood out from anything else I have experienced. I have worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years and this was a very special and memorable place. ||||I had such a wonderful experience the first time I decided to use my savings to return in 2025. The past 5 years has been filled with trauma and major life changes and I felt I deserved to treat myself even though I really couldn’t afford to do so. ||||I arrived Sunday, January 19, 2025 and until Tuesday afternoon my experience was exactly as I had remembered. I was so thrilled to be there. Tuesday, January 21, my massage therapist came to my room to give me a massage. The therapist was pretty firm with their pressure, but I assumed this would be good since I normally get soft pressure and my muscles were a bit tense. We discussed their type of massages and they explained they are prone to give deep tissue massages. The massage was ok, although slightly painful. During the last couple minutes of the massage, the therapist focused on my shoulders and neck area. They turned my neck to one side and pressed firm with their knuckles, then flipped my head over to the other side and continued firmly pressing my neck. At one point, for a couple seconds, I thought I may pass out, but soon recovered. I got up from the table and walked to the bathroom and at that moment I felt the room spinning. I told the massage therapist I felt dizzy and they directed me to sit down and drink some water as I could be dehydrated. Then they talked about common dizziness after massages and proceeded to tell me about a time when they gave someone a massage and when the client left, they got in a car accident. I was disturbed by the story but continued to focus on drinking fluids. The massage therapist left 15 minutes later. About 45 minutes later, I called the kitchen to send some coconut water, a banana and some cheese. I thought it was possible my blood sugar was low. Around 8 pm I went to bed, hoping that it was just a minor episode of dehydration and low glucose although the spinning continued after eating and drinking. In the morning I woke up and as I rolled out of bed, again felt the room spinning and became nauseous. At that time I called the front desk to ask about a car to Urgent Care. I spent 2 hours at Urgent Care to be told by the doctor I could have a “cerebral stroke” and I needed to head straight to the Emergency Room for a CT Scan. I spent 6 hours in the Emergency Room to thankfully be told I did not have a cerebral stroke and diagnosed with peripheral vertigo. ||||I want to give you the facts of the story in case there are any future incidences, it could be a liability. I spent Tuesday evening in my room, all day Wednesday in the hospital, through my departure on Sunday mostly in my room trying to limit my movement due to the vertigo. My trip was more than ruined. I was extremely disappointed and disheartened Golden Door only offered to cover an acupuncture session while on property. I sent a letter to the Manager following my return home and they offered to take $2,000 off $12,000 on my next visit. I don’t make six figures and don’t have a lot of savings. I spent all year looking forward to this return. I had planned to return again next year if my finances allowed, but I will not be returning.

This is the best vacation/rest/rejuvenation I’ve ever experienced. I’ve stayed at some amazing hotels but I’ve never experienced the luxury of being cared for and nourished this way. Massage each day, herbal wraps, body scrubs, hikes, art, flowers, meditation, community. I met amazing people. It’s the only vacation I want to take. I was ready to return to my life because I was thoroughly rested and had new habits to take home. I can’t say enough.

Orange grove