Passing through the Golden Archways, was unique experience. The grounds are well tended and modest in that Zen way. Women walk around in spa issued kimono and "fans" that lay out their entire stay.
Food, even though extremely low calorie, was fantastic. The chef's, using fine herbs and fresh produce and fish, can transform half an egg and thin slice of wheat toast into a beautifully presented and yummy breakfast.
The rooms appear based on the less is more decor, simple and clean. Deocration: Zen. Soon, though, those rooms will need extensive remodeling to retain the simple luxury the spa aspires to. It shows its age in too many places.
While its hard to gain sympathy for someone receiving a daily massage (all guests do), but really, mine was assigned at 11am....right in the middle of the morning workouts. Not only did I miss some of the morning workouts, after my 11am massasge and 12 noon lunch, I sometimes was unable to gain energy to attend the afternoon workouts! Go ahead and plead to have your massage time changed.....but forget about it. Only special guests and those who return yearly get the coveted evening or late afternoon time slots. And that kind of sums up The Door. It has a clickish backbeat to it. Most guests come with their posses....friends, sisters, etc. and they stay with their own. I traveled alone, never been there before and knew not a single person. It was a bit lonely.
The trainers are excellent. But there's a lot of whispering and gossiping amoung them.
The gym is substandard....old equipment.
The hikes are breathtaking. Classes varies from fair to excellent. The schedule is packed, so really there's no excuse not to be working out, taking pilates, hiking or biking or swimming all day. Not possible to gain weight unless you are smuggling food!
This shouldn't be the type of resort you save up to one day go to. If so, you may be disappointed. But if dropping 7k a week barely dents your checkbook, then I think its worth it. Otherwise, "The Door" takes itself too seriously and the inflated price reflectss that.
- Golden Door Hotel Escondido
- Golden Door Escondido
