The Golden Door in Escondido, California is a highly rated destination spa known for its unique mind-body-spirit approach and serene natural setting on 377 acres. Guests receive daily treatments and participate in gentle fitness classes with a maximum of six people to allow for individual attention. Meals are provided featuring produce from the on-site organic garden. The peaceful atmosphere and focus on wellness allows guests to relax deeply and find an inner calm, making it difficult to leave this idyllic "other world."
The document discusses several topics:
1. The explosive growth of the early church and persecution faced by believers.
2. Paul's unexpected conversion and encouragement of the church in Thessalonica.
3. A chilly Easter sunrise service with a message of hope.
4. How to handle troubles in life by trusting God and living ready for Jesus' return.
5. James 5 warns the rich about the corruption of wealth and mistreatment of workers.
Jan Molby was hailed as one of the finest midfielders of his generation by Kenny Dalglish. Molby trained with the celebrated Ajax youth academy alongside stars like Van Basten, Rijkaard, and Olsen, and was influenced by Johan Cruyff. The document then announces an evening event with Jan Molby at the Croydon Hilton on February 7, 2013, hosted by Barry Williams, including a comedian, with proceeds going to Crystal Palace Youth Academy.
This document provides information about the Deerfoot Church of Christ congregation in Pinson, Alabama. It includes the names and contact information for church elders, ministers, and staff. It also lists the church's address, service times, and upcoming events such as a parenting seminar, youth activities, and a ladies day event. The document contains details about recent baptisms, prayers for those in need, and announcements about directory updates and volunteer opportunities.
The document discusses a father taking his 11-year-old son on a school trip. It describes how the trip strengthened their relationship and the son's self-esteem. The son opened up to his father during the trip, asking thoughtful questions about life and sharing private thoughts. The father realized the trip provided an opportunity to better understand his son and how experiences in everyday life can teach important lessons.
This document discusses the meaning of Lent and how it calls Christians to reflect on their humanity, sinfulness, and need for healing and new life. It encourages moving beyond superficial understandings and symbols to encounter the deeper realities of faith, including sin, redemption, and the hope of resurrection. The author hopes readers will have a blessed and life-giving Lenten season of renewal.
This document provides information about the Deerfoot Church of Christ congregation located in Pinson, Alabama. It includes details about worship service times, contact information for elders and ministers, and announcements for upcoming events. The document contains the order of services, welcome messages, and names of those participating in the different worship services. It also includes a list of prayer requests, attendance numbers from a previous service, and notices about youth group activities and holidays.
This document provides a summary of the weekly newsletter from Woodinville Community United Methodist Church (WCUMC) dated June 29, 2014. It discusses an upcoming sermon series on Acts focusing on "God's Power...through God's People". The newsletter recaps passages from Acts 5 where the apostles perform signs and wonders, are persecuted, but are delivered by God. It also announces upcoming church events, requests donations for mission trips, and provides the church's financial snapshot and prayer requests.
The document summarizes a women's surf retreat in Bali called Surf Goddess Retreat. Some key details:
- It is a 7-8 day luxury retreat focused on teaching women surfing and yoga, set in a beautiful villa near Seminyak beach.
- Each day includes a morning surf lesson, yoga session, free time for spa treatments or exploring Bali, and a group dinner.
- The writer attends and describes her first few days learning to surf with instruction, getting massages, bonding with other attendees, and enjoying the beautiful accommodations and food.
- The goal is to introduce women to surfing in a supportive all-female environment, while also
The document discusses several topics:
1. The explosive growth of the early church and persecution faced by believers.
2. Paul's unexpected conversion and encouragement of the church in Thessalonica.
3. A chilly Easter sunrise service with a message of hope.
4. How to handle troubles in life by trusting God and living ready for Jesus' return.
5. James 5 warns the rich about the corruption of wealth and mistreatment of workers.
Jan Molby was hailed as one of the finest midfielders of his generation by Kenny Dalglish. Molby trained with the celebrated Ajax youth academy alongside stars like Van Basten, Rijkaard, and Olsen, and was influenced by Johan Cruyff. The document then announces an evening event with Jan Molby at the Croydon Hilton on February 7, 2013, hosted by Barry Williams, including a comedian, with proceeds going to Crystal Palace Youth Academy.
