I love spas and had been to a couple before.Many, many times to Canyon Ranch where I will return many more times and a couple of times to Rancho La Puerta, sister spa to the Golden Door.

I will not return to the Golden Door. I am one of the very few who think this way since most guests had been there countless times.

What went wrong? The antiquated gym with equipment that dates to the 90;s, broken foam rollers and no space. Granted, they are building a new one. Hope this one belongs in the 21st century. The spinning class was held in a tent with one fan blowing. The bikes were so strange and useless, they didn't even have the pedal where you can clip spinning shoes. Classes are small, for fitness fanatics better take the early morning hikes or there will not be enough aerobic activities to suit you. Once you get there you are given the same massage therapist and the same massage time every day. So if you don't like having massages at 2:00 pm and would rather have them at 5:00 tough luck. Those are only for the regulars. If you don't like your massage therapist, good luck changing that. Some of the beauty therapists are better than others. I have never had such an awful makeup. The place has a horrid self-satisfied and smug air about it. It screams, we are the Golden Door and we are better than anybody. The introductory materials in your room tell you, mere mortal, that the Golden Door is full of very important people that you might recognize. Please do not approach. Wait for them to approach you if they fill like it. (For the record, not a single high powered person was there durng my stay - tons of New York lawyers and housewives from California.)

Worst of all: Tipping is not included, though you do not find this out until you get there, there are also no tipping guidelines and on your departure you must scramble to make decisions as to who to tip. NOT A GOOD WAY TO END YOUR STAY.

Good things: beautiful rooms (but without a tv), fabulous food and lovely people.