Golden Door

***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 was my first visit to a destination spa, and I will be back. The model at Golden Door ensures it will change your life. I started every morning with a hike, and it was perfect. Returning to my room after a wonderful hike to be met with a delicious breakfast while enjoying my Zen garden view was so special. My daily massages were amazing. I loved that I could upgrade to a hot stone or a Thai massage which I did. The classes are amazing from relaxing yoga to intense circuit training. The personal trainers are excellent as are the choices of facials. I even had a back facial. My massage therapist and aesthetician were wonderful, and I loved having them for the full week. The food was delicious and healthful. The personal growth classes were amazing and so fun. There is no spa that empowers you and enhances your health more than Golden Door.

Golden Door strives to be perfect. The landscaping and planning that has gone into creating an oasis is remarkable. I have respect for every single person that works there. They will go the extra mile to please you and treat the new folks with as much respect as the people that have been there many times. They want you to come back and they earn your patronage. No matter how many changes we requested and how much we asked for help with our aging Mom, they smiled and did their best. We were so pleased that we are coming back. It was me, my partner, and her mother. They had something for each of us to do and fill our days, minds, and hearts. See you next year, friends.

Golden Door is nice but not great! The accommodations, spa services and classes are all fine. The food is disappointing. The price would be appropriate for excellence and that is not what they offer. I theoretically enjoy many of the activities they offer. Theirs need improvement. The attention to detail is simply not present. Their motto you should be you get what you get and don’t get upset.

The most delicious and healthiest spa food I’ve ever tasted. Room service breakfast every morning after an optional vigorous hike (3 miles or 5 miles of hills) or gentle stroll. Daily massages in your room! Four facials and four sessions with a personal trainer! Manicure, pedicure, body scrub, herbal wraps! Plus… yoga of all types, Pilates, cardio classes, mindfulness. The setting evokes a serene Japanese ryokan, with gardens, silk screens, flower arrangements, and stone lanterns. I felt transported to Kyoto for a week!