Elite Traveler Summer 2024

GOLDEN DOOR,

CALIFORNIA Deborah Szekely, an American activist, philanthropist and writer, founded Golden Door in 1958 — she was inspired by her travels to Japan and a deep interest in health and wellness (she gained the nickname ‘Godmother of Wellness’). She set out to create a place that combined Eastern and Western healing traditions, and Golden Door quickly amassed a cult following of big-name fans — Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Burt Lancaster and Oprah Winfrey are just some of the spa’s previous guests. The wellness resort’s location is particularly bliss-inducing; it’s nestled amid 600 acres of serene landscape with pretty gardens, mountains and meadows. A number of the programs utilize the sublime surroundings (as does the cuisine, much of which is seasonal and locally sourced) — there are some 30 miles of private hiking trails and a huge selection of fi tness classes with over 40 options that range from the classic yoga and Pilates to the legendary and seriously fun ‘Yuichi’ class (a dance aerobic with 75-year-old Japanese choreographer Yuichi Sugiyama). THE ONE TO BOOK Thereare fi ve- or seven-day body and mind programs; your goals are discussed before arrival and you’ll receive a curated schedule. The calendar is separated into men’s, women’s and coed so you can select which you’d feel most comfortable with. Golden Door has a partnership with Latitude 33 Aviation; the pair have created The Golden Flight so the wellness journey begins from home, where a private car will transport you to a private plane where, once on board, guests will fi nd a wellness kit and take part in guided meditation throughout the fl ight before arriving at Golden Door for a seven-night bespoke program. From $9,950 per person. Contact reservations@goldendoor.com, +1 866 420 6414, goldendoor.com

The Ranch Hudson Valley

COMING SOON

The Ranch Malibu has a devout following thanks to its intensive approach to health and wellness — think: strenuous hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains followed by muscle-soothing massages and organic cuisine using ingredients grown on-site (and no alcohol, meat, dairy, soy, gluten or ca ff eine). Now, The Ranch has brought its own signature brand of wellness to the East Coast with a new opening in the lower Hudson Valley. The second stand-alone location, The Ranch Hudson Valley is on a private estate less than an hour from New York City. Built by JP Morgan in 1904 as a wedding gift for his daughter, the estate now comprises a light- fi lled dining room overlooking the lake (where seasonal activities take place) and mountains, spa and a gym that was formerly a 2,000-sq-ft ballroom. There is also a 5,000-sq-ft solarium with year-round pool facilities, hot and cold contrast plunges, and an infrared sauna. Additional services such as colon hydrotherapy, IV therapy and energy healing are also available. Limited to just 25 guests, there are options for both three-night, four-day and four-night, fi ve-day stays. The Ranch is surrounded by 200 forested acres, and guests have access to hundreds of miles of trails in the 4,000-acre Ringwood State Park (or a short drive away in the 40,000-acre Harriman State Park). In summer, enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the lake; come winter, go snowshoeing and sledding. From $2,575 for three nights. Contact guestrelations@theranchlife.com; + 1 888 777 2177, theranchlife.com

Photo Tanveer Badal