This document provides information about the Deerfoot Church of Christ congregation in Pinson, Alabama. It includes the names and contact information for church elders, ministers, and staff. It also lists the church's address, service times, and upcoming events such as a parenting seminar, youth activities, and a ladies day event. The document contains details about recent baptisms, prayers for those in need, and announcements about directory updates and volunteer opportunities.
The document discusses a father taking his 11-year-old son on a school trip. It describes how the trip strengthened their relationship and the son's self-esteem. The son opened up to his father during the trip, asking thoughtful questions about life and sharing private thoughts. The father realized the trip provided an opportunity to better understand his son and how experiences in everyday life can teach important lessons.
This document discusses the meaning of Lent and how it calls Christians to reflect on their humanity, sinfulness, and need for healing and new life. It encourages moving beyond superficial understandings and symbols to encounter the deeper realities of faith, including sin, redemption, and the hope of resurrection. The author hopes readers will have a blessed and life-giving Lenten season of renewal.
This document provides information about the Deerfoot Church of Christ congregation located in Pinson, Alabama. It includes details about worship service times, contact information for elders and ministers, and announcements for upcoming events. The document contains the order of services, welcome messages, and names of those participating in the different worship services. It also includes a list of prayer requests, attendance numbers from a previous service, and notices about youth group activities and holidays.
This document provides a summary of the weekly newsletter from Woodinville Community United Methodist Church (WCUMC) dated June 29, 2014. It discusses an upcoming sermon series on Acts focusing on "God's Power...through God's People". The newsletter recaps passages from Acts 5 where the apostles perform signs and wonders, are persecuted, but are delivered by God. It also announces upcoming church events, requests donations for mission trips, and provides the church's financial snapshot and prayer requests.
The document summarizes a women's surf retreat in Bali called Surf Goddess Retreat. Some key details:
- It is a 7-8 day luxury retreat focused on teaching women surfing and yoga, set in a beautiful villa near Seminyak beach.
- Each day includes a morning surf lesson, yoga session, free time for spa treatments or exploring Bali, and a group dinner.
- The writer attends and describes her first few days learning to surf with instruction, getting massages, bonding with other attendees, and enjoying the beautiful accommodations and food.
- The goal is to introduce women to surfing in a supportive all-female environment, while also
The document provides details about Austen Taylor's internship at the Siena/Francis House in Omaha, Nebraska from May to July 2014. The Siena/Francis House is the largest shelter in Nebraska, providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, and case management services to men, women and children without cost. As an intern, Austen split their time between administrative duties like fundraising in the morning and immersive volunteer work in the afternoon, including meal preparation, laundry, and conversations with residents. Their capstone project was organizing a 5k/10k fundraising event that raised over $60,000 for the shelter. The document reflects on Austen's experience living alongside and serving the homeless residents for
This newsletter discusses the theme of blessings from various perspectives. It provides examples of blessings from different religious and cultural traditions used for meals, healing, and greetings/farewells. Research on how blessings can positively impact food, water, and healing through energy, consciousness, and prayer is mentioned. World Sound Healing Day is highlighted as a global event where people chant to send healing energy to the planet.
The document summarizes a woman's experience attending a three-day wellbeing retreat focused on mindfulness, yoga, healthy eating and personal reflection. Some key points:
- The retreat was held in a beautiful location near Wellington, New Zealand and aimed to help 10 women relax, reflect and improve their wellbeing.
- Each day included yoga, meditation sessions, journaling and discussions to help attendees pause and examine their lives. They bonded through the shared experience.
- While some activities were uncomfortable, like a dance in the dark, overall the retreat left the woman feeling more rested, calm and equipped with tools to handle stressors in her daily life. She would recommend others attend similar retreats periodically.
The document summarizes a woman's experience attending a three-day wellbeing retreat in Otaki, New Zealand. Some key points:
1) The retreat focused on nourishing mind, body and soul through yoga, meditation, healthy eating, journaling and personal reflection.
2) Attendees came for various reasons like healing, moving forward, or reducing stress. The environment was peaceful and nurturing.
