Perfect Anti-Dote to Life in the Fast Lane

Summer is just about over. The lazy days and starry nights will be replaced by back-to-school busy schedules and increased ‘work-mode”. The biggest ‘rush’ is the beginning of the HOLIDAY SEASON. Just of the thought of it makes us want to say, “Stop the World! I want to get off!” As we all know, getting ready for the holidays can be very hectic. We may find ourselves year after year rushing from place to place to find the perfect gifts, plan the ideal holiday event or travel to the ultimate resort with our family and loved ones. We may get so caught up in indulging others that we neglect our own needs. It is at this time of year that we seek to escape from the mundane world. For most of us, it is impossible to carve out a week in between Thanksgiving and New Years but we can certainly book a spa appointment. For those select few who can escape for a week, I have found the perfect place to retreat and rejuvenate.

You don’t have to travel across the world to find the essence of tranquility. Many of us dream of finding ‘heaven on earth.’

The idyllic anti-dote to the modern world is a trip to the spa. For me it is a place of refuge, a sanctuary from the stresses and strains of modern existence. After years of exploration, I discovered the Ultimate experience right in Southern California. This is the ‘Grand Dame” of spas, called the “Golden Door’. Once a place only for the super wealthy and famous, it is an exclusive sanctuary secluded in a remote area of Escondido, hidden from the outside world.

The moment I arrived, I was enchanted by what was on the other side of the infamous “Golden Door’. Upon entering this threshold, I was transported back into an earlier time and another culture. I knew I was entering a sacred space. This authentic Japanese design evoked pristine natural beauty and tranquility. Miraculously, I flashed back to more ancient times, living in the simple, peaceful surroundings of this authentic Japanese Honjin-Inn (country inn) architecture. This environment subtly unfolded with each day. The more I let go of my outer concerns; I was able to experience the exquisite beauty before me. It was at this moment I made a commitment to myself to leave behind the outside world and surrender to this magical place and all the mysteries that would unfold. I promised myself I would be open to allow the natural flow of my experience to occur. I had no expectations except to get back in touch with lost parts of myself that were buried under bills, business and busy-ness. Without any television or outside influences, the only contact was e-mail. Here is where I was going to give up some common addictions to caffeine, vegetating in front of the TV and living in excess.

Unfortunately, I unleashed other hidden addictions, such as going online to check e-mail and voicemail too often. I told friends I would be incommunicado, so there were no phone calls, but I still found myself anxious every day to find out who ‘didn’t call’. At the beginning of the week, I was still dealing with the residue of my modern life, and by the end of the week, my inner landscape was filled with beauty. I found my ‘Inner Goddess’ emerging when surrounded by the classic gardens, extensive waterfalls, and stone walkways. The award winning Koi pond and organic vegetable garden were enough to send me into peaceful tranquility.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, postulated that the keys to great health and the great outdoors were inextricably linked. I will add that the best way to conquer stress is to catch it before it makes itself at home in your body. At the Golden Door, there are signature treatments unlike any other in the world. These special indulgences are unique because the healing practitioners are exceptionally gifted. When you spend a week here, you will be treated to so many massages, facials and body works that you will emerge a new person. Can you imagine having a facial, an herbal wrap and a hot stone massage all in one day? Can you imagine being pampered beyond your wildest dreams each and every day? Can you imagine releasing all of your tension and stress so that you are finally free, rejuvenated and your body is blissed out?

Here are a few examples of my treatments: On one particular day, after hours of exercise classes, swimming, and hiking, I had a Golden door signature Citrus Blend Sea Salt Scrub with Avocado. This is an exclusive body mélange of fresh, fragrant and infused with natural essences plucked from the organic farm. Picture yourself covered in lemon, chamomile and lavender plus a soothing blend of avocado, sweet almond and olive oil. The body is carefully exfoliated with silk mitts and gentle sea salt. Then warm water washes over you with a richly lathered Signature Citrus Scent bath gel. You are covered in Shea Butter moisturizer and gel and Golden Boor Botanical Body Oil. Later on in the day, I was totally pampered again, with a Signature Facial including an exfoliating scrub specifically suited to my skin type. Lightly misted with the essence of orange water, an oxygen facial masque and Golden Door Serum was massaged with healing hands to improve cellular circulation and promote healthier, more youthful looking skin. At the end of my day, before dinner, I was met at my room by Daniel, a masseur who completely freed me of any and all aches and pains, just by virtue of having the hands of an Angel. He is truly a healer and absolutely beyond words. In fact, the Golden Door Spa is an experience that is ineffable. There are dozens of other unique treatments, including a Reiki Water Crystal Therapy-like ‘Feng Shui for your body’. Floating weightless in a warm, womb-like state, my guide, Trisha, intuitively selects crystals, sacred stones, and essential oils to match my focused intentions. The result is that ” Your energy shifts, centers, balances and your body opens to a Nirvana-like oneness”. You are at one with your essential nature and free from all stress, like a child again.

My only recommendation is that you reserve a spot for yourself and have the most outstanding week of your life. The service is 5-Star, the environment is exquisitely serene, and the staff is top notch. (You get more than your money’s worth). The intrinsic gifts are a multitude of surprises, only you will discover what they are for you. For me, I had the absolute best week of my life, met the loveliest group of women. At the end of our week, we had a candlelit ceremony and walked the authentic stone labyrinth in the woods and officially became the ‘Golden Door Goddesses’. Each time we return, we will unleash the Goddess within. After one week at home, I am dreaming of returning to this delightful place and reuniting with all of the lovely women and staff.

The Golden Door
Escondido California
800.424.0777
www.goldendoor.com

Marjorie Hope Rothstein
Spa Trends specialist
“The Art Of Living Well’ –lifestyle design expert for the boomer consumer specializing in Interior/Exterior Design and create resort like living at home.