3) Some activities were challenging, like a silent dinner or expressive dance session. However, overall the retreat helped attendees relax, clear their minds, and make positive life changes.
4) The woman felt more rested, calm and centered after attending, and learned tools to cope with stress.
This document is a class guide for the Fall 2015 semester at Wainwright House. It provides information on various health, wellness, creativity and spiritual exploration workshops and classes being offered, including yoga, meditation, dance, and other topics. It lists the board of trustees and staff of Wainwright House. It also provides the dates and details of upcoming author lecture series, special events, and savings the dates for various workshops and celebrations through the fall.
TRnotrtoN nNo INca,RNATIoNin understanding of what is hand.docxwillcoxjanay
TRnotrtoN nNo INca,RNATIoN
in understanding of what is handed on, both the words and the
realities they signify. This comes about through contempla-
tion and study by believers, who "ponder these things in their
hearts" (see Lk 2,19 and 51); through the intimate understand-
ing of spiritual things which they experience; and through the
preaching of whose who, on succeeding to the office of bish-
op, receive the sure charisma of truth. Thus, as the centuries
advance, the church constantly holds its course towards the
fullness of God's truth, until the day when the words of God
reach their fulfillment in the church.
Vatican Il, Dogmatic Constitution
on Divine Revelation (1965)
ChaPter l
The Great Questions
THE RETIGIOUS DIMENSION
Ourworldisfullofreligions.Mostculturesexhibitwhatwe
can intelligently recognize asreligious behavior'
Putting aside un-
iii'Ct"p,"i III the task of defining the term religion, we can note
;;^;t";""er we find human beings we usually find a god or
i"ar, ."1igious behavior, and religious faith' Critics
of religion
toth'anci"ent and modern have clismissed it as a mere human
creation, a fire around which people who can't bear to imagine a
cold and indifferent universs huddle' Religious people believe
thatthegodsarequiterealandhavemanifestedthemselves.Crit-
ics cannJt deny that the religions of the world, along with their
share of charlatans and hypoirites, have also inspired many self-
less and truly holy people *ho- we can't help but admire' In.spite
of recurring prophecies that humanity will soon outgrow tnem'
religious faith and practice remain.
whether we agree with religious pcople or their critics or
simply don't know, the near-universal appeal' the persistence,
and the transforming power of religions are intriguing. What is
there about human U"ingr that opens them to religions and their
claims about things unseen? Where do religious experience and
religious language fit into human experience in general'? This
chapter will address these questions by trying to lay open what we
might call the depth-climension of human experience, that inner-
most part of us, best represented by some combination of the
traditional symbols of heart and head. It is at this lcvel that we can
best hear the words of the philosophers, poets, and gods. We will
oegtn by distinguishing between ordinary and extraordinary hu-
man experience.
10 TR,qnrrroN a,No INcnnNArroN
ORDINARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE
what is meant here by "ordinary" human experience takes
place at the level of what is often called common sense. It is
routine. we don't have to think about it. Getting out of bec1,
taking a shower, brushing your teeth, putting on your shoes. start-
ing your car, driving to school or work are all the kinds of stuff of
which the ordinary is made. For our purposes, its distinguishing
feature is that we don't have to think about it. The ordinary. day-
to-day routine doesn't usually give rise to reflection. we teno io
take it for granted.
Bu ...
ascended dragon exec sum (rough draft) Nov 2015Vince Wishart
The Ascended Dragon Healing Sanctuary is planned as an eco-sustainable healing and wellness retreat center located on 100 acres near Campbell River, BC. The center will include earthship structures housing healing rooms, art studios, a Japanese bathhouse, and education facilities. It will demonstrate sustainable living through practices like aquaponics, rainwater catchment, and growing hemp. The goal is to establish similar satellite centers globally to raise environmental and wellness standards.
Ashford Castle in Ireland recently opened an expansive new spa housed in a striking bronze conservatory. The spa features an impressive infinity pool with views of Lough Corrib, sea-shell chandeliers, and a Tree of Life mosaic mural. Treatments include hot stone massages, seaweed wraps, and detoxifying facials using organic Irish and international brands.
The Bodyism spa at the luxury D-Hotel Maris in Turkey offers relaxing treatments and programs led by health expert James Duigan. Guests can enjoy the hotel's private beaches and hammam treatments before participating in Duigan's gentle exercise and yoga programs tailored to promote stress relief and healthy living.
The sp
Jim provides updates from the Spiritual Light Center (SLC) in Franklin, NC. He discusses several members attending a service led by Annie Sims at the Creative Thought Center, where she sang and delivered a message. After, Annie led a workshop on having conversations with God, emphasizing that prayers of gratitude are most powerful. Jim has also been attending an A Course in Miracles study group and reading a book that sheds light on its teachings. He notes a principle of respecting others' beliefs that could be adopted at SLC. The newsletter provides information on ongoing events at SLC and upcoming speakers in May.
This document provides contact information for Temple Beth-El, a Reform Jewish congregation located in Ormond Beach, Florida. It includes the temple's mission statement, contact details for the rabbi, cantorial intern, temple president, and school director. The bulk of the document lists the temple's upcoming religious services, events, programs, and contact information for board members and committees.
Lake of lotus (7) the profound abstruseness of life and death-the meaning of ...DudjomBuddhistAssociation
Lake of lotus (7) the profound abstruseness of life and death-the meaning of near-death experiences (7)-by vajra master pema lhadren-dudjom buddhist association
This document contains multiple short stories, poems, and articles related to Halloween and the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It begins with a summary of how World Teacher's Day was celebrated at a faculty in Moldova. Subsequent sections include a poem about inspiring teachers, a story about a student returning to Balti, and summaries of key Halloween traditions and vocabulary terms. It also provides biographical information about Mary Shelley and potential interpretations of Frankenstein. Toward the end are draft speeches from Victor Frankenstein and his monster reflecting on the novel's events.
This document discusses a person who left their career in Hollywood to enter holy orders. It provides quotes from the person about feeling lonely in Hollywood and not finding ultimate joy in their movie career. The person explains that becoming a priest allows them to be more embedded in and love the world. The document also includes several bible verses and quotes about spiritual disciplines and practices like prayer, generosity, simplicity, and rest.
This document discusses seven ways that Houston residents find happiness in their city. It explores how exercise, laughter, dancing, coffee, chocolate, happy hour, and time outdoors can increase happiness through physiological and psychological effects like endorphin release. It also discusses the importance of sleep for happiness. Residents find ways to boost their bliss through activities, social interaction, and using their city's amenities.
The document provides details about Austen Taylor's internship at the Siena/Francis House in Omaha, Nebraska from May to July 2014. The Siena/Francis House is the largest shelter in Nebraska, providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, and case management services to men, women and children without cost. As an intern, Austen split their time between administrative duties like fundraising in the morning and immersive volunteer work in the afternoon, including meal preparation, laundry, and conversations with residents. Their capstone project was organizing a 5k/10k fundraising event that raised over $60,000 for the shelter. The document reflects on Austen's experience living alongside and serving the homeless residents for
This newsletter discusses the theme of blessings from various perspectives. It provides examples of blessings from different religious and cultural traditions used for meals, healing, and greetings/farewells. Research on how blessings can positively impact food, water, and healing through energy, consciousness, and prayer is mentioned. World Sound Healing Day is highlighted as a global event where people chant to send healing energy to the planet.
The document summarizes a woman's experience attending a three-day wellbeing retreat focused on mindfulness, yoga, healthy eating and personal reflection. Some key points:
- The retreat was held in a beautiful location near Wellington, New Zealand and aimed to help 10 women relax, reflect and improve their wellbeing.
- Each day included yoga, meditation sessions, journaling and discussions to help attendees pause and examine their lives. They bonded through the shared experience.
- While some activities were uncomfortable, like a dance in the dark, overall the retreat left the woman feeling more rested, calm and equipped with tools to handle stressors in her daily life. She would recommend others attend similar retreats periodically.
The document summarizes a woman's experience attending a three-day wellbeing retreat in Otaki, New Zealand. Some key points:
1) The retreat focused on nourishing mind, body and soul through yoga, meditation, healthy eating, journaling and personal reflection.
2) Attendees came for various reasons like healing, moving forward, or reducing stress. The environment was peaceful and nurturing.
3) Some activities were challenging, like a silent dinner or expressive dance session. However, overall the retreat helped attendees relax, clear their minds, and make positive life changes.
4) The woman felt more rested, calm and centered after attending, and learned tools to cope with stress.
This document is a class guide for the Fall 2015 semester at Wainwright House. It provides information on various health, wellness, creativity and spiritual exploration workshops and classes being offered, including yoga, meditation, dance, and other topics. It lists the board of trustees and staff of Wainwright House. It also provides the dates and details of upcoming author lecture series, special events, and savings the dates for various workshops and celebrations through the fall.
TRnotrtoN nNo INca,RNATIoNin understanding of what is hand.docxwillcoxjanay
TRnotrtoN nNo INca,RNATIoN
in understanding of what is handed on, both the words and the
realities they signify. This comes about through contempla-
tion and study by believers, who "ponder these things in their
hearts" (see Lk 2,19 and 51); through the intimate understand-
ing of spiritual things which they experience; and through the
preaching of whose who, on succeeding to the office of bish-
op, receive the sure charisma of truth. Thus, as the centuries
advance, the church constantly holds its course towards the
fullness of God's truth, until the day when the words of God
reach their fulfillment in the church.
Vatican Il, Dogmatic Constitution
on Divine Revelation (1965)
ChaPter l
The Great Questions
THE RETIGIOUS DIMENSION
Ourworldisfullofreligions.Mostculturesexhibitwhatwe
can intelligently recognize asreligious behavior'
Putting aside un-
iii'Ct"p,"i III the task of defining the term religion, we can note
;;^;t";""er we find human beings we usually find a god or
i"ar, ."1igious behavior, and religious faith' Critics
of religion
toth'anci"ent and modern have clismissed it as a mere human
creation, a fire around which people who can't bear to imagine a
cold and indifferent universs huddle' Religious people believe
thatthegodsarequiterealandhavemanifestedthemselves.Crit-
ics cannJt deny that the religions of the world, along with their
share of charlatans and hypoirites, have also inspired many self-
less and truly holy people *ho- we can't help but admire' In.spite
of recurring prophecies that humanity will soon outgrow tnem'
religious faith and practice remain.
whether we agree with religious pcople or their critics or
simply don't know, the near-universal appeal' the persistence,
and the transforming power of religions are intriguing. What is
there about human U"ingr that opens them to religions and their
claims about things unseen? Where do religious experience and
religious language fit into human experience in general'? This
chapter will address these questions by trying to lay open what we
might call the depth-climension of human experience, that inner-
most part of us, best represented by some combination of the
traditional symbols of heart and head. It is at this lcvel that we can
best hear the words of the philosophers, poets, and gods. We will
oegtn by distinguishing between ordinary and extraordinary hu-
man experience.
10 TR,qnrrroN a,No INcnnNArroN
ORDINARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE
what is meant here by "ordinary" human experience takes
place at the level of what is often called common sense. It is
routine. we don't have to think about it. Getting out of bec1,
taking a shower, brushing your teeth, putting on your shoes. start-
ing your car, driving to school or work are all the kinds of stuff of
which the ordinary is made. For our purposes, its distinguishing
feature is that we don't have to think about it. The ordinary. day-
to-day routine doesn't usually give rise to reflection. we teno io
take it for granted.
Bu ...
ascended dragon exec sum (rough draft) Nov 2015Vince Wishart
The Ascended Dragon Healing Sanctuary is planned as an eco-sustainable healing and wellness retreat center located on 100 acres near Campbell River, BC. The center will include earthship structures housing healing rooms, art studios, a Japanese bathhouse, and education facilities. It will demonstrate sustainable living through practices like aquaponics, rainwater catchment, and growing hemp. The goal is to establish similar satellite centers globally to raise environmental and wellness standards.
Ashford Castle in Ireland recently opened an expansive new spa housed in a striking bronze conservatory. The spa features an impressive infinity pool with views of Lough Corrib, sea-shell chandeliers, and a Tree of Life mosaic mural. Treatments include hot stone massages, seaweed wraps, and detoxifying facials using organic Irish and international brands.
The Bodyism spa at the luxury D-Hotel Maris in Turkey offers relaxing treatments and programs led by health expert James Duigan. Guests can enjoy the hotel's private beaches and hammam treatments before participating in Duigan's gentle exercise and yoga programs tailored to promote stress relief and healthy living.
The sp
Jim provides updates from the Spiritual Light Center (SLC) in Franklin, NC. He discusses several members attending a service led by Annie Sims at the Creative Thought Center, where she sang and delivered a message. After, Annie led a workshop on having conversations with God, emphasizing that prayers of gratitude are most powerful. Jim has also been attending an A Course in Miracles study group and reading a book that sheds light on its teachings. He notes a principle of respecting others' beliefs that could be adopted at SLC. The newsletter provides information on ongoing events at SLC and upcoming speakers in May.
This document provides contact information for Temple Beth-El, a Reform Jewish congregation located in Ormond Beach, Florida. It includes the temple's mission statement, contact details for the rabbi, cantorial intern, temple president, and school director. The bulk of the document lists the temple's upcoming religious services, events, programs, and contact information for board members and committees.
Lake of lotus (7) the profound abstruseness of life and death-the meaning of ...DudjomBuddhistAssociation
Lake of lotus (7) the profound abstruseness of life and death-the meaning of near-death experiences (7)-by vajra master pema lhadren-dudjom buddhist association
This document contains multiple short stories, poems, and articles related to Halloween and the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It begins with a summary of how World Teacher's Day was celebrated at a faculty in Moldova. Subsequent sections include a poem about inspiring teachers, a story about a student returning to Balti, and summaries of key Halloween traditions and vocabulary terms. It also provides biographical information about Mary Shelley and potential interpretations of Frankenstein. Toward the end are draft speeches from Victor Frankenstein and his monster reflecting on the novel's events.
This document discusses a person who left their career in Hollywood to enter holy orders. It provides quotes from the person about feeling lonely in Hollywood and not finding ultimate joy in their movie career. The person explains that becoming a priest allows them to be more embedded in and love the world. The document also includes several bible verses and quotes about spiritual disciplines and practices like prayer, generosity, simplicity, and rest.
This document discusses seven ways that Houston residents find happiness in their city. It explores how exercise, laughter, dancing, coffee, chocolate, happy hour, and time outdoors can increase happiness through physiological and psychological effects like endorphin release. It also discusses the importance of sleep for happiness. Residents find ways to boost their bliss through activities, social interaction, and using their city's amenities.
1. WITHIN THREE HOURS
TRAVEL&LEISURE
30LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM JULY 2008
The
Golden
DoorWRITTEN By HEIDI NYE
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM
I
walk through the golden door and step
onto a long, wooden footbridge. Beneath
and above me are greenery and bird-
song. Dappled sunlight illuminates my path to
another door, beyond which is a lounge with
sumptuous couches and an ancient Japanese
painting across one wall. A woman in a blue
and white kimono serves me tea. I then pass
through a sliding door and behold a courtyard
at the end of which is a large temple bell. I have
entered another world.
For the next five days, I am treated to the plea-
sures of the Zagat-rated best destination spa
in the country, the Golden Door in Escondido,
designed as a Japanese inn with art and
antiques valued at more than $1 million. The
$7,995 package includes a full week’s stay,
but my only child is graduating from UCLA
on Friday, so I have to leave early. As I tell the
other 27 guests—40 is the maximum—this is
the only thing that could have pulled me away
from the full experience.
Established in 1958 by Deborah Szekely, a
woman who advocated vegetarianism and
yoga decades before they became fashion-
able, the Golden Door is entering its sixth
decade of providing an experience that cannot
be had anywhere else, says Naples, Fla., real
estate developer Josephine Vitale, who has
stayed at many of the world’s best spas but
always returns to the Golden Door.
Downtown
Long Beach
One World Trade Center
Adjacent to the Hilton, off the WTC Plaza
(562) 753-2170
www.dailygrill.com
Certified Angus Steaks
Chops
Fresh Seafood
Classic Salads
Handcrafted Cocktails
Take-out
Private Dining Room
2. 32LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM JULY 2008
Sixty-five percent of the guests are repeat vis-
itors like Vitale. Many return during the same
week, year after year, renewing friendships
with those who may come from as far away as
Sydney, Australia. This camaraderie and the
longevity of the 150 staff make for a summer-
camp-for-adults atmosphere. “When you leave,
you feel like you’re leaving your mother,” says
guest Jeannie Meg Smith of Tiburon, Calif.
“The experience that I’ve had at the Golden
Door is one that I now have to have. It is part of
what I need for my life.”
I am here during one of the four coed weeks.
Although the Golden Door also has four men-
only weeks, it otherwise caters to women. Even
married couples are given separate rooms.
Otherwise, one guest might be having her
daily massage while another wants to get back
into the room to take a shower. This way, every
guest has his or her alone space, says general
manager Rachel Caldwell, who has been
working at the Golden Door since 1960. “But
we don’t do bed checks,” she adds, her bright
eyes flashing.
Guests also receive daily facials and two herbal
scrubs and a manicure-pedicure. Additional
treatments—including stone massage, reflex-
ology, energetic healing, and Thai foot ritual—
can be scheduled at an additional cost.
Wonderful though the treatments are,
however, they are not what sets the Golden
By the second
day, I develop
“spa brain,” a
peaceful state in
which I simply
look out on the
world without a
thought in my
head.
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM
14,262TO BE EXACT
GOT S OTS
WE VE’
Downtown Parking Made Easy
downtownlongbeach.org
Distance: 85 miles
Travel Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Door apart. Many high-end hotels and resorts
have opened spas and offer treatments as part
of a package. The Golden Door is much more
than this. It offers a head-to-toe, mind-body-
spirit approach that is unique. Upon arrival,
guests are weighed and interviewed to design
a workout or inner-work program and menu to
address their specific goals. For those who are
used to an aggressive routine, cardio boxing,
strength training, tennis, lap swims, power
cycle, calypso dance, and Buns of Steel are
some of the offerings. I opted for the gentle
program as I’ve spent too much time with my
laptop lately and not enough time at the gym.
With never more than five or six people per
class—and once, in the hypnosis class taught
by on-site psychologist Cindi Peterson, only
me—individual attention and encouragement
are standard. In Ellen Walsh’s swim clinic, I
learn that my freestyle has been out of whack
my entire life. The ever-patient Walsh works
with me to improve my kicking, breathing, and
rhythm, basically redesigning my stroke in less
than a week.
Each day begins with a 5:30 wake-up call, fruit
and tea in the Wisteria Lounge, and a five-mile
mountain trek, a three-mile moderate hike,
or a gentle ramble through a meadow. With
377 acres, there is plenty to explore. Upon
returning to my simple but elegantly styled
room, I find a breakfast tray with a small vase
of freshly picked flowers from the three-acre
organic garden, which also provides much of
the produce for the kitchen. My window looks
out on one of the scores of stone lanterns that
pepper the property and a bamboo-pole-and-
stone-basin bird bath. Everywhere I turn at the
Golden Door beauty surrounds me: meander-
ing stone paths, waterfalls, a labyrinth modeled
after the one at the Chartres Cathedral, sunlight
through bamboo leaves, artistically designed
food served at the day’s three snacks and three
meals—sorbet emerging from a yellow lily and
romaine lettuce wrapped with thinly sliced
cucumber to give the appearance of a napkin
and its holder.
By the second day, I develop “spa brain,” a
peaceful state in which I simply look out on the
world without a thought in my head. Several
times during my stay, I am overcome with a
feeling very close to being in love in which
everything appears perfect—from the bamboo
grove the pedicurist paints on my big toe to
the pink lily in my room that slowly unfolds as
a fitting metaphor to my own opening as my
week unfolds.
Though every moment is delightful, my peak
experience comes on Wednesday night when,
swimsuit-clad, I enter a secluded hot tub with
water therapist Dave Towe, who stretches and
moves my body in ways that are impossible on
land. I feel like a gently undulating piece of
seaweed. I feel like I am flying. I have entered
another world within another world.
I came here stressed about work, but I leave—
all too soon—more concerned with the bonsai
trees and the votive candles that line the decks
at night than I am about anything I left behind
in Long Beach. I open the golden door and
re-enter the world of deadlines and decisions,
intent on keeping the peace within me that I
have found here